Madagascar entry requirements for Germany 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
German passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. It's valid for up to 60 days and costs €35–€40. You'll queue at the immigration desk after landing in Antananarivo or Nosy Be.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Madagascar eVisa at visa.madagascar.travel before departure. The online form takes about 10 minutes and you get a confirmation email within 72 hours. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Antananarivo will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your German passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Madagascar. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Antananarivo Ivato Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they check this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | 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 rarely asks for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least €200–€300 for your stay. Officers rarely request it, but it's a standard entry requirement on paper. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (euros or USD). No cards, no ATM nearby. Bring €40 in small bills to be safe.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process is well-established at major airports. Expect a 10–20 minute queue during peak hours. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
What happens at the border
1
Land and head to immigration
After deplaning at Ivato International Airport (TNR) or Fascene Airport (NOS), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter for visa-on-arrival applicants.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be handed a small white card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport.
3
Present documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, and cash (€35–€40). The officer will process your visa sticker. This takes 5–10 minutes if the queue is short.
4
Collect passport and proceed
Once the sticker is affixed, you'll get your passport back. Double-check the validity dates. Then head to the baggage claim and customs.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany 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 EUR (~$55 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy/consulate before travel; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 EUR (~$110 USD)
For frequent travellers; must be arranged in advance.
Long-Stay Visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€200 EUR (~$220 USD)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (work, study, family); apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Carte de Séjour Retraité)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 EUR (~$220 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. €1,000/month). Allows long-term stay without work rights.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Séjour Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 EUR (~$550 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least €50,000 in a local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Salarié)
1 year, renewable
~€150 EUR (~$165 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Malagasy company. Employer must obtain work permit; valid for duration of contract.
student visa
Student Visa (Carte de Séjour Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 EUR (~$110 USD) per year
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Madagascar. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, or local currency) at the airport upon arrival. | €35 EUR (~$38 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at major entry points; longer stay requires higher fee. | €40 EUR (~$44 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | €10 EUR (~$11 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
German passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours at Ivato International Airport (TNR).
- Transit through other airports (e.g., Nosy Be) may have different rules; check with airline.
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (TNR), Antananarivo · Fascene Airport (NOS), Nosy Be · Toamasina Airport (TMM)
Health & vaccines for Madagascar
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Certificate must be presented at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
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.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; outbreaks occur sporadically.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high 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, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Nosy Be
Immigration Office Nosy Be
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
For visitors on the island; limited services, best for simple extensions.
Practical information for DE 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
The standard 60-day visa on arrival costs €35–€40 (or equivalent in USD). Pay in cash at the immigration counter — no cards accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 60 days, you must apply for a longer-term visa at a Malagasy embassy before travel.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry, not your departure.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Germany is not a risk country, so no vaccine is required for direct travel from Germany.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo) and Fascene Airport (Nosy Be). Other entry points may not offer it — check before traveling.
Immigration may deny entry or ask you to buy one on the spot. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket before you arrive.
Not for visa on arrival, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation can be very expensive.
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.