Madagascar entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadian passport holders get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. Show up at the airport with your documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard process for tourists.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply at the official Madagascar eVisa portal at visa.madagascar.travel. The eVisa costs around $35 USD for a 30-day single entry and is processed within 72 hours. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at Antananarivo will stamp you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Madagascar. Airlines at departure may enforce the 6-month rule, but Madagascar immigration only requires validity covering your visit. Two blank pages are needed for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Madagascar | Immigration at Ivato Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Madagascar. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com or Airbnb works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least $500 USD available for your trip. Immigration rarely checks this for Canadian passport holders, but it's a standard requirement in the law. A screenshot of your online banking app is fine. | Recommended |
Cash Only for Visa on Arrival
The visa counter at Ivato Airport does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring euros or US dollars in cash. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the visa first.
Visa on Arrival is the Standard
You do not need to apply for an e-visa or visit an embassy before traveling. The visa on arrival is available to all Canadian passport holders for tourism. No pre-approval needed.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter before the main immigration desks. Queue here first.
2
Fill Out the Visa Application Form
You'll be given a small form at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Keep it simple — no need for a full itinerary.
3
Pay the Visa Fee
Hand over your passport, the completed form, and the fee in cash (euros or dollars preferred). The officer will process payment and stamp your passport. Expect 5–10 minutes.
4
Proceed to Immigration
With your visa sticker in hand, join the main immigration queue. Present your passport, the visa, and your return ticket if asked. They may also ask for your hotel address.
5
Collect Your Baggage and Exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Usually straightforward — just walk through the green channel unless you have something to declare.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada 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 date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy in Ottawa or Washington DC. Requires passport, photos, itinerary.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Same application process as single entry. Allows multiple visits within validity.
Long-Stay Visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires sponsorship or proof of purpose (work, study, volunteer). Apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Carte de Séjour Retraité)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) per year
For retirees aged 50+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $500/month). Allows long-term stay without work rights. Requires annual renewal and proof of income.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~€300 (approx. $330 USD) per year
Requires a job offer from a Malagasy company and work permit approval. Employer sponsors the application. Allows multiple entries and family reunification.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Séjour Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) initial fee
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in a Malagasy business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Grants residency and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in EUR, USD, or MGA at the airport. Valid for tourism. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at Ivato International Airport and other ports of entry. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport departure. No official cap, but may be negotiated. | 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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Madagascar (e.g., at Ivato International Airport) do not need a transit 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 · 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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderYellow FeverRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Madagascar, especially in coastal and lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers. Avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Madagascar, with highest risk in coastal and lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended 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, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay payments. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Nosy Be
Immigration Office Nosy Be
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for tourists on the island. Less crowded than Antananarivo.
Practical information for CA 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 = 4,196.3 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
As of 2026, a 30-day single-entry visa on arrival costs about €35 (or equivalent in US dollars or Malagasy ariary). Longer stays (up to 60 days) cost more — around €40–50. Pay in cash at the counter.
Yes, but it's not straightforward. You can apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Antananarivo (near the central post office). The process takes a few days and costs around 100,000–150,000 MGA. Overstaying is fined heavily, so plan ahead.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Canadians flying directly from Canada or via Europe don't need it. If you've been in an endemic country recently, bring your vaccination certificate.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, all international airports offer visa on arrival: Ivato (Antananarivo), Fascene (Nosy Be), and Fort Dauphin. The process is the same everywhere.
Yes, it's normal. Keep it in your carry-on. ATMs are available after immigration, but the visa counter only takes cash. Euros or US dollars are easiest — they'll give change in local currency if needed.
A digital copy on your phone is fine. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, showing the email or app confirmation works. No need to print.
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.