Madagascar entry requirements for Belgium 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
Belgian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo. No prior application is needed—just show up with your passport and cash. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Madagascar eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs $35 USD. Processing takes 72 hours — do not wait until the last minute.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Belgian passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Madagascar. No minimum validity beyond departure is required, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Antananarivo airport checks for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or digital confirmation ready — they will ask. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from your host smooth the process. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $500 USD or equivalent in cash or bank statements. Immigration may ask to see proof you can support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. Cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays. ATMs are available after immigration but not before.
Keep your visa receipt
When you pay the visa fee, you'll get a small receipt. Keep it with your passport. You may be asked to show it when leaving Madagascar.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Ivato Airport is well-established for Belgian passport holders. Expect to spend 15-30 minutes at the visa counter. No prior application, no photos, no forms to print.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying. Have your accommodation address ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and cash (euros or USD). The officer will process payment and issue a receipt. Keep this receipt — you may need it when leaving.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Typical duration is 30 days from the date of issue.
5
Proceed to passport control
Join the main passport control queue. Present your passport with the new visa. The officer will stamp you in. That's it — you're in Madagascar.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€45 (~$49 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy in Brussels. Extension costs ~€30.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$77 USD)
Good for frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$165 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and local sponsor. Apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Carte de Séjour Retraité (Retirement Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (~$220 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 50+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. €500/month). Allows long-term stay but not work.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing at least €50,000 in a local business or real estate. Includes family members.
work visa
Travail (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (~$165 USD) plus employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer from a Malagasy company and government approval. Employer handles most paperwork.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, or MGA) at arrival airport. | €35 (~$38 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at major airports; longer stay requires justification. | €40 (~$44 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Apply at embassy before travel for guaranteed entry. | €45 (~$49 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 3 months; apply at embassy. | €70 (~$77 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €200 (~$220 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Belgium passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (TNR) · Nosy Be Fascene Airport (NOS)
Health & vaccines for Madagascar
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in coastal and lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, including cities. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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 Générale de l'Immigration et de l'Émigration
Anosy, Antananarivo 101
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Nosy Be
Immigration Office Nosy Be
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be 207
Mon–Fri 08:30–15:30
Popular for tourists; extension processing may take 2–3 days.
Practical information for BE 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
The fee is €35-€40 for a 30-day single-entry visa. For longer stays (up to 60 days), expect €50-€60. Pay in euros or US dollars — cash only. Cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
Yes, but it's not straightforward. You need to visit the immigration office (Direction Générale de la Migration) in Antananarivo. Extensions are typically granted for 30 days at a time, costing around MGA 100,000-150,000 (about €20-€30). Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Visa on arrival is available at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo and at some land borders like the port of Toamasina. For smaller airports or remote crossings, it's safer to arrange an e-visa beforehand through the official Madagascar e-visa portal (if available) or check with the nearest embassy.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Belgium is not a risk country, so you won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area. Bring your vaccination certificate if applicable.
It's risky. The visa on arrival is designed for standard passports. Emergency documents are often not accepted. Contact the nearest Madagascar embassy before traveling to confirm.
You'll be fined at the airport when leaving. The fine is around MGA 50,000-100,000 per day overstayed (about €10-€20 per day). Pay in cash (ariary or euros). Avoid overstaying — it can also affect future visa applications.
As of 2026, Madagascar does not have a fully functional e-visa system for all nationalities. The visa on arrival is the standard method for Belgian passport holders. Check the official Madagascar immigration website before your trip in case this changes.
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.