Madagascar entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar in 2026. Just have your documents ready at the immigration counter — no advance application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Madagascar eVisa | Apply online at the official Madagascar eVisa portal before you fly. The eVisa covers tourism, business, and transit visits — pick the option that matches your trip. Approval usually comes within 72 hours, and you'll get a PDF to show at immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Kenyan passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Madagascar — no extra 6-month rule here. Airlines at JKIA may still check for at least 6 months validity, so carry a printout of the official policy if you're cutting it close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Madagascar | Immigration at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone showing your flight out of Madagascar within your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines flying into Madagascar sometimes check before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or a credit card showing at least $500 USD available. Immigration officers at Ivato occasionally ask to see proof of funds, especially if you're staying longer than a week. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards accepted. Bring Euros or US dollars in small denominations. ATMs are available after immigration but not at the visa counter.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Ivato Airport is well-organized. Have your documents ready, and you'll be through in 15–30 minutes. No need to apply online or visit an embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' — it's usually a separate counter before the main passport control.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (you'll get it on the plane), and your return ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — Euros or US dollars are easiest. The fee is about €35–€40 for a 30-day visa. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the dates — make sure the validity matches your intended stay.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
Once stamped, head to baggage claim and then customs. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€35 (approx. $38 USD)
Obtainable on arrival; same as VoA.
Tourist visa (single entry, 60 days)
Max stay60 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€40 (approx. $44 USD)
Obtainable on arrival; same as VoA.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€100–200 (approx. $110–220 USD)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (work, study, family). Apply at embassy before travel.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreigners with a job offer from a Malagasy company. Requires work permit approval and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD) plus school enrollment
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Madagascar. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in a Malagasy business. Requires business plan and registration documents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, or MGA) at major airports and ports. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at same points as 30-day visa. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap officially stated; pay 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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Madagascar 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 airports or overnight), you must obtain a visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Madagascar may transit without additional visa.
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 (including Kenya). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
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 and rivers. Avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Madagascar, especially in coastal and lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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 overstay payments. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Toamasina
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Boulevard Joffre, Toamasina 501, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the east coast region.
Practical information for KE 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
The fee is around €35–€40 (about 4,500–5,000 MGA) for a 30-day tourist visa. Pay in cash — Euros or US dollars are preferred. Have exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. Plan your trip within 30 days.
You'll likely be denied entry. Immigration strictly requires 6 months of validity from your entry date. Renew your passport before you travel.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (Kenya is not considered high-risk), you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic before departure.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo) and major land borders. But it's easiest at the airport — land crossings may have fewer facilities.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about 10,000 MGA per day (roughly €2). Serious overstays may lead to deportation or a ban. Keep track of your visa expiry date.
You'll fill out an arrival card on the plane — it's a simple form with your personal details, flight info, and accommodation. No online pre-registration is needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.