Madagascar entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
Japanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. Just show up at the airport, pay the fee in cash, and get your visa stamped. As of 2026, this is the standard process for tourism stays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply at visa.madagascar.travel — the official Madagascar eVisa portal. 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 entire stay | Your Japanese passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Madagascar. Airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Madagascar | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. Have a printed 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. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD equivalent. Officers rarely check, but it's a formal requirement for entry. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Bring euros or US dollars in small denominations. ATMs at the airport can be unreliable.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you go. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR)
After landing in Antananarivo, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control. Join the queue, fill out the visa application form (usually provided on the plane or at the counter), and have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
At the counter, the officer will tell you the fee (typically around €35 or equivalent in local currency). Pay in cash — euros, US dollars, or Malagasy ariary are accepted. Keep the receipt.
3
Get your visa stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa sticker. Check that the dates are correct before you walk away. Then proceed to passport control for entry.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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 (approx. $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 (approx. $110 USD)
For frequent travellers; must be arranged before arrival.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires sponsorship or proof of sufficient funds; apply at embassy.
retirement visa
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.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Séjour Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) plus investment
For those investing at least $100,000 USD in Madagascar. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $165 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Malagasy company. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, or MGA) at the airport upon arrival. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at major entry points; longer stay requires higher fee. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap specified; overstay can lead to detention or deportation. | €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
Japan passport holders transiting through Madagascar 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), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours.
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in coastal and rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high in all regions, including urban areas. 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 tourists on the island; limited services, best to handle in Antananarivo.
Practical information for JP 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
The standard fee is around €35 (or equivalent in USD or Malagasy ariary). It's best to have exact change in euros or dollars. Fees can change, so check the latest before you travel.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
The maximum stay is typically 30 days. Confirm with the immigration officer when you arrive. If you need a longer stay, consider applying for an e-visa or a tourist visa in advance.
No, there's no online arrival declaration required. You'll fill out a paper visa application form on the plane or at the airport counter. Keep a pen handy.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No, only cash is accepted. Bring euros, US dollars, or Malagasy ariary. ATMs are available at the airport but may have long queues or limited cash.
It's rare for Japanese passport holders, but immigration can deny entry if you can't show a return ticket, have insufficient funds, or have a criminal record. Always carry proof of onward travel and accommodation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.