Madagascar entry requirements for Italy passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Italian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. Show up at the airport, pay the fee in cash, and get your visa stamped at the counter before passport control. This is the standard procedure for tourism visits as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Madagascar requires all visitors to apply for an eVisa at visa.madagascar.travel before departure. The process takes about 10 minutes — upload your passport scan and a passport photo, pay the fee (around $35 USD for 30 days), and you get approval by email within 72 hours. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Italian passport needs to be valid for at least the full length of your stay in Madagascar — no specific 6-month rule applies. Airlines at Rome and Milan check this before boarding, so verify your passport expiry covers your travel dates. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Madagascar | Immigration officers at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they check this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Madagascar. Officers occasionally ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready showing you have enough funds for your trip. Immigration may ask for this if you look like you're traveling on a tight budget — around $50 USD per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Cards are not accepted. Bring Euros or US dollars in small denominations.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Ivato Airport usually takes 15–30 minutes. Have your documents ready and you'll be through quickly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control. Join the queue, fill out a short form (name, passport number, flight, hotel), and pay the fee. The officer will stamp your passport and hand you the visa sticker.
2
Proceed to passport control
With your visa sticker in hand, go to the passport control line. Hand over your passport, boarding pass, and possibly your return ticket and hotel booking. The officer will check everything and stamp you in.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy in Italy; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation; for extended stays.
retirement visa
Carte de Séjour Retraité (Retirement Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient pension or income. Requires local bank deposit and health insurance. Allows long-term stay without work.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1–5 years, renewable
~€500–€2,000 (approx. $550–$2,200 USD) depending on investment
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Madagascar (business, real estate, or government bonds). Includes family members.
work visa
Travailleur Temporaire (Temporary Work Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~€300 (approx. $330 USD) per year
Requires a job offer from a Malagasy company and work permit approval. Employer typically handles paperwork. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
~€150 (approx. $165 USD) per year
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Madagascar. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at the airport upon arrival. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at the airport; longer stay requires higher fee. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained from embassy before travel; may allow longer validity. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within a set period; apply at embassy. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure; avoid overstay. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), no cap specified |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Madagascar
No transit visa needed
Italian passport holders transiting through Madagascar (Ivato Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (TNR), Antananarivo · Fascene Airport (NOS), Nosy Be
Health & vaccines for Madagascar
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Madagascar, especially in coastal and rural areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent and nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; similar prevention as dengue.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions, with highest risk in coastal and lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Antananarivo
Direction Générale de l'Immigration et de l'Émigration
Anosy, Antananarivo 101
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Nosy Be
Service de l'Immigration de Nosy Be
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for tourists on the island; less crowded than Antananarivo.
Practical information for IT travellers
Country basics
CapitalAntananarivo
LanguageMalagasy, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyMalagasy ariary (MGA)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4,199.71 MGA
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,ETypes C and E, same as in Europe.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
As of 2026, a 30-day tourist visa costs about €35 (or equivalent in US dollars). You can pay in cash at the counter. Have exact change if possible — they may not have change for large bills.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a longer visa before you travel or leave and re-enter.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and entry by immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
Not required for Italian passport holders unless you are arriving from a country with yellow fever. Check current health recommendations before travel.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports in Madagascar: Ivato (Antananarivo), Fascene (Nosy Be), and others. The process is the same.
You will likely be denied entry. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical care in Madagascar can be expensive and hospitals often require upfront payment.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.