United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Madagascar passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to the United Arab Emirates. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for your nationality. Apply through the nearest UAE embassy or consulate well in advance of your departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UAE entry visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must secure a visa before you fly. Visa required | Madagascar passport holders must obtain a UAE entry visa before travel. Apply through the UAE embassy or consulate, or through an approved sponsor in the UAE. eVisa is not available for this nationality. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in the UAE. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe page must be blank, not just unused. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit ticket. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave the UAE before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof can speed up entry. Sufficient money for stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your stay in the UAE. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration or health form is required for Madagascar passport holders entering the UAE. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationDo not attempt an eVisa application; it will not be accepted. Not eligible | Madagascar passport holders are not eligible for the UAE eVisa. You must apply through an embassy or consulate or via a UAE-based sponsor. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
Madagascar passport holders cannot get a UAE visa on arrival. Arriving without a visa means immediate denial and deportation at your own cost. Always secure your visa before flying.
Start early — processing can be slow
Embassy visa processing can take weeks. Begin your application at least 6 weeks before departure to avoid last-minute stress.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the UAE embassy or consulate
Find the nearest UAE diplomatic mission (e.g., in Antananarivo or a neighboring country). Ask about the visa application process, required documents, and fees. Some missions outsource to visa processing centers.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of funds. Check if you need a sponsor in the UAE — some visa types require one.
3
Submit your application
Submit the application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Pay the visa fee. Processing times vary — start at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel.
4
Receive your visa and travel
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker or an electronic approval. Print a copy to carry with you. At UAE immigration, present your passport and visa; have your return ticket and accommodation details ready if asked.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 350 (approx. $95)
Requires a UAE-based sponsor or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 650 (approx. $177)
Allows multiple entries; requires sponsor.
Tourist visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 850 (approx. $231)
Requires sponsor; not extendable.
Employment visa
Max stay2 years (renewable)
Validity2 years
CostVaries (approx. AED 3,000–5,000)
Must be sponsored by a UAE employer; includes medical and ID fees.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 5,000 (~$1,361 USD) application fee + financial proof
For retirees aged 55+ with monthly income of AED 15,000 or savings of AED 1 million. Allows long-term stay without sponsor.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
AED 3,000 (~$817 USD) + property value of AED 1 million+
For property investors; requires ownership of property worth at least AED 1 million. Can sponsor family.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Employer-sponsored; fees vary
For those with a job offer from a UAE employer. Employer handles visa process; includes residency permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (96-hour)For transit; must be sponsored by an airline. | AED 50 |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)Must be arranged in advance through a UAE-based sponsor or travel agent. | AED 350 (approx. $95) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Must be arranged in advance. | AED 650 (approx. $177) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 90 days)Must be arranged in advance. | AED 850 (approx. $231) |
| Visa extension (30 days)For extending a tourist visa; subject to approval. | AED 600 (approx. $163) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day beyond the visa validity. | AED 50 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 United Arab Emirates
Transit visa required
Madagascar passport holders require a transit visa to enter the UAE, even for airside transit. The 48-hour transit visa is free but must be arranged by the airline. The 96-hour transit visa costs AED 50 and also requires airline sponsorship.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and who remain in the international transit area may be allowed to transit without a visa for up to 8 hours at Dubai International Airport, but this is at the discretion of immigration authorities. It is strongly advised to obtain a transit visa in advance.
Transit hubsDubai International (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International (AUH) · Sharjah International (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Tap water is safe, but street food may cause mild stomach issues; choose reputable vendors.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air conditioning and dust can aggravate allergies; consider masks during sandstorms.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Immigration Office
Al Falah Street, near Al Wahda Mall
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Handles visa extensions and residency matters.
Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai
Al Jafiliya, near Al Jafiliya Metro Station
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main office for visa services; bring passport and visa copy.
Practical information for MG travellers
Country basics
CapitalAbu Dhabi
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. Rent a car with IDP.
Money
CurrencyUAE Dirham (AED)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.67 AED
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+9h (EST) / +8h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+12h (PST) / +11h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Technically safe but most residents use bottled due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Madagascar passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa before you travel.
No. The UAE does not offer an eVisa for Madagascar passport holders. You must apply through a UAE embassy or consulate.
Processing times vary by embassy and visa type. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Typically: a passport valid for 6+ months, completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, proof of funds, and sometimes a sponsor letter. Check with the embassy for the exact list.
No. The visa you receive is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter with a new visa, or check with UAE immigration for any special circumstances.
For many visa types, yes. A UAE resident or company may need to sponsor your visa. If you're applying through an embassy, they'll tell you if a sponsor is required for your situation.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. Airlines also check visas before boarding, so you won't even be able to fly without one.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.