Ireland 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 enter Ireland in 2026. You must apply for a visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Apply for an Irish visa before travel
You need a visa to enter Ireland. Apply online at the Irish Immigration Service website, then attend an in-person appointment at your nearest Irish embassy or visa application centre. Processing takes 2–8 weeks, so apply at least a month before your trip.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Ireland. There is no 6-month validity requirement beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce their own rules — check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Ireland
Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave Ireland within your visa validity. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines check this before boarding too.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're a first-time visitor.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but around €50–€70 per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration may ask to see this at the border.Recommended
Apply well in advance
Irish visa processing can take 4-8 weeks or longer. Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is approved.
No visa-on-arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival for Madagascar passport holders in Ireland. You must have a visa before you board your flight.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the visa online
Go to the Irish visa application website (visas.inis.gov.ie). Fill out the online form, pay the fee (approx. €80 for a single-entry visa), and book an appointment at the nearest Irish embassy or visa application centre (e.g., in Nairobi, Kenya, or Paris, France).
2
Submit your documents in person
Attend your appointment with your printed application, passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation booking, bank statements (last 3-6 months), and any other supporting documents. The centre will take your biometrics (photo and fingerprints).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 4-8 weeks. You can track your application online. If approved, the visa will be stamped in your passport and returned to you by post or courier.
4
Travel to Ireland
At Dublin Airport or any Irish port of entry, present your passport with the visa sticker. The immigration officer may ask to see your return ticket and accommodation. Answer questions honestly. You'll be stamped in for the duration of your visa.
Download Ireland Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Standard short-stay visa for tourism; must apply before travel.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Allows multiple entries; validity depends on applicant's travel history.

Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)

For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.

work visa
General Employment Permit
2 years, renewable
€1,000 (~$1,090 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from an Irish employer. Requires a labor market test and minimum salary threshold.
Apply
student visa
Stamp 2 (Student Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€300 (~$327 USD) registration fee
For full-time students enrolled in a recognized course. Allows part-time work during term and full-time during holidays.
Apply
investor visa
Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)
2 years, renewable, leads to permanent residence
€1,000,000 (~$1,090,000 USD) investment minimum
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Irish enterprise or funds. Requires proof of funds and clean criminal record.
Apply
retirement visa
Stamp 0 (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€300 (~$327 USD) registration fee
For retirees with sufficient independent means (€50,000+ per year) and private health insurance. No work permitted.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay visa, non-refundable.€80 (~$87 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity.€80 (~$87 USD)
Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application center.€20 (~$22 USD)
Stay extension costFee for applying to extend stay beyond visa validity, subject to approval.€300 (~$327 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; calculated daily with a cap.€60 (~$65 USD) per day, max €3,000 (~$3,270 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%

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 Ireland

Transit visa required

Madagascar passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Ireland, even if staying airside.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid UK visa may transit without a visa.
  • Holders of a valid Schengen visa may transit without a visa.
  • Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsDublin Airport (DUB) · Shannon Airport (SNN) · Cork Airport (ORK)

Health & vaccines for Ireland

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk

Rare but present in rural areas; use tick precautions.

Lyme diseaseLow risk

Transmitted by ticks in grassy/wooded areas; early treatment effective.

Seasonal influenzaModerate risk

Common in winter months; vaccination recommended.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Dublin
Immigration Service Delivery (ISD)
13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30

Main office for visa extensions and registration; book appointment online.

Cork
Cork Immigration Office
Anglesea Street, Cork, T12 V2VH
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00

Handles registration and extensions for residents in Cork area.

Practical information for MG travellers

Country basics
CapitalDublin
LanguageIrish, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
updated May 31
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Ireland.
Emergency numbers
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if you are a Madagascar passport holder and you plan to leave the airport transit area, you need a visa. If you stay airside and do not pass through immigration, you may not need one — but check with your airline. For most connecting flights, you will need a transit visa.
Standard processing is 4 to 8 weeks. During peak season (summer), it can take longer. Apply at least 3 months before your planned travel date.
A single-entry visa costs €80. A multiple-entry visa costs €100. Fees are non-refundable even if your application is rejected.
There is no Irish embassy in Madagascar. You must apply through the Irish embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, or the visa application centre in Paris, France. You can submit your application online and then mail your passport and documents to the nearest centre, or attend in person if you are travelling.
No, the standard Irish visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different type of visa before your current one expires.
You can appeal the decision within 2 months. The appeal costs €80. Provide additional documents that address the reason for rejection. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or weak ties to your home country.
Yes, you need to show you have enough money to cover your stay. Typically, you need at least €50-€70 per day of your trip. Bank statements for the last 3-6 months are standard.

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.