United States entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 24, 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 must obtain a visa before traveling to the United States. There is no visa-free access or electronic travel authorization available, so you need to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The process involves completing an online application, paying a fee, and attending an in-person interview. Plan ahead, as the entire process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa (B1/B2 or appropriate category)You cannot enter the United States without a valid U.S. visa stamped in your passport. Visa required | All Madagascar passport holders must obtain a nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2 for tourism or business) from a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. Apply in person at the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo or the nearest consulate. The visa must be issued before your departure. | Required |
| Passport validityU.S. immigration requires your passport to remain valid well after your planned departure. 6 months beyond stay | Your Madagascar passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa and entry stamp need a clean page to be placed. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the U.S. visa and entry stamp. | Required |
| Completed DS-160 formThis is the standard application form for all U.S. nonimmigrant visas. Online application | Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and print the confirmation page with the barcode to bring to your interview. | Required |
| Visa interview appointmentMost applicants aged 14–79 must appear for an interview. At U.S. embassy/consulate | Schedule and attend an in-person visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo or another designated consulate. Bring your DS-160 confirmation, passport, photo, and supporting documents. | Required |
| Visa application fee paymentThe fee is paid before the interview and is not refunded if the visa is denied. Non-refundable fee | Pay the non-refundable visa application fee (currently $185 for B1/B2) as instructed by the embassy. Keep the receipt for your interview. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketU.S. border officers may ask to see your departure plans. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave the United States before your visa expires or within the authorized stay period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsThis helps demonstrate you can support yourself during your visit. Financial evidence | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay, such as bank statements, pay slips, or a sponsor letter. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out a separate arrival form; customs declarations are handled electronically or on the plane. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Madagascar passport holders entering the United States. | Not required |
No visa-free entry or ESTA
Madagascar passport holders are not eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program or ESTA. You must obtain a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. Do not book flights or make non-refundable plans until your visa is approved.
Plan for the interview
The visa interview is a critical step. Be prepared to explain your travel purpose and show strong ties to Madagascar. Bring all required documents, and arrive early. The embassy in Antananarivo is the main application point.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form
Go to ceac.state.gov and fill out the DS-160. You'll need a digital photo and basic personal information. Save the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee at a designated bank or through the payment portal. Keep the receipt — you'll need it for the interview.
3
Schedule your interview
Use the U.S. Visa Information Service for Madagascar to book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo. Wait times can be several weeks, so book early.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents. The officer will ask about your travel plans and ties to Madagascar. Be honest and concise.
5
Receive your visa and travel
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa stamped inside, usually within a few days. Check the visa's validity and the number of entries. Then you can book your flight to the U.S.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 24, 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 — from DS-160 submission to visa issuance — typically takes 3 to 6 weeks, but it can be longer during peak seasons. Interview wait times at the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo vary, so check the appointment calendar early.
No. For most visa categories, an in-person interview is mandatory. There is no eVisa or ESTA option for Madagascar passport holders. You must apply through the embassy.
The application fee (MRV fee) is $185 for most non-petition-based visas like B1/B2. This is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied. Additional fees may apply for certain categories (e.g., work or student visas).
The visa itself is valid for multiple entries, but the duration of each stay is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry. Typically, visitors are admitted for up to 6 months, but it's not guaranteed.
You can reapply, but you'll need to pay the fee again and schedule a new interview. The denial will be based on a specific ground (e.g., insufficient ties to Madagascar). It's wise to address the reason before reapplying.
Extensions are possible in limited circumstances, but they are not automatic. You must file Form I-539 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying can lead to serious consequences, including bans.
Yes. Even if you're only transiting through a U.S. airport, you need a valid U.S. visa (such as a C-1 transit visa or a B1/B2). There is no visa-free transit for Madagascar passport holders.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.