Madagascar entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders can get a visa on arrival when landing in Madagascar. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short visits in 2026 — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at the airport with your documents ready and pay the fee.
Apply for Madagascar eVisaOfficial portal: Madagascar eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Antananarivo (TNR) airport. Pay in cash — EUR or USD — the fee is about €35 for a 30-day single entry. Have a passport photo ready; the counter prints the visa sticker on the spot.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Madagascar. Airlines at Jeddah and Riyadh check this before boarding — if it expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at TNR airport asks for a confirmed onward ticket out of Madagascar. Budget airlines like Air Austral and Ethiopian Airlines enforce this at check-in — do not arrive without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel booking printed or saved offline. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for your stay | Carry enough cash (EUR or USD) for your trip — ATMs in Tana are unreliable and often out of service. A daily budget of $50–$100 per person is a safe baseline. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. No credit cards, no local currency. Bring exact change if possible. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
This is the standard entry method for Saudi passport holders. No need to apply in advance. Just have your documents ready and the fee in cash. The process takes about 15–30 minutes at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR)
After landing, follow signs to the visa on arrival counter. This is before passport control. There may be a queue — expect 15–30 minutes.
2
Fill out the visa application form
A short form will be provided at the counter. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and accommodation address. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
Hand over your passport, the completed form, and the fee (€35–€40 or equivalent in USD). They'll process the visa on the spot.
4
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the immigration officer. They'll stamp you in. Have your return ticket and accommodation ready if asked.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. You're in Madagascar.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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€35 (approx. $38 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy in Riyadh or Jeddah before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€70 (approx. $76 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires supporting documents.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100–200 USD (processing fees)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Madagascar company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$50–100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Madagascar. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500–1000 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in Madagascar. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in EUR, USD, or MGA at the airport upon arrival. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | 10,000 MGA (approx. $2.20 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
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in coastal and rural areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural and coastal regions. Use mosquito repellent and 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 permits.
Nosy Be
Immigration Office Nosy Be
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
For tourists on the island; limited services.
Practical information for SA 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 fee is around €35–€40 (or equivalent in US dollars). Pay in cash at the counter. Euros are preferred, but USD is also accepted. No credit cards.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Antananarivo.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the immigration office (Direction Générale de l'Immigration et de l'Émigration) in Antananarivo. The process takes a few days and costs around 100,000–150,000 MGA (roughly €20–€30).
Visa on arrival is available at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo and at Nosy Be Fascene Airport (NOS). For other entry points, check in advance — some land borders may not offer visa on arrival.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need the yellow fever vaccine certificate. Saudi Arabia is not a risk country, so you likely won't need it unless you've recently been in an affected area.
You can apply for an e-visa online before travel, but the visa on arrival is simpler and faster for most people. The e-visa costs about the same and takes a few business days to process.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), the visa sticker you just got, your return ticket, and optionally your accommodation booking. They rarely ask for proof of funds, but having a bank statement or credit card helps.
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.