United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Madagascar passport holders need an eVisa to enter the United Arab Emirates. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter the UAE. Apply through the ICA Smart Services portal at smartservices.ica.gov.ae. Processing takes 2–5 working days, and you'll receive a PDF visa to print and carry.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Madagascar passport must have at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from the UAE. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in the UAE. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're a first-time visitor. A booking confirmation is sufficient. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. While not always checked, officers can ask for proof of funds if they suspect you're working illegally or overstaying. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Madagascar passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Apply at least 7 days before departure to avoid last-minute issues.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save PDFs of your eVisa, hotel booking, and return ticket on your phone. Also carry printed copies. Immigration officers may ask to see them, and phone screens can fail.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the ICA smart services website (smartservices.ica.gov.ae) and fill out the eVisa application. Upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your passport data page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 working days.
2
Print your eVisa and pack documents
Once approved, print the eVisa letter. Also print or save your hotel booking, return flight confirmation, and travel insurance. Keep them together in a folder.
3
At the airport in Madagascar
Check in for your flight. The airline will verify your eVisa before issuing a boarding pass. Have your printed eVisa and passport ready.
4
Arrival in the UAE
Follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for passport control. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking. After stamping, collect your luggage and proceed through customs.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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)
Max stay30 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 300 (~$82 USD)
Standard option for tourism; non-extendable.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostAED 500 (~$136 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; each stay limited to 30 days.
Visit Visa (Sponsored)
Max stay90 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 1,000 (~$272 USD)
Requires UAE resident sponsor; extendable once for 30 days.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 5,000 (~$1,361 USD) application fee + financial proof
For retirees aged 55+ with monthly income of AED 15,000 or savings of AED 1 million. Allows long-term stay without sponsor.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
AED 3,000 (~$817 USD) + property value of AED 1 million+
For property investors; requires ownership of property worth at least AED 1 million. Can sponsor family.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Employer-sponsored; fees vary
For those with a job offer from a UAE employer. Employer handles visa process; includes residency permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Madagascar passport holders. | AED 300 (~$82 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | AED 500 (~$136 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; accumulates daily. | AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day |
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 United Arab Emirates
No transit visa needed
Madagascar passport holders transiting through UAE airports do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 48 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 96 hours.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Tap water is safe, but street food may cause mild stomach issues; choose reputable vendors.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air conditioning and dust can aggravate allergies; consider masks during sandstorms.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Immigration Office
Al Falah Street, near Al Wahda Mall
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Handles visa extensions and residency matters.
Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai
Al Jafiliya, near Al Jafiliya Metro Station
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main office for visa services; bring passport and visa copy.
Practical information for MG travellers
Country basics
CapitalAbu Dhabi
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. Rent a car with IDP.
Money
CurrencyUAE Dirham (AED)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.67 AED
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+9h (EST) / +8h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+12h (PST) / +11h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Technically safe but most residents use bottled due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 3–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You can check the status on the ICA portal.
No, the standard eVisa cannot be extended. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's shorter, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Airlines may deny boarding otherwise.
Yes, you need a confirmed onward or return ticket. Immigration will ask for proof that you plan to leave before your visa expires. A one-way ticket without onward travel can get you refused entry.
No, you must apply and receive approval before you travel. There is no visa on arrival for Madagascar passport holders. Apply online at least a week before departure.
Your passport, printed eVisa, return flight booking, and hotel confirmation. The officer may ask for any of these. Keep them in your hand luggage, not checked bags.
It's not officially required for the visa application, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in the UAE are very high. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
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.