Madagascar entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. You'll handle it at the airport in Antananarivo or Nosy Be. As of 2026, the process is straightforward — just have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Visa on arrival / eVisa | Apply online at the official Madagascar eVisa portal before travel. The eVisa covers tourism, business, and transit — you select your entry type during the application. Processing takes 1–3 business days; print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from 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 routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. If you overstay, the fine is 10,000 Ariary per day (about $2.50 USD), payable at the airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. A simple booking.com confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card for your stay | Have at least $200 USD equivalent in cash or a credit card with available limit. ATMs are scarce outside Antananarivo — bring euros or US dollars to exchange at the airport or banks. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. Cards are not accepted. Bring small denominations to avoid change issues.
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What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo) or Fascene Airport (Nosy Be). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa form
You'll be given a small form to complete — basic details like name, passport number, and length of stay. Have your passport and flight details ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, it's around €35 or equivalent in USD for a 30-day visa. Euros and US dollars are accepted — bring exact change if possible. Cards are not accepted.
4
Get your visa sticker
The officer will stick a visa in your passport and stamp it. Check the validity dates before you walk away. The whole process takes 10–20 minutes.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
Once you have the visa, head to baggage claim and then customs. Keep your passport accessible — you may be asked to show it again.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy in London. May require invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
For frequent travellers. Must show itinerary.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds (€500/month) and local sponsor. Apply in advance.
retirement visa
Carte de Séjour Retraité (Retirement Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (~$220 USD) per year
For retirees aged 50+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (€500/month). Allows multiple entries and long-term stay. Apply at immigration in Antananarivo.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Travailleur (Work Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
~€300 (~$330 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Malagasy company. Requires work contract and employer sponsorship. Valid for 1 year, renewable.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour Investisseur (Investor Residence Permit)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) initial fee
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in a local business. Includes family members. Apply through Madagascar Economic Development Board.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant (Student Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD) per year
For enrolled students at a recognized Malagasy institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds (€300/month).
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, or MGA) upon arrival at Ivato Airport or other entry points. | €35 (~$38 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at major airports and ports. | €40 (~$44 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Maximum stay for VoA. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. Max extension up to 90 days total stay. | MGA 100,000 (~$22 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No official cap, but fines accumulate. Pay at immigration before departure. | MGA 10,000 (~$2.20 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
UK passport holders transiting through Madagascar (e.g., Ivato Airport) 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 terminals or overnight), 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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in coastal and lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers. Avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions, including urban areas. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Use insect repellent and mosquito 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 extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Place Kabary, Antsiranana
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for northern region travellers.
Practical information for GB 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 = 4,177.43 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, a 30-day visa on arrival costs around €35 (or equivalent in USD). You can also get a 60-day visa for about €40. Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Cards are not accepted.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the immigration office in Antananarivo. Extensions are typically granted for 30 days and cost around 100,000–150,000 Malagasy ariary (about €20–30). Go to the immigration office on Rue Rainandriamampandry — bring your passport, a passport photo, and the fee in cash.
You'll be denied a visa on arrival. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from the UK, no vaccine is required. If you've been in a risk country within 6 days of arrival, you'll need proof of vaccination.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa online before you travel. The e-visa costs about the same as the on-arrival visa and saves you queuing. Apply at the official Madagascar e-visa website — processing takes 3–5 business days.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined around 100,000–200,000 Malagasy ariary per day (about €20–40) and could face deportation. Always extend before your visa expires.
Yes, but keep it secure. Use a money belt or hidden pouch. ATMs are available at the airport but may not always work — better to bring euros or dollars from the UK.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.