Madagascar entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. Just show up at the airport with your documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Kiwis visiting for tourism or business.
Apply for Madagascar eVisaOfficial portal: Madagascar eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Antananarivo airport. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — the visa officer will ask for both. The visa costs 35 EUR or 35 USD (cash only, no card).Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Madagascar. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Antananarivo will ask to see a confirmed onward ticket before stamping your visa. A flight booking out of Madagascar within your allowed stay works. Without one, you risk being denied entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have your hotel reservation printed or saved on your phone. Immigration may ask for it during the visa on arrival process. A booking confirmation showing your name and dates is sufficient. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry at least 200 EUR or equivalent in cash or card. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids problems. ATMs are available in Antananarivo but unreliable outside the capital. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the airport
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — EUR or USD only. ATMs at Ivato Airport are unreliable and often out of service. Bring crisp, undamaged notes (no tears, marks, or folds). Card payments are not accepted.
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
If you're visiting for work, study, or long-term stays, you need to apply for the appropriate visa at a Malagasy embassy before you travel. The visa on arrival is strictly for short-term tourism or business visits.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete — basic info like name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying. Have your accommodation address handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in EUR or USD cash. As of 2026, a 30-day tourist visa costs about €35–€40. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will check your passport, take your photo (sometimes), and affix the visa sticker. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
5
Proceed to passport control
After getting the visa, join the main passport control queue. Have your boarding pass and return ticket ready.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy in Wellington or Canberra. No advantage over VoA for most.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, up to 180 days total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Useful for travellers planning multiple entries; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds (€500/month) and local sponsor. Apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Carte de Séjour Retraité (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) per year
For retirees aged 50+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (€500/month). Allows multiple entries and local residency. Apply at immigration in Antananarivo.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Travailleur (Work Visa)
1–2 years, renewable
~€300 (approx. $330 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Madagascar. Requires employer to obtain work permit. Allows family reunification.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) plus proof of investment
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in a local business or real estate. Fast-track residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, or MGA) at Ivato Airport and other entry points. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at major airports; longer stays require justification. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Maximum stay for tourist purposes; must show sufficient funds. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport departure. No official cap, but fines are low. | 10,000 MGA (approx. $2.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel 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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Madagascar (e.g., Ivato Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (TNR) · Nosy Be Fascene Airport (NOS)
Health & vaccines for Madagascar
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
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.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation. Drink bottled or boiled water and avoid street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions, including urban areas. Atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline prophylaxis is recommended for most 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
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and long-stay permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Nosy Be
Immigration Office – Nosy Be
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for tourists on the island. Less crowded than Antananarivo.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 4,196.3 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 visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. You can request a 60-day visa at the airport for a higher fee (around €50–€60). Extensions beyond that are possible at the immigration office in Antananarivo.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 30 additional days at the immigration office in Antananarivo (Direction Générale de la Migration). The cost is roughly 50,000–100,000 MGA (about €10–€20). You'll need your passport, a passport photo, and the extension fee in cash.
Overstays are fined at the airport when you leave. The fine is typically 50,000–100,000 MGA per day overstayed, paid in cash (MGA or EUR). Avoid this — it's expensive and can cause delays.
Visa on arrival is available at Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo) and Nosy Be Fascene Airport. It is not available at land borders — you must have a visa in advance if entering by road from another country.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (or have transited through one for more than 12 hours), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. New Zealand is not a yellow fever country, so you only need it if your travel history includes affected areas.
ATMs exist in major cities (Antananarivo, Nosy Be) but are often unreliable, run out of cash, or charge high fees. Always carry enough EUR or USD cash for your visa fee and first few days. Credit cards are accepted at upscale hotels but not everywhere.
No. Immigration requires proof of onward travel. A flight, bus, or boat ticket out of Madagascar is mandatory. If you don't have one, you may be denied boarding or entry.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.