
Madagascar tourist visa: everything you need to know before you go
Your up-to-date 2025 guide to Madagascar Tourist visa requirements, fees, and on-arrival procedures for a smooth entry into Madagascar.
Introduction
Planning a trip to Madagascar? Before you start dreaming about baobab-lined sunsets, lemur encounters, and pristine beaches, it’s important to make sure your paperwork is in order—starting with your tourist visa. While Madagascar is known for its warm hospitality and unforgettable biodiversity, entry into the country still requires a valid visa for most travelers.
At Discover Madagascar, a trusted tour operator in Madagascar, we help travelers navigate local requirements and ensure a seamless arrival. Whether you’re coming for two weeks or two months, the process is simple and flexible with options like visas on arrival and online applications.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a tourist visa to Madagascar in 2025, including costs, procedures, and helpful travel tips to breeze through immigration.
Do you need a visa to enter Madagascar?
Yes, most travelers—including those from Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries—need a visa to enter Madagascar. The good news is that getting your visa is incredibly simple. Madagascar offers convenient options like a straightforward visa on arrival process and an easy-to-use e-visa system. In most cases, you can get your visa directly at the airport in just a few minutes, making it one of the most hassle-free countries to enter in Africa.
Types of tourist visas available
Madagascar offers three main types of tourist visas:
- 15-day visa: For short stays. Available on arrival or online.
- 30-day visa: The most common option for holiday travelers.
- 60-day visa: For extended vacations or exploratory trips.
All tourist visas are single-entry. If you wish to stay longer, you may request an extension through local immigration services once in the country.
How to get your Madagascar tourist visa
1. Visa on arrival
Tourists can get a visa on arrival at most international airports, including Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo. The process is straightforward:
- Fill in a short arrival form
- Provide a valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity)
- Pay the visa fee in euros, US dollars, or Malagasy Ariary
2. E-visa (online application)
You can also apply for an e-visa before departure via the official government portal: https://www.evisamada.gov.mg
- Choose your visa duration (15, 30, or 60 days)
- Upload required documents (passport, travel itinerary)
- Pay the fee online
- Receive a confirmation email to present upon arrival
Madagascar tourist visa costs and payment methods (as of 2025)
- 15-day visa: Approx. €10 / $12
- 30-day visa: Approx. €35 / $37
- 60-day visa: Approx. €40 / $45
Payment is accepted in major currencies (EUR, USD) or in local currency (MGA) at entry points. Credit cards are not accepted for visa on arrival, so bring cash.
Tips for a smooth entry
- Have your passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation ready.
- Bring small denominations of cash for visa fees.
- Expect queues at Ivato Airport, especially during peak travel months (July–August, December).
- If applying for an e-visa, do so at least 7 days before departure.
Looking for the ideal time to visit? Check out our guide on when to travel to Madagascar to align your visa dates with the best weather and local experiences.
Traveling with children or in groups
- Children also need a visa.
- If traveling with a child alone, carry a parental authorization letter.
- Group tours should ensure each member has their own documentation.
2025 updates
- The Madagascar e-visa platform was updated in early 2025 for faster processing.
- Fees were slightly revised, and the website now includes a status tracking feature.
Final checklist before you fly
- ✔️ Valid passport (6+ months)
- ✔️ Printed e-visa or visa-on-arrival cash
- ✔️ Return ticket
- ✔️ Hotel booking or tour itinerary
Need help planning your Madagascar adventure?
As a leading tour operator in Madagascar, Discover Madagascar specialises in tailor-made tours, local guidance, and end-to-end trip support. Whether you’re looking for luxury eco-lodges or wildlife-focused experiences, we’re here to help.
Sources:
Official Madagascar e-visa website: https://www.evisamada.gov.mg