Madagascar entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international airports in Madagascar. This is the standard way to enter for tourism — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but you must have a few documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Madagascar eVisa at visa.madagascar.travel before departure. The eVisa costs around $35 USD for a 30-day single entry and is usually approved 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 entire stay | Your Chinese passport must be valid for at least the full duration of your stay in Madagascar. Airlines at departure may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Ivato Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines sometimes check at check-in. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit cards or local currency. Bring euros or US dollars in small bills. ATMs are available only after you clear immigration.
Visa on arrival is the standard entry
You do not need to apply for an e-visa or visit an embassy beforehand. Just show up with your passport, cash, and onward ticket. The process takes about 15–30 minutes at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After deplaning at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter before the main passport control. Join the queue — it can take 15–30 minutes depending on flight arrivals.
2
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), and your return ticket if asked. Pay the visa fee in cash (euros or USD). The officer will issue a receipt and a visa sticker.
3
Proceed to passport control
With the visa sticker in your passport, go to the main immigration queue. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the arrival card stub — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your bags from the carousel. There's a customs declaration for goods over certain values, but for most tourists it's a quick walk-through.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30–90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€35–€50 (approx. $38–$54 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy before travel; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30–90 days per entry
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost€70–€100 (approx. $76–$108 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; requires embassy application.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€150–€200 (approx. $162–$216 USD)
For extended tourism or family visits; requires sponsorship and local registration.
retirement visa
Carte de Séjour Retraité (Retirement Resident Card)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (approx. $216 USD) per year
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. €500/month). Allows long-term stay but not employment.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Résident Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $540 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least €100,000 in Madagascar (business, real estate, etc.). Includes residency rights.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $162 USD) plus employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer from a Malagasy company and work permit approval. Allows legal employment.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $108 USD) per year
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Madagascar. Requires proof of admission and funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, or MGA) at the airport upon arrival. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at major entry points; longer stay requires higher fee. | €40 (approx. $43 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure; no official cap reported. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtainable from Madagascar embassy abroad; may have longer validity. | €35–€50 (approx. $38–$54 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for frequent travellers; validity and conditions vary. | €70–€100 (approx. $76–$108 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
China passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit under 24 hours with confirmed onward ticket.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
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; mosquito avoidance is key.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk in all regions, including cities. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. 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 residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Place Kabary, Antsiranana
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Regional office for northern Madagascar; limited services for extensions.
Practical information for CN 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 = 4,194.62 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 standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days at the immigration office in Antananarivo (costs around 100,000–150,000 MGA). Longer stays require a visa from a Malagasy embassy before travel.
Yes, at all international airports: Ivato (Antananarivo), Fascene (Nosy Be), and Fort Dauphin. Land borders do not offer visa on arrival — you must have a visa in advance if entering overland.
You may be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by immigration. A refundable ticket or a bus/ferry ticket to a neighboring country also works as onward proof.
No — the visa counter only accepts euros or US dollars. ATMs are available after immigration, but you can't use them to pay for the visa. Bring cash.
Yes, once. Visit the immigration office in Antananarivo (Direction de l'Immigration et de l'Emigration) before your 30 days expire. The extension costs about 100,000–150,000 MGA and gives you another 30 days.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Otherwise, no mandatory vaccines for Madagascar. But hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended.
You'll be fined at the airport when you leave — typically 100,000–200,000 MGA per day overstayed. Payable in cash (local currency). Avoid overstaying by extending on time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.