Madagascar entry requirements for Nigeria 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
Nigerian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international airports in Madagascar. No need to apply before you travel — just show up with the right documents. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few things ready at the counter.
Apply for Madagascar eVisaOfficial portal: Madagascar eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Madagascar eVisa at visa.madagascar.travel before departure. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $35 USD. Processing takes 1-3 business days — do not wait until the last minute.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | Your Nigerian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Madagascar. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Antananarivo airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Madagascar. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash (at least $500 USD equivalent) ready to show you can cover your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it is better to have proof than to be caught without it. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
If you're flying from Nigeria, you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. No certificate = possible denial of entry or quarantine. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa on arrival fee is paid in cash — Euros or US dollars are preferred. ATMs are available after immigration, but having exact change speeds things up. Don't rely on card payments.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Ivato International Airport (TNR)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. The officer will process the visa — expect a short wait.
3
Pay the visa fee
Fees are paid in cash (Euros or US dollars preferred). As of 2026, a 30-day visa costs around €35. Have exact change if possible.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport and stamp it. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Join the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa. You'll be stamped in and can collect your luggage.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy in Abuja or online; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation; renewable.
retirement visa
Carte de Séjour Retraité
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (€500/month minimum). Allows long-term stay without work rights.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) initial fee
For investors committing at least €100,000 in a local business or real estate. Includes family reunification.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Salarié
1 year, renewable
~€150 (~$165 USD) per year
Requires a job offer from a Malagasy company and work permit approval. Employer handles most paperwork.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$110 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Proof of enrollment and sufficient funds required.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, or MGA) at the airport upon arrival. | €35 (~$38 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at major entry points; same payment conditions. | €40 (~$44 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap; avoid overstaying to prevent complications. | €10 (~$11 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 Madagascar
No transit visa needed
Nigeria passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (TNR) · Nosy Be Fascene Airport (NOS)
Health & vaccines for Madagascar
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (including Nigeria). Must present a valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in coastal and lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Madagascar, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
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 matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Antsiranana
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Place de l'Indépendance, Antsiranana 201
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for northern region; limited English spoken.
Practical information for NG 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
As of 2026, a 30-day visa costs approximately €35 (or equivalent in US dollars). Longer stays cost more — 60 days around €40, 90 days around €45. Pay in cash at the counter.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You need to visit the immigration office in Antananarivo (or the regional office) before your visa expires. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments and cost around €30–40. Start the process at least a week before expiry.
Visa on arrival is available at all international airports (Ivato in Antananarivo, Nosy Be, and Toamasina). Land border crossings may not offer visa on arrival — check with the nearest embassy before attempting overland entry.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (Nigeria is on the list). You'll need to show a valid yellow fever certificate at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Madagascar does not offer an e-visa for Nigerian passport holders. Visa on arrival is the only option for tourism. No pre-approval needed.
You will be denied boarding by your airline and refused entry by Madagascar immigration. Renew your passport before booking flights.
No official minimum is enforced for visa on arrival. But having enough for your stay (around $50–100 per day) is sensible. Immigration rarely asks, but it's good practice.
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.