Madagascar entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international airports in Madagascar. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits. As of 2026, the process is straightforward — just show up with the right documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Madagascar offers an eVisa for Ethiopian passport holders. Apply at visa.madagascar.travel before departure — the online form takes about 10 minutes. You'll receive a PDF approval within 72 hours; print it and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Madagascar. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Antananarivo will deny boarding if your passport expires before your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Ivato Airport (TNR) routinely asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Budget airlines like Air Madagascar and Ethiopian Airlines enforce this at check-in — have a printed itinerary or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least 200,000 MGA (roughly $45 USD) per day in cash or a credit card statement. Officers rarely check this for short stays, but it's a legal requirement and can be asked at random. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (EUR, USD, or MGA). Cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Yellow fever vaccine required if arriving from Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a yellow fever risk country. You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Madagascar. No certificate = possible quarantine or denial of entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo or other international airports. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the counter, you'll get a short form. Fill in your details — name, passport number, flight info, accommodation address. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (EUR, USD, or MGA). As of 2026, the fee is around €35 for a 30-day single-entry visa. Have exact change if possible.
4
Get your passport stamped
Hand over your passport, form, and payment. The officer will stamp the visa and return your passport. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After getting your visa, head to baggage claim, then customs. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready in case they ask.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€35 (approx. $38 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, max 30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€70 (approx. $76 USD)
Requires embassy application; suitable for multiple visits.
Long-Stay Visa (visiteur)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $108 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation; apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Carte de Séjour Retraité)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $108 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local bank account and health insurance. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Séjour Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $540 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Madagascar. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes family members.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Salarié)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $216 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Malagasy company. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Valid for the duration of employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in EUR or USD at the airport upon arrival. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Payable in EUR or USD at the airport upon arrival. | €40 (approx. $43 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, a visa on arrival is available if you wish to leave the airport.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (TNR), Antananarivo · Nosy Be Fascene Airport (NOS) · Toamasina Airport (TMM)
Health & vaccines for Madagascar
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (including Ethiopia). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
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. Use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers. Avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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.
Antsiranana
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Antsiranana 201, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Regional office for northern Madagascar.
Practical information for ET 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 = 4,198.65 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
As of 2026, the fee is approximately €35 (or equivalent in USD or MGA) for a 30-day single-entry visa. Longer stays cost more — check the official rates at the counter. Pay in cash only.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Visa on arrival is only available at international airports. For land or sea entries, you must get a visa from a Malagasy embassy before travel.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Ethiopia), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Carry it with your passport.
No. Only cash is accepted at the visa-on-arrival counter. Bring EUR, USD, or MGA. Have small bills for exact change.
Typically 5–10 minutes if you have all documents ready. During peak hours (multiple flights arriving), it can take up to 30 minutes.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your entry date, not your departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.