Madagascar customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Madagascar's customs service is known for strict enforcement and thorough bag inspections, especially for undeclared goods. The biggest risk is not the duty-free allowance but the outright bans on certain food and plant products that can carry pests or diseases threatening the island's unique biodiversity. If you're carrying anything even remotely agricultural, declare it — fines are levied on the spot and can be steep. These rules apply to all arriving international passengers, including non-residents.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, or 2 litres of wine or beer. Travellers must be 18 or older.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
You must declare if you are carrying 10,000 USD or more (or the equivalent in Malagasy ariary, roughly 45,000,000 MGA) in cash or bearer-negotiable instruments. Use the customs declaration form available on the plane or at the airport.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to a value of 800 USD (about 3,600,000 MGA) are duty-free. Above that, customs duty is assessed at varying rates, typically 20% to 30% depending on the item.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin)
  • Fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants (to protect local agriculture)
  • Meat and meat products from countries with animal diseases
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated materials
  • Weapons and ammunition without prior authorization
  • Pornographic materials

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Firearms and ammunition (require a permit from the Ministry of Interior)
  • Satellite phones and communication devices (need approval from the telecommunications authority)
  • Drone cameras (require a permit from the civil aviation authority)
  • Live animals and pets (need a health certificate and import permit)
  • Certain medications (must be declared and accompanied by a prescription)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After landing at Ivato International Airport, you'll go through passport control first, then collect your bags and proceed to customs. There are two channels: green if you have nothing to declare and are within the allowances, red if you have goods to declare or are unsure. You must fill out a customs declaration card, usually handed out on the plane or available in the arrival hall.

Bringing medication

You can bring personal medication for your own use if you have a valid prescription or doctor's note. However, many common medications are controlled or banned in Madagascar, including certain painkillers (e.g., those containing codeine or tramadol), stimulants, and some antidepressants. Always check with the Malagasy embassy before travelling. Declare all medications to customs to avoid problems.

Food, plants & animal products

Madagascar strictly prohibits the import of most fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, plants, and animal products (meat, dairy, eggs) due to biosecurity risks. Processed and packaged foods may be allowed but must be declared. Failure to declare can result in immediate fines and confiscation.

Rules worth knowing

Strict Biosecurity Controls

Madagascar is extremely strict about food and plant imports to protect its unique ecosystem. Even a single apple or a packet of seeds can lead to a fine of 100,000 MGA (about 22 USD) or more. Always declare any food items.

Currency Restrictions

The Malagasy ariary is a closed currency; you cannot take more than 10,000 MGA out of the country. When leaving, you can convert leftover ariary back to foreign currency only at the airport with a receipt from a bank or exchange bureau.

Temporary Import of Electronics

Laptops, cameras, and other personal electronics are usually allowed duty-free for personal use. However, if you are carrying multiple new devices, customs may suspect they are for resale and charge duty. Keep receipts for expensive items.

Frequently asked questions

No, you cannot bring a drone without prior permission from the Malagasy Civil Aviation Authority. Drones are considered restricted items, and unauthorized import can lead to confiscation and fines. Apply well in advance if you need one for official purposes.
If you fail to declare cash exceeding 10,000 USD (or equivalent), customs can seize the entire amount and impose a fine of up to 50% of the undeclared sum. You may also face legal action. Always declare if you're near the threshold.
The duty-free allowance is 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine/beer per adult. If you exceed this, you must declare it and pay duty, which is typically 20% of the value plus VAT. There is no personal exemption for additional alcohol.
Yes, but you need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health certificate from a veterinarian in your home country. The animal must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before travel. Quarantine may be required upon arrival.
No, Madagascar does not have a tourist VAT refund scheme. You cannot claim back VAT on purchases when leaving the country.
Most fresh food items are prohibited. You can bring packaged, non-perishable foods (e.g., biscuits, canned goods) for personal consumption, but you must declare them. Meat, dairy, and fresh produce are confiscated.
Yes, all arriving passengers must complete a customs declaration card. It is usually distributed on the plane or available in the arrival hall. You must list any items exceeding the duty-free allowances or any restricted/prohibited goods.

Official source

Madagascar Customs (Direction Générale des Douanes)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Madagascar Customs (Direction Générale des Douanes) before travelling.