🇲🇬 Madagascar visa requirements

Most nationalities get 90 days visa-free. If you're from the US, EU, UK, or Canada, you're looking at 90 days on arrival, no questions asked. Australia and New Zealand also get this easy entry.

Who Gets In and How Long Do They Get?

Madagascar plays nice with a lot of countries. If you hold a passport from the USA, EU countries, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you're good for 90 days on arrival. No pre-approval needed. Easy peasy.

Then there's a second group. Think China, South Korea, Japan, and some African nations. These folks also get 90 days, but they might need to show a return ticket or proof of funds. It's not a hard rule for everyone in this bloc, but have it ready just in case.

Everyone else? You'll need a visa before you arrive. You can get this at the Malagasy embassy or consulate in your home country. The tourist visa typically allows for 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on what you apply for and pay for. Don't rock up expecting to get one at the airport if you're in this category.

The Fine Print on Staying Put

So, you've got your entry stamp. Great. But there are a few things that can catch you out. The 90-day visa-free entry is a single entry. Want to pop over to Mauritius and come back? You'll need a new visa, or potentially an extension before you leave.

Extensions are possible, but they're a bureaucratic adventure. You apply at the immigration office in Antananarivo. They can grant you another 30 days, taking your total to 120. But don't count on it. It depends on who you talk to and how their day is going.

Overstaying is where things get properly messy. The official line is a fine of 10,000 MGA per day. That's about $2.50 USD. But the real penalty is being detained until you pay, or even deported. Trust me, you don't want to find out how strict they really are. Make sure your exit date is clear and stick to it.

What's New on the Madagascar Visa Front?

Madagascar has been talking about an eVisa for years. It's still not fully rolled out for everyone, and frankly, it's a bit of a mess. Some nationalities can apply online, others can't. The website is clunky. It's often easier and more reliable to get your visa on arrival if you qualify, or at an embassy beforehand if you don't.

Fees have also been a bit fluid. The standard tourist visa fee can range from $30 to $50 USD for 30 days, going up for longer stays. But check the embassy website or ask directly, as prices can change without much notice.

There haven't been huge policy shifts in the last year or so. The core system of visa-free for many, visa-on-arrival for some, and pre-arranged for others remains. The biggest "change" is just the ongoing, slow development of the eVisa system, which hasn't exactly streamlined the process yet. If you're planning a trip, rely on the established visa-on-arrival or embassy process for now.