Madagascar entry requirements for Ghana 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
Ghanaian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Madagascar's international airports. You show up, pay the fee, and get your visa stamped in your passport without any prior application. As of 2026, this is the standard process for most nationalities.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Madagascar requires all visitors to apply for an eVisa at visa.madagascar.travel before departure. The application takes about 10 minutes — upload a passport photo and pay the fee online. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Ghanaian passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Madagascar does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just enough to cover your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Madagascar | Immigration officers at Ivato Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to about $100 USD per day of your stay. Officers almost never check, but it's a formal requirement. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. Cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival not available at land borders
If you plan to enter Madagascar by land or sea, you must get a visa from a Madagascar embassy before you travel. The visa-on-arrival facility is only at international airports.
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 visa counter, you'll be given a short form. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and length of stay.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. As of 2026, the cost is around €35 for a 30-day single-entry visa. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Have your accommodation address handy in case asked.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$40 USD (estimated)
Apply at Madagascar embassy in Accra or nearest embassy; may require invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, total 180 days
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; must show strong ties to home country.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation; for retirees or long-term visitors.
retirement visa
Long-Stay Visa for Retirees (Visiteur Retraité)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year (estimated)
For retirees aged 50+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $500/month). Requires local bank account and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Résident)
2–10 years, renewable
~$500–$2,000 USD (depending on investment)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Madagascar (business, real estate). Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Temporaire)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD / year (estimated)
Requires a job offer from a Malagasy company and work permit approval. Employer typically handles paperwork.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year (estimated)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions 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 or USD) upon arrival at Ivato Airport or other entry points. | 35 EUR (~$38 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at major airports; longer stay requires justification. | 40 EUR (~$43 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap mentioned; avoid overstay to prevent complications. | 10,000 MGA (~$2.50 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (tourist visa)Possible at immigration offices; requires application before visa expiry. | ~$30 USD (estimated processing fee) |
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
Ghana passport holders transiting through Madagascar (e.g., at Ivato Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), you must obtain a visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Madagascar do not need a separate transit visa.
- If you have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the international transit area, no visa is required.
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (TNR), Antananarivo · Fascene Airport (NOS), Nosy Be
Health & vaccines for Madagascar
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (including Ghana). Must show certificate upon arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
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 fresh water (lakes, 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 sleep under 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 de l'Immigration et de l'Émigration
Anosy, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Near the port area, Antsiranana
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for northern region; limited English, bring a translator if needed.
Practical information for GH 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 = 4,199.43 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, the fee is approximately €35 (or equivalent in USD) for a 30-day single-entry visa. Payment is in cash only — euros or US dollars are preferred. Have the exact amount ready to speed things up.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a longer visa before travel or leave and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines.
Madagascar does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry from Ghana. However, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your airline or the nearest Madagascar embassy before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Visa on arrival is available at Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo) and other international airports. It is not available at land borders or seaports. If arriving by land or sea, you must obtain a visa in advance from a Madagascar embassy.
Yes, but keep it secure. Use a money belt or hidden pouch. ATMs are available at the airport after immigration, but it's better to have the exact fee in euros or dollars before you arrive.
Yes, a confirmed onward ticket (to any destination outside Madagascar) is required. It proves you will leave within the visa validity period. A bus or ferry ticket may not be accepted — a flight booking is safest.
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.