Madagascar entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits. As of 2026, the process is straightforward — just show up at the airport with your documents and pay the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Antananarivo (TNR) airport | Get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Ivato International Airport. Pay in cash — EUR 35 or USD 40 — they don't accept cards. Have a passport photo ready; if you don't have one, they'll charge an extra fee.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Madagascar does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date — just enough to cover your stay. Airlines sometimes enforce 6 months anyway, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Madagascar | Immigration at TNR asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. Overland exit is possible but rare — most travellers fly out. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration rarely checks it, but the airline at your departure gate might ask. A simple Booking.com confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers occasionally ask for cash or bank statements — roughly $50 per day is the informal benchmark. A credit card and a recent bank statement on your phone usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa counter at Ivato Airport does not accept credit cards or Malagasy ariary. Bring euros or US dollars in good condition — torn or marked bills may be refused. There is no ATM before the counter.
Visa on arrival is the standard — no need to apply in advance
US citizens do not need to apply for an e-visa or visit an embassy beforehand. Just show up with your documents and cash. The process takes 10–20 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' — it's a separate counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa form
You'll be given a small form — name, passport number, flight details, length of stay. Fill it out while queuing.
3
Pay the fee
Hand over your passport, the form, and cash (EUR or USD). The officer will tell you the exact amount based on how many days you want. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your visa sticker
They'll stick a visa into your passport and stamp it. Check the dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Now go to the main immigration line. Show your passport with the fresh visa. They may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking — have them ready.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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
Cost€35 (approx. $38 USD)
Apply at embassy before travel for guaranteed entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€70 (approx. $76 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€200 (approx. $218 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation; apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Carte de Séjour Retraité)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (approx. $218 USD) per year
For retirees aged 50+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay without work rights.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Passport Talent)
1 year, renewable
~€300 (approx. $327 USD) per year
For remote workers with proof of income and health insurance. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Séjour Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $545 USD) plus investment
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in local business or real estate. Includes family reunification.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Salarié)
1 year, renewable
~€250 (approx. $272 USD) per year
Requires a job offer from a Malagasy company and work permit. Employer typically handles process.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in EUR or USD at the airport. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries during stay. | €70 (approx. $76 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are possible but limited; apply at immigration office. | €20 (approx. $22 USD) per extension |
| Overstay finePay at immigration before departure. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €200 (approx. $218 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa 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
US passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, flu)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in coastal and lowland areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers; consider atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine.
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 de l'Immigration et de l'Émigration
Anosy, Antananarivo 101
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Nosy Be
Immigration Office Nosy Be
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for tourists on the island.
Practical information for US 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 = 4,199.71 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
For US citizens, it's typically €35 for a 30-day visa and €40 for a 60-day visa. Pay in euros or US dollars — no Malagasy ariary accepted at the counter. Bring exact change if possible.
Yes, but it's not straightforward. You'll need to visit the immigration office in Antananarivo (or a regional office) before your visa expires. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments and cost around MGA 100,000–200,000 (roughly $20–40). Start the process at least a week before expiry.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the airport. Renew your passport before traveling — no exceptions.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Otherwise, no. But check the CDC or WHO recommendations for Madagascar — other vaccines like typhoid or hepatitis A are advised.
Yes, at all international airports (Ivato in Antananarivo, Nosy Be, and Toamasina) and major land borders. The process is the same everywhere.
You'll be fined at the airport when you leave — typically around MGA 50,000–100,000 per day overstayed (about $10–20). Pay in cash at the immigration office before departure.
Yes. Immigration may ask to see your onward or return ticket. If you don't have one, they might deny entry. A bus or ferry ticket out of the country also works if you're leaving by land.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.