Madagascar

Professional Immigration Services for Madagascar Entry

If you're planning to explore Madagascar's extraordinary biodiversity, conduct business in Antananarivo, or pursue academic research opportunities, understanding the island nation's visa framework is essential for seamless entry.

Navigating Madagascar's Visa Landscape

Madagascar maintains a structured visa policy requiring advance planning for most international travelers. Whether you're embarking on wildlife expeditions through Andasibe-Mantadia National Park or establishing commercial partnerships, proper documentation ensures smooth immigration processing.

Our comprehensive guidance addresses:

• Tourist visa requirements for leisure travelers
• Business visa protocols for commercial activities
• Transit documentation for connecting passengers
• Specialized permits for research and extended stays

Expert Consultation Services

Located off Africa's southeastern coast, Madagascar's unique position as the world's fourth-largest island creates specific regulatory requirements. Our specialized team transforms complex immigration procedures into clear, actionable strategies, ensuring your journey to this remarkable destination proceeds without complications.

Most travelers require a visa to enter Madagascar, with limited exceptions for certain African countries and diplomatic passport holders. Madagascar's visa policy requires advance planning for the majority of international visitors.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of the following countries can enter Madagascar without a visa for up to 90 days:

• African Union member states (with valid passport)
• Mauritius - 90 days for tourism
• Seychelles - 90 days

Diplomatic and official passport holders from select countries may enjoy visa exemptions under bilateral agreements.

Visa Required Countries

Citizens from most countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, and New Zealand must obtain a visa before arrival or upon arrival.

Passport Requirements

All travelers must present:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure
• Minimum two blank pages for entry stamps
• Return or onward travel documentation

Transit Passengers

Travelers transiting through Madagascar's airports without leaving the international zone typically do not require a visa for stays under 24 hours. However, transit passengers planning to exit the airport must obtain appropriate entry documentation.

Special Considerations

Children require individual passports and follow the same visa requirements as adults. Business travelers may need additional documentation regardless of visa-free status.

Always verify current requirements with Madagascar's embassy or consulate, as visa policies can change. The official Madagascar tourism website provides updated entry requirements and application procedures.

Madagascar offers multiple visa categories tailored to different travel purposes and duration requirements. Understanding the specific visa type for your intended activities ensures smooth entry and compliance with immigration regulations.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Short-term tourist visas are available for stays up to 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on your nationality and travel purpose. Multiple-entry tourist visas accommodate frequent visitors within a specified validity period. Long-term visitor visas extend beyond 90 days for extended leisure travel or family visits.

Business Visa Categories

Business visas serve commercial activities including:

• Conference attendance and trade missions
• Contract negotiations and business meetings
• Market research and investment exploration
• Training programs and technical consultations

Business visas typically require company invitation letters and proof of commercial purpose.

Work and Employment Visas

Employment visas enable legal work authorization and require labor ministry approval. Categories include skilled professional visas, project-specific work permits, and NGO worker visas. Processing times extend 4-6 weeks due to additional documentation requirements.

Student and Academic Visas

Student visas cover enrollment in recognized educational institutions, requiring admission letters and financial proof. Academic research visas serve researchers and visiting scholars conducting approved studies.

Transit and Special Categories

Transit visas allow 24-72 hour stopovers for onward travel. Diplomatic and official visas serve government representatives. Family reunion visas enable extended stays with Malagasy relatives, requiring relationship documentation and sponsor guarantees.

Most visas allow single or multiple entries, with extension possibilities through local immigration offices for qualifying circumstances.

Processing Times by Visa Type

Standard processing requires 5-10 business days for tourist visas and 10-15 business days for business visas. Work permits typically take 3-4 weeks, while student visas require 2-3 weeks processing time.

Visa Costs & Fee Structure

• Tourist visa (30 days): €35 / $37
• Business visa (60 days): €45 / $50
• Multiple entry visa: €70 / $75
• Express processing surcharge: Additional €25 / $30

Application Locations & Methods

Online portal: evisamada.gov.mg for electronic applications. Embassy processing: Available at Madagascar consulates worldwide. Visa on arrival: Ivato International Airport, Antananarivo for eligible nationalities.

Peak Season Considerations

Processing delays of 3-5 additional days occur during Madagascar's tourist season (April-October). Submit applications 4-6 weeks early during peak periods to ensure timely processing.

Required Documentation

• Passport valid 6 months minimum
• Completed application form
• Recent passport photograph
• Flight itinerary confirmation
• Accommodation proof

Key Contact Information

Madagascar Embassy Paris: +33 1 45 04 62 11
Consulate New York: +1 212 986 9491
Visa inquiries: visa@madagascar-consulate.org

Payment Methods

Accepted payments include credit cards, bank transfers, and money orders. Cash payments accepted for visa-on-arrival applications at designated airports.

Step 1: Identify Your Visa Category

Determine the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose, duration, and nationality. Madagascar offers tourist visas, business visas, and transit permits with varying validity periods. Consult the official embassy guidelines to select the correct category that matches your intended activities.

Step 2: Document Preparation and Organization

Gather all required documentation systematically:

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Completed application form with accurate information
• Recent passport-sized photographs meeting specifications
• Supporting documents based on visa type

Ensure all foreign documents are properly translated into French and apostilled when required.

Step 3: Application Form Completion

Complete the official visa application form through designated channels. Some applications may be submitted online through Madagascar's e-visa portal, while others require paper submissions. Double-check all information for accuracy before submission to avoid delays.

Step 4: Appointment Scheduling and Submission

Schedule your appointment at the nearest Madagascar embassy or consulate. Arrive punctually with organized documents. Submit your complete application package and be prepared for potential interviews or additional questioning about your travel plans.

Step 5: Fee Payment Processing

Pay the required visa fees using accepted payment methods, typically cash or money orders. 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. Processing times vary by visa type and embassy workload, typically ranging from 5-10 business days for standard applications.

Step 7: Visa Collection and Verification

Collect your processed visa according to embassy instructions. Verify all details immediately upon receipt, including dates, spelling, and visa conditions. Report any discrepancies to embassy staff before leaving the premises.