Madagascar entry requirements for Spain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Spanish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs €35. The process is straightforward at Antananarivo's Ivato Airport, but you'll need a few things ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for your Madagascar eVisa at visa.madagascar.travel. The process takes about 10 minutes — upload a passport photo and pay the fee online. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport to the airport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Spanish passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Madagascar. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Madagascar | Immigration officers at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. Have a flight booking out of Madagascar ready — they will deny entry without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Madagascar. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays at the immigration counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least €200–€300 available. Immigration may ask how you plan to pay for your trip — a quick glance at your phone screen usually suffices. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (euros or USD). No credit cards, no ATM nearby. Bring exact change — the counter rarely has change for large bills.
Visa on arrival is the standard for Spanish passport holders
You don't need to apply for an e-visa or visit an embassy beforehand. Just show up with your passport, cash, and return ticket. The process takes 5-10 minutes at Ivato Airport.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival card
On the plane or at the airport, grab a blue arrival card. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport.
2
Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter
After deplaning at Ivato Airport (TNR), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter before the main passport control. Have your passport, arrival card, return ticket, and cash ready.
3
Pay the fee and get your visa
Hand over your documents and €35 (or USD equivalent). The officer will issue a visa sticker and paste it into your passport. This takes 2-5 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
With the visa in your passport, join the main immigration queue. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the arrival card with your passport until you exit.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim. Then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're in.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€40 (approx. $44 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy or consulate. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€70 (approx. $77 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Extension possible per stay.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation. Apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Carte de Séjour Retraité
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) per year
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local bank deposit and health insurance. Allows long-term stay.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $165 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Malagasy company. Requires work permit approval and employer sponsorship. Valid for employment only.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD) per year
For enrolled students at a recognized Malagasy institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at major airports. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Available from Madagascar embassy or consulate before travel. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €70 (approx. $77 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €200 (approx. $220 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | €10 (approx. $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
Spain holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (TNR) · Nosy Be Fascene Airport (NOS)
Health & vaccines for Madagascar
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in coastal and lowland areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and 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 permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Nosy Be
Immigration Office Nosy Be
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for tourists on the island. Limited services.
Practical information for ES 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 = 4,182.09 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
€35 (or equivalent in US dollars) for a 30-day single-entry visa. If you want a 60-day visa, it's around €40. Pay in cash at the airport — no cards accepted.
Yes, you can extend once for up to 30 more days. Go to the Immigration Office in Antananarivo (near the central post office) before your current visa expires. The extension costs about €30 and takes 1-2 working days.
You'll be fined around €10 per day overstay, payable at the airport before departure. Overstaying more than 30 days can lead to a ban. Don't risk it.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). If you're flying directly from Spain, no. But bring your vaccination certificate just in case.
Yes, at all international airports (Antananarivo, Nosy Be, Fort Dauphin, Mahajanga, Toamasina) and major land borders (like the one from South Africa via Johannesburg). But the process is smoothest at Antananarivo.
Generally yes, but petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is common in Antananarivo and tourist areas. Don't walk alone at night, keep valuables hidden, and use registered taxis. The political situation is stable.
April to October is the dry season — cooler and less rain. November to March is cyclone season (especially on the east coast). For wildlife, July to September is prime for lemurs and whales.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.