Madagascar entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs around €35. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents.
Apply for Madagascar eVisaOfficial portal: Madagascar eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Madagascar eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa costs $35–$50 USD depending on duration (30, 60, or 90 days). Processing takes 1–3 business days — do not wait until the last minute.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Portuguese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Madagascar. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo always ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host in Madagascar can speed up the immigration process. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry cash (Euros or USD) or a bank statement showing at least $500 per person for your stay. ATMs in Madagascar are unreliable outside major cities, so bring enough cash for your trip. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (EUR or USD). No card payments accepted. Have the exact amount ready — change may not be available.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Ivato Airport is well-organized. Most travellers get through in 20–40 minutes. No need to queue at an embassy beforehand.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR)
Most flights from Europe land here. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and address in Madagascar. Keep your passport and flight booking handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your form and passport at the visa counter. Pay the fee in cash (EUR or USD preferred). You'll get a receipt and a visa sticker placed in your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
After getting the visa, join the main passport control queue. The officer will stamp you in. This whole process usually takes 20–40 minutes depending on the queue.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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 date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy before travel; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within six months.
Long-Stay Visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation; renewable.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Carte de Séjour Retraité)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local bank deposit and health insurance. Allows long-term residence.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Télétravailleur)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $165 USD) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Requires health insurance and local address. Allows tax-free income for first 2 years.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) plus investment
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in local business or real estate. Includes family members. Path to permanent residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Salarié)
1 year, renewable
~€250 (approx. $275 USD) per year
Requires a job offer from a Malagasy company and work permit approval. Employer typically handles process. Allows family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, or local currency) upon arrival at major airports. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at Ivato International Airport and other entry points. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Portugal passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (TNR), Antananarivo · Nosy Be Fascene Airport (NOS) · Toamasina Airport (TMM)
Health & vaccines for Madagascar
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in coastal and lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, particularly in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially coastal and rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use DEET 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 immigration matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Antsiranana
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Antsiranana 201
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for travellers in the north; limited English spoken.
Practical information for PT 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 visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. You can extend it once for an additional 30 days at the immigration office in Antananarivo (costs around MGA 100,000).
Yes, you can extend it once for another 30 days. Go to the immigration office (Direction de l'Immigration et de l'Émigration) in Antananarivo. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the extension fee (about MGA 100,000). Processing takes a few days.
For stays over 60 days, you need to apply for a long-stay visa at a Malagasy embassy before you travel. The visa on arrival cannot be extended beyond 60 days total.
Yes, the visa on arrival is also available at Nosy Be Airport (NOS) and at major land border crossings like the one from South Africa (via Maputo). The process and fee are the same.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Always have a confirmed onward ticket before you fly.
No, it's not a legal requirement for the visa. But it's strongly recommended — medical evacuation from Madagascar can cost thousands of euros.
EUR and USD are both accepted. Bring small bills (€5, €10, $10, $20) — they may not have change for large notes. Avoid paying in Malagasy ariary as the exchange rate at the airport is poor.
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.