Madagascar entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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

Bahraini 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. As of 2025, the process is straightforward for tourism visits.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply online at the official Madagascar eVisa portal. The eVisa costs around $35 USD and is processed within 72 hours. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Madagascar. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Show a printed or digital return flight ticket or a ticket to your next destination.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support your stay
Carry cash (Euros or USD) or a bank statement showing at least $200 per person for your stay. ATMs are scarce outside major cities.Recommended
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. ATMs are available after immigration, but you cannot use them to pay the visa fee. Bring enough cash.
No arrival declaration needed
Madagascar does not require an arrival declaration form. You simply go through immigration and customs after getting your visa.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR)
After landing in Antananarivo, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation details ready. The queue can take 20–40 minutes depending on flight volume.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash — euros or US dollars are accepted. As of 2025, the fee is approximately €35 for a 30-day visa. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa sticker
An immigration officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check that the dates are correct before leaving the counter.
4
Proceed to passport control
Hand your passport with the new visa to the passport control officer. They may ask about your stay duration and return plans. Answer clearly.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. No arrival declaration form is required.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Download PDF

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
Cost50 EUR (approx. $55 USD)

Apply at Madagascar embassy in advance; allows longer stay than VoA.

Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost100 EUR (approx. $110 USD)

For frequent travellers; must be arranged before travel.

Long-Stay Visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost200 EUR (approx. $220 USD)

Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation; renewable.

retirement visa
Carte de Séjour Retraité (Retirement Resident Card)
1 year, renewable annually
~200 EUR (approx. $220 USD) per year
For retirees aged 50+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $500/month). Allows long-term stay but no work. Renewable annually.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Résident Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~500 EUR (approx. $550 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~150 EUR (approx. $165 USD) plus employer fees
Requires a job offer from a Malagasy company and work permit approval. Employer must prove no local candidate available. Renewable.
student visa
Student Visa (Carte de Séjour Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~100 EUR (approx. $110 USD) per year
For enrolled students at a recognized Malagasy institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in EUR, USD, or MGA at the airport upon arrival.35 EUR (approx. $38 USD)
Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at major airports; longer stay requires higher fee.40 EUR (approx. $44 USD)
Overstay fineNo official cap reported; pay at immigration office before departure.10,000 MGA (approx. $2.30 USD) per day

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

Bahrain 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
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for Madagascar may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (TNR), Antananarivo · Nosy Be Fascene Airport (NOS) · Toamasina Ambalamanasy Airport (TMM)

Health & vaccines for Madagascar

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
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 fresh water; avoid contact with untreated water.

Malaria risk: high

High risk throughout Madagascar, including urban areas. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) for all travellers.

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 overstay fines; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Place Kabary, Antsiranana
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30

Handles extensions for northern region; limited English spoken.

Practical information for BH 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 = 4,199.43 MGA
updated May 29
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
Police117
Medical124
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can request a 60-day visa at the airport for a higher fee (around €50–60). Extensions are possible at immigration offices in Antananarivo or major cities.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the immigration office in Antananarivo (Direction Générale de l'Immigration et de l'Émigration). Extensions cost around 100,000–200,000 MGA (€20–40) depending on duration. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the airport. Renew your passport before traveling — no exceptions are made.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Bahrain is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an affected area.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all international airports: Ivato (Antananarivo), Fascene (Nosy Be), and Toamasina. The process is the same at each.
Euros or US dollars are preferred. Bring cash in small denominations — change may not be available. The fee is around €35 for 30 days, but have €50–60 just in case.
Yes, Madagascar offers an e-visa for some nationalities, but for Bahraini passport holders, the visa on arrival is the standard method. You can apply for an e-visa online if you prefer, but it's not required.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.