Madagascar entry requirements for Philippines 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
Filipino passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international airports in Madagascar. Just pay the fee at the immigration counter before passing through, and you'll receive your visa on the spot. As of 2026, the visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days and can be extended once you're in the country.
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 pay the fee with a credit card. Approval usually comes within 72 hours, but apply at least 5 days before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Madagascar. Airlines at Manila and connecting hubs check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Madagascar | Immigration officers at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before stamping you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Madagascar. Officers occasionally ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD equivalent. Immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay, though this is not always enforced. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. No credit cards, no ATMs at immigration. Bring exact change to avoid hassle.
Visa on arrival is quick but can have queues
At Ivato Airport, the visa on arrival counter can get busy during peak hours (especially late afternoon). Allow 30–60 minutes for the process. Having your documents ready speeds things up.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
After landing at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo or any other international airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter before the main passport control.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and your return/onward ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash (EUR or USD). The officer will process your visa sticker.
3
Receive visa and proceed
Once the sticker is placed in your passport, you'll be directed to the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa, get it stamped, and you're in.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines 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 stay90 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $54 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $109 USD)
Requires supporting documents and embassy application.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $218 USD)
For work, study, or family reasons; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $218 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer in Madagascar. Requires employer to obtain work permit and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $109 USD) plus proof of enrollment
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Madagascar. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $545 USD) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in Madagascar. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at the airport upon arrival. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extension is not available for visa-on-arrival holders; this is for other visa types. | €45 (approx. $49 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of €200 (approx. $218 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern15%
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
Philippines passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), 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.
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in coastal and lowland areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers, especially in rural and coastal areas. Use mosquito repellent and bed 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 permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Antsiranana
Bureau de l'Immigration d'Antsiranana
Avenue de l'Indépendance, Antsiranana 201
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for northern region visitors.
Practical information for PH 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
The standard 30-day visa on arrival costs about €35–€40 (or equivalent in US dollars). You must pay in cash — euros or USD are accepted. Exact change helps avoid delays. Longer stays (up to 60 or 90 days) cost more, but you can also extend once inside Madagascar.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the immigration office in Antananarivo (or other major cities). Extensions are typically granted for 30 additional days and cost around MGA 100,000–150,000 (about €20–€30). Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
You will be denied a visa on arrival. Madagascar strictly requires 6 months of passport validity from your entry date. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (or have transited through one for more than 12 hours), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from the Philippines.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all international airports in Madagascar: Ivato (Antananarivo), Nosy Be, and Toamasina. It is also available at some land borders, but airports are the most reliable.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined per day (around MGA 10,000–20,000 per day, roughly €2–€4) and may face delays at departure. Avoid it by extending on time or leaving before your visa expires.
Yes, immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone showing your flight out of Madagascar.
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.