Canada entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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 need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before traveling — there is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option for Malagasy citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Canada. Canada does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may still enforce this — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa before travel | You need a Canadian visitor visa (TRV) before you fly. Apply online through the IRCC portal — processing takes 2–4 weeks for most applicants. You will need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre.Apply for visa | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave Canada before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host with their address and contact info. Officers may ask where you are staying on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing sufficient funds for your trip. There is no fixed minimum, but officers expect enough to cover accommodation, food, and transport without working. | Recommended |
No eTA option for Madagascar passport holders
Unlike many other nationalities, Malagasy citizens cannot use the eTA system. You must apply for a full visitor visa (TRV) — plan for the extra time and paperwork.
Biometrics are required
You'll need to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Antananarivo to give fingerprints and a photo. This is a mandatory step for all applicants aged 14 to 79.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather passport, photos, bank statements, itinerary, and any supporting letters. Scan everything as PDFs or JPEGs.
2
Apply online via IRCC
Create an account on the IRCC website, fill out the application forms, upload documents, and pay the CAD 100 visa fee (plus biometrics fee of CAD 85).
3
Give biometrics
After submitting, you'll get a Biometric Instruction Letter. Book an appointment at the nearest VAC — in Madagascar, that's the VAC in Antananarivo. Bring your passport and the letter.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — typically 2–8 weeks. Check the IRCC website for current estimates. You'll receive a decision by email.
5
Travel to Canada
If approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. At the border, present your passport and be ready to answer questions about your trip. Have your return ticket and accommodation details handy.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityTypically 6 months from issue date
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or family visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (subject to officer discretion)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Convenient for frequent travellers; same fee as single entry.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents; requires private health insurance.
work visa
Work Permit (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) for employer compliance fee; work permit fee CAD 155 (~USD 116)
For individuals with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases. Allows work and stay in Canada.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days, renewable
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus and off-campus after 6 months. Can lead to post-graduation work permit.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) for principal applicant; additional fees for family
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment and active management. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply retirement visa
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Up to 2 years per entry, renewable
CAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Requires private health insurance and proof of financial support. Allows multiple entries for up to 10 years.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries during validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; includes fingerprinting and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Visa extension (if applicable)Extension of stay as a visitor; must apply before current status expires. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; may also lead to removal order. | CAD 200 per day (~USD 150), max CAD 3,000 (~USD 2,250) |
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 Canada
Transit visa required
Madagascar passport holders generally need a transit visa to change flights in Canada, even if staying airside. Apply for a Transit Visa (TRV) before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions (e.g., same-day connection).
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa or permanent resident card are exempt.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe; standard precautions advised.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
National headquarters; for inquiries, not walk-in applications.
Toronto
IRCC – Toronto Office
25 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles applications and interviews; appointments required.
Practical information for MG travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.38 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you are a Madagascar passport holder, you need a visa even for a transit stop at a Canadian airport. There is no transit exemption for Malagasy citizens. Apply for a visitor visa (TRV) and indicate transit as the purpose.
Processing times vary, but typically 2 to 8 weeks. Check the IRCC website for current estimates. Biometrics appointments in Antananarivo may add a few days. Apply well before your planned travel.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current visa expires. You must show valid reasons and sufficient funds. The extension fee is CAD 100. Overstaying can affect future applications.
You can reapply after addressing the reasons for refusal. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak ties to Madagascar, or incomplete documents. There is no appeal process — reapply with stronger evidence.
Not at the application stage, but you should have a return or onward ticket booked before you travel. Immigration officers at the border may ask to see it.
No. Canada does not offer visa-on-arrival for any nationality. You must obtain a visa before departure.
No. A visitor visa (TRV) does not permit work. If you want to work, you need a work permit. Volunteering for no pay is generally allowed, but check the rules.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.