United States entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa 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 a visa to enter the United States. There is no visa waiver or ESTA eligibility for Malagasy citizens. Plan ahead — the standard visitor visa (B-1/B-2) requires an in-person interview at the U.S. embassy in Antananarivo, and processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a valid US visa before travel. Apply at the US Department of State website — the process includes an online form (DS-160), a visa interview at the US embassy in Antananarivo, and a fee payment. Start the application at least 3 months before your planned departure.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the United States. US immigration does not enforce the 6-month validity rule for Madagascar passports, but your airline may check it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | US Customs and Border Protection officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return ticket or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Immigration officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your US host ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | You may be asked to show you can support yourself during your stay. Carry bank statements or a credit card statement showing sufficient funds for your trip. | Recommended |
Visa required for transit too
Even if you're just changing planes in the US, you need a visa. There is no transit waiver for Madagascar passport holders. Make sure you have a valid US visa before booking any flight that connects through the US.
Embassy location in Antananarivo
The U.S. Embassy is at Lot 207A, Andranoro, Antehiroka, Antananarivo (about 30 minutes from the city center). The visa section entrance is on the side. Arrive 15 minutes early — no bags, phones, or electronics allowed inside.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 online
Go to ceac.state.gov and fill out Form DS-160. Select your application location as 'Antananarivo'. Save the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview and fee payment.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee at a designated bank in Madagascar (check the U.S. Embassy Antananarivo website for current instructions). Keep the receipt — it's required to schedule your interview.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system (ais.usvisa-info.com) with your DS-160 confirmation number and fee receipt. Choose an available slot. Wait times can be 2–6 weeks, so book early.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo (located in the Alarobia district) on your appointment date. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, fee receipt, and supporting documents. Expect a short interview — the officer will ask about your trip purpose and ties to Madagascar.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa printing. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days but can be longer. You'll receive instructions to collect your passport or have it couriered.
6
Enter the US
At the US port of entry (airport, land border), present your passport with the visa. A CBP officer will ask about your trip and may take fingerprints. The visa allows entry, but the officer decides the actual stay duration (usually up to 6 months).
Download United States 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:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months (determined by CBP officer)
ValidityTypically 10 years (reciprocity for Madagascar)
Cost$160 USD
Standard visa for tourism or business visits.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityTypically 10 years
Cost$160 USD
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple trips.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace period
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$160 USD (SEVIS fee additional ~$350 USD)
Requires acceptance by a US educational institution.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initial
Cost$190 USD (petition fee varies)
Requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace period
$160 USD application fee + SEVIS fee (~$350 USD)
For full-time study at a US accredited institution. Requires proof of acceptance and financial support.
Apply work visa
H-1B Work Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6
$190 USD petition fee + legal fees (varies)
For specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Employer-sponsored and subject to annual cap.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas)
For investors who create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (typically 1–2 years)
$220 USD application fee + program fees
For cultural exchange, study, or work-and-travel programs. Requires sponsorship by a designated organization.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for B1/B2 visa. | $160 USD (equivalent to ~720,000 MGA) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity depends on reciprocity. | $160 USD (equivalent to ~720,000 MGA) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (equivalent to ~1,665,000 MGA) |
| Overstay fineOverstaying can result in 3- or 10-year re-entry bans. | Varies; typically no fixed daily fine, but may lead to deportation and future bars. |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
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 States
Transit visa required
Madagascar passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change planes in the US, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for holders of valid US visas or Green Cards.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa or Green Card may transit without a transit visa.
- Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program, but Madagascar is not included.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Rare but present in some regions; use insect repellent.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Generally safe food and water, but risk exists with undercooked food.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Common in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; check for ticks.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington District Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) file by mail; no walk-in service.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for most services.
Practical information for MG travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process typically takes 4–8 weeks from start to finish. This includes filling the DS-160, paying the fee, waiting for an interview slot (often 2–6 weeks), attending the interview, and waiting 3–5 business days for visa printing. Check the U.S. Embassy Antananarivo website for current wait times.
Yes, you can apply at any U.S. embassy or consulate that accepts third-country nationals. However, you'll need to show a valid reason for applying outside Madagascar (e.g., you live or work there). Wait times and requirements may differ. The embassy in Antananarivo is the most straightforward option for Malagasy residents.
The standard nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee) is $185 USD for B-1/B-2 visitor visas. In Madagascar, you pay it at a designated bank (usually BNI or Bank of Africa) — check the embassy website for the exact bank and account number. The fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, one 2x2 inch photo, visa fee receipt, and any supporting documents that prove ties to Madagascar: employment letter, pay slips, bank statements (last 3–6 months), property deeds, marriage certificate, and a travel itinerary. No electronic devices are allowed inside the embassy.
Yes, you can apply for an extension with USCIS using Form I-539. You must file before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and can take months to process. Overstaying even by one day can trigger a 3-year or 10-year re-entry ban.
The consular officer will give you a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (most common reason: insufficient ties to your home country). There is no appeal, but you can reapply at any time with stronger evidence. The $185 fee is non-refundable.
Yes, Madagascar passport holders need a visa even for transit through the US. There is no transit waiver. You must have a valid US visa (C-1 transit visa or B-1/B-2) to change planes or even stay airside. Plan accordingly.
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.