Step 1: Identify Your Visa Category
Madagascar offers multiple visa pathways for most nationalities: visa on arrival at international airports, electronic visa applied online before departure, or traditional consular visa through embassies. Tourist visas are available for 30, 60, or 90 days depending on your nationality and chosen duration. Business visas are valid for up to 5 years, though stays longer than 90 days must be obtained through the Madagascar embassy. Citizens of any country except Burundi and Palestine may obtain a visa on arrival or e-visa. Determine your visa type based on your travel purpose, intended duration, and whether you prefer advance approval or airport processing.
Step 2: Document Preparation and Organization
Gather all required documentation systematically:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date with 2 to 3 blank pages for stamps
- Completed and signed visa application form with signature matching your passport
- Recent passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months on a white background
- Round-trip or onward ticket details showing your name clearly
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if you traveled to or lived in a yellow fever-affected area within 6 days of the trip
You may also need proof you have enough money for your stay and unexpected costs. Ensure all foreign documents are properly translated into French and apostilled when required.
Step 3: Application Form Completion
If using the e-visa system, you can apply between one week and 6 months before departure. Complete the official visa application form through designated channels. E-visa approval typically takes up to 72 hours, but apply at least 7 days before departure to avoid last-minute stress. For paper applications through embassies or visa on arrival, ensure all information is accurate before submission to avoid delays.
Step 4: Appointment Scheduling and Submission
If applying through an embassy or consulate, schedule your appointment at the nearest Madagascar diplomatic mission. Arrive punctually with organized documents. Submit your complete application package and be prepared for potential interviews or additional questioning about your travel plans. For visa on arrival, visas are issued immediately at the airport for most nationalities.
Step 5: Fee Payment Processing
For stays under 15 days, no visa fee applies, while stays beyond 15 days for tourism or business require a paid visa. Since February 16, 2026, the e-visa for stays up to 15 days costs 30 euros (approximately 35 USD), tripled from the previous 10 euros. Madagascar embassies and consulates abroad, as well as visa-on-arrival counters at international airports, have not yet passed on this increase. Pay required fees using accepted payment methods. For visa on arrival, payment is typically in cash using Malagasy Ariary, Euros, or US Dollars. Retain payment receipts as proof of transaction and for application tracking purposes.
Step 6: Application Tracking and Processing
Monitor your application status through provided tracking systems. E-visa processing times vary: standard processing takes 4 to 6 working days, urgent processing 2 to 4 working days, and super urgent processing 1 to 3 working days. Processing timeframe for a traditional visa through embassies is 10 to 20 business days. Processing times vary by visa type and embassy workload.
Step 7: Visa Collection and Verification
Collect your processed visa according to embassy instructions. For e-visas, print the electronic authorization or save it on your phone to present upon arrival. Verify all details immediately upon receipt, including dates, spelling, and visa conditions. Report any discrepancies to embassy staff or immigration officials before leaving the premises.
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