Madagascar entry requirements for Rwanda 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
Rwandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. No need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with your passport and the required documents. This policy is current as of 2026.
Apply for Madagascar eVisaOfficial portal: Madagascar eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for your Madagascar eVisa at visa.madagascar.travel before departure. The online form takes about 10 minutes — you'll need a passport scan and a digital photo. Approval usually comes within 72 hours, and you'll receive a PDF to show on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Rwandan passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Madagascar does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it covers your travel dates. | 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. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to about 200,000 MGA (roughly $45 USD) per day. Officers almost never check this for short visits, but it's good to have on hand. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (euros or US dollars). There are no ATMs before immigration, and cards are not accepted. Bring enough to cover the fee plus a little extra.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Ivato Airport is well-established for Rwandan passport holders. Just have your documents ready and expect a short wait. No need to apply online or visit an embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. There's usually a separate queue from passengers who already have visas.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and cash. The officer will process your visa — expect 5–10 minutes.
3
Receive visa and proceed to immigration
Once the visa sticker is in your passport, head to the immigration counter for entry stamping. Keep your boarding pass handy — they may ask for it.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda 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 stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€35 (approx. $38 USD)
Standard option; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€70 (approx. $77 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits; extension possible per stay.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Requires sponsorship or proof of purpose (work, study, etc.); apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Carte de Séjour Retraité)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD) per year
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $500/month). Allows long-term stay without work.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Projet de Télétravail)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $165 USD) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income (min. $1,000/month). Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Séjour Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) initial fee
For investors committing at least $50,000 in a local business or real estate. Includes family members.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Salarié)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) per year
Requires a job offer from a Malagasy company and work permit. Employer sponsors the application.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at Antananarivo airport. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at major entry points; longer stay requires higher fee. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure; avoid overstaying to prevent issues. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), no cap mentioned |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained from Madagascar embassy abroad; same cost as VoA. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for pre-arranged visas; allows multiple entries within validity. | €70 (approx. $77 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Rwanda 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, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours airside.
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (Antananarivo) · Fascene Airport (Nosy Be)
Health & vaccines for Madagascar
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., Rwanda is not endemic, but if transiting through endemic areas, certificate needed).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Madagascar, especially in coastal and lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially 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 throughout the country, especially in rural and coastal areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended for all travellers.
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, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nosy Be
Immigration Office Nosy Be
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for tourists on the island; less crowded than Antananarivo.
Practical information for RW 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 single-entry visa costs around €35–€40 (or equivalent in US dollars). Bring cash — cards are not accepted at the visa counter. Exact change helps.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Not required for travelers arriving directly from Rwanda. But if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your doctor.
Yes, the visa on arrival is also available at major land borders and seaports. But the process is smoothest at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo.
Immigration may deny entry. Airlines also check this before boarding. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are uncertain.
Not for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation costs can be very high. A basic policy covering medical and evacuation is wise.
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.