Madagascar customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Madagascar's top customs risk is its absolute ban on pork products and strict cash declaration rule. All pork items (including canned ham, sausages, bacon) are prohibited to protect against African swine fever. Cash over €10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared or risks seizure and fines up to 50% of the amount. These rules apply to all non-resident adult travellers arriving in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free value threshold: 400,000 MGA (approx. USD 90).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare any amount exceeding 10,000 EUR (or equivalent in any currency) on arrival using the customs declaration form. Threshold in local currency: 45,000,000 MGA (approx. USD 10,000).
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to 400,000 MGA (approx. USD 90). Above this, duty is charged at 20% on the value exceeding the allowance.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances
  • Pork and pork products (including ham, bacon, sausages)
  • Fresh fruits (especially citrus, mangoes, and bananas)
  • Firearms and ammunition without a permit
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require prior authorization from Ministry of Health)
  • Plants and seeds (require phytosanitary certificate)
  • Drones and satellite phones (require permit from the Ministry of Defense)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export permit from the Ministry of Culture)
  • Precious stones and minerals (require certificate of origin and value declaration)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Upon arrival, you'll receive a customs declaration card. Fill it out and keep it with your passport. If you have nothing to declare, proceed through the green channel. If you have goods exceeding the allowance, cash over 10,000 EUR, or restricted items, use the red channel. Customs officers may randomly inspect luggage.

Bringing medication

Personal medications are allowed for up to 3 months' supply. Carry a doctor's prescription in English or French. Narcotics, psychotropics, and any drugs containing codeine or morphine are strictly prohibited without prior authorization from the Malagasy Ministry of Health.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Banned: pork products, fresh fruits (especially citrus and mangoes), and soil. Processed and canned foods are generally allowed if declared. Failure to declare can lead to fines or confiscation.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration threshold in EUR

Madagascar uses a EUR-based threshold for cash declaration, not USD. Any amount over 10,000 EUR (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared. This includes traveler's checks and money orders.

Pork ban is absolute

All pork products, including canned ham, sausages, and bacon, are banned to protect against African swine fever. Even small quantities in personal luggage will be confiscated and may result in a fine.

Vanilla export restrictions

Exporting vanilla beans is heavily regulated. You need a permit from the Ministry of Commerce and must declare the quantity and value. Unauthorized export can lead to seizure and legal action.

Frequently asked questions

No, personal electronics like laptops and cameras for personal use do not need to be declared. However, if you bring multiple units (e.g., 3+ laptops), customs may consider them commercial goods and charge duty.
There is no limit on importing Malagasy ariary, but amounts over 10,000 EUR equivalent (approx. 45,000,000 MGA) must be declared. Export of MGA is limited to 5,000,000 MGA (approx. USD 1,100) without authorization.
If found during inspection, the cash can be seized and you may face a fine of up to 50% of the undeclared amount. In serious cases, legal proceedings may follow.
No restrictions on personal quantities of sunscreen or insect repellent. However, aerosol cans must be in checked luggage if over 100ml. DEET-based repellents are allowed.
Drones require a permit from the Ministry of Defense. Apply at least 30 days before travel. Without a permit, the drone will be confiscated on arrival.
Yes, there is a duty-free shop after security in the departure lounge. It sells alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, and local crafts. Duty-free purchases are limited to the standard allowances (400,000 MGA value).
Carry the original prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining the condition and dosage. Apply for prior authorization from the Malagasy Ministry of Health at least 2 weeks before travel. Without it, the medication may be seized.

Official source

Madagascar Customs Authority (Direction Générale des Douanes)

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