Madagascar entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Bulgarian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, the process works at Antananarivo's Ivato International Airport and other major entry points.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Madagascar eVisa at visa.madagascar.travel before you fly. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $35 USD. Complete the application at least 48 hours before departure — approval comes by email as a PDF to show on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Madagascar. No minimum validity period beyond your departure date is required by law, but airlines may check for at least 6 months validity — confirm with your carrier before check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Madagascar | Immigration officers at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they may deny boarding if you cannot show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Madagascar. Officers occasionally ask for this at the border, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement ready to show you can cover your expenses. Immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds if your stay is longer than a few days. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. No credit cards, no ATMs at the visa counter. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Travel insurance strongly recommended
While not mandatory for entry, medical costs in Madagascar can be very high. A basic travel insurance policy covering medical evacuation is a smart investment.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport and head to the visa on arrival counter
At Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' after disembarking. There's usually a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. Pay the visa fee in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. The officer will process your visa and stamp it in your passport.
3
Proceed to passport control
After getting your visa, go to the passport control queue. The officer will check your visa and stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy in case they ask.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags from the carousel and head to customs. There's usually a quick baggage scan, then you're free to exit the arrivals hall.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy/consulate before travel. Allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For frequent travellers. Must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and local sponsor. For extended stays.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Carte de Séjour Retraité)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local bank deposit and health insurance. Allows long-term residence.
digital nomad visa
Long-Stay Visitor Visa (Visiteur)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) per year
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500+/month). Requires local address and health insurance. No work permit needed for remote work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Séjour Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) plus investment
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in local business or real estate. Includes family members. Path to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at Ivato Airport or other entry points. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at major airports and ports. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Maximum stay for tourist purposes. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport departure. No official cap, but may be negotiated. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Must apply at local immigration office before visa expires. Not guaranteed. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) for 30-day extension |
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
Bulgarian passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (TNR), Antananarivo · Fascene Airport (NOS), Nosy Be
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in coastal and lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas. Use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water lakes and rivers. Avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use DEET-based repellent and sleep under mosquito 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.
Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)
Immigration Office Antsiranana
Near the port, Antsiranana
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for northern region travellers.
Practical information for BG 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 = 4,196.54 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 approximately €35-€40 for a 30-day single-entry visa. You can pay in euros or US dollars — cash only. No credit cards accepted at the visa counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. For direct travel from Bulgaria, it's not required. Check current health advisories before you go.
You'll be denied a visa on arrival. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all international airports in Madagascar, including Nosy Be (Fascene) and Toamasina. The process is the same.
No pre-arrival form is required. You'll fill out a simple immigration card on the plane or at the visa counter. It asks for basic info like your name, passport number, and address in Madagascar.
Immigration may refuse entry if you can't show a return or onward ticket. It's a standard requirement. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are uncertain.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.