Madagascar entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Great news: as a Lao passport holder, you can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. Just show up at the airport with your passport, a passport photo, and the fee in cash (EUR or USD preferred). This has been the standard procedure since 2025 and remains in place for 2026.
Apply for Madagascar eVisaOfficial portal: Madagascar eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Madagascar eVisa at visa.madagascar.travel before departure. The online form takes about 10 minutes — upload a passport photo and your passport data page. Pay the fee online (around $35 USD for a 30-day single entry). Approval comes 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 entire stay | Your Laos passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Madagascar does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule — just make sure your passport covers your full stay. Airlines at Vientiane and Pakse may still ask for 6 months validity, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. If you're overlanding to another country, a bus or ferry ticket works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Madagascar. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. If you're camping or staying with friends, a simple letter with the host's contact details is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least $500 USD available for your stay. Immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but it's a formal requirement. If you're staying longer than 30 days, carry a bit more — $1000 USD is a safe buffer. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa-on-arrival counter only accepts cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring EUR or USD in good condition. Avoid torn or marked notes.
No extension possible
The visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you think you might need more than 30 days, consider applying for a tourist visa in advance at a Malagasy embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Ivato International Airport (TNR)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. You'll see a counter before the main passport control line.
2
Fill out the visa application form
Grab a form at the counter. Fill in your details: name, passport number, flight info, hotel address. Use black or blue ink.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, the completed form, your passport photo, and the cash fee. The officer will process your visa sticker.
4
Wait for processing
Processing takes 5–15 minutes depending on the queue. Step aside and wait until your name is called.
5
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker in your passport, join the main passport control queue. Show your passport and boarding pass. You're in.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy in Vientiane or nearest consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Requires embassy application; useful for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)
For retirees or long-term visitors; proof of sufficient funds required.
retirement visa
Long-Stay Visa (Visiteur) for Retirees
1 year, renewable annually
€200 (~$220 USD) per year
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $500/month). Allows multiple entries and simple renewal.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Carte de Résident)
2–10 years, renewable
€500–€2,000 (~$550–$2,200 USD) depending on investment
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in Madagascar (business, real estate, or government bonds). Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Salarié)
1–2 years, renewable
€150 (~$165 USD) plus employer fees
Requires a job offer from a registered Malagasy company and work permit approval. Employer handles most paperwork.
student visa
Student Visa (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$110 USD) per year
For enrollment in a recognized Malagasy institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds for tuition and living expenses.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in EUR, USD, or MGA at major entry points. | €35 (~$38 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at Antananarivo airport and some land borders. | €40 (~$44 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure; may accumulate quickly. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, no official cap |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Laos passport holders transiting through Madagascar (Ivato Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or change terminals, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Madagascar may transit without additional visa.
- If connecting to a domestic flight, you must clear immigration and obtain a visa on arrival.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Madagascar, especially in coastal and lowland areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, particularly in urban areas during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions below 1,500m. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travelers.
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, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay payments; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Toamasina
Immigration Office Toamasina
Boulevard Joffre, Toamasina 501, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for visitors on the east coast.
Practical information for LA 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 = 4,265.01 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
€35 (or equivalent in USD) for a 30-day single-entry visa. For 60 days it's about €40, and for 90 days about €45. Pay in cash at the counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at all major international airports (Ivato in Antananarivo, Fascene in Nosy Be) and at some land border crossings. But the process is smoothest at airports. Land borders may have limited hours and less English spoken.
Not required if you're arriving directly from Laos. But if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever (e.g., parts of Africa or South America), you'll need the vaccine certificate. Check the latest health requirements before travel.
Technically yes, but the exchange rate they use at the counter is poor. It's much better to pay in EUR or USD. Bring crisp, undamaged notes.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
Yes, but keep it in a money belt or hidden pouch. The fee is small (€35), so it's not a huge amount. For safety, carry a mix of small bills and a backup card.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.