Madagascar entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Madagascar's international airports. Land at Antananarivo or Nosy Be, pay the fee in cash, and receive your visa right there. As of 2026, the process takes about 10–15 minutes if you have the right documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Madagascar eVisa at visa.madagascar.travel before departure. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $35 USD. Processing takes 24–72 hours — apply at least 3 days before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Madagascar. Airlines at departure check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Antananarivo airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like Air Madagascar and Ethiopian Airlines enforce this at check-in. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask for your accommodation address on arrival. A booking confirmation from Booking.com or Airbnb works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely checks this, but it helps if asked. ATMs are available in Antananarivo but unreliable outside the capital. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (Euros or US dollars). Cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Bring small bills to avoid change issues.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Ivato or Fascene airports usually takes 10–15 minutes. Have your passport, form, and cash ready to speed things up.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo) or Fascene Airport (Nosy Be). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to fill out — basic personal info, passport details, and your accommodation address. Have your booking confirmation handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Fees are paid in cash (Euros or US dollars are widely accepted). As of 2026, a 30-day single-entry visa costs around €35. Keep small bills.
4
Get your passport stamped
Hand over your passport, the completed form, and the fee. The officer will stamp your passport and issue the visa sticker. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and go through customs. There's usually a quick baggage scan.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days total
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€35 (approx. $38 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy; allows extension in-country.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€70 (approx. $77 USD)
Good for multiple visits; extension possible each stay.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and local sponsor; renewable.
retirement visa
Carte de Séjour Retraité (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€150 (approx. $165 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. €500/month). Allows long-term stay but no work. Requires local address and health insurance.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For investors committing at least €100,000 in a local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Salarié (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Madagascar company. Employer must obtain work permit. Requires employment contract and health check.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at Antananarivo airport. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure; may be negotiable. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD/day), no official cap |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtainable from Madagascar embassy abroad; not needed if using VoA. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available from embassy; allows multiple entries within validity. | €70 (approx. $77 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Russian 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 collect luggage), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the international transit area, no visa is needed for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (Antananarivo) · Fascene Airport (Nosy Be)
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
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk in all regions, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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 08:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nosy Be
Service Régional de l'Immigration de Nosy Be
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 14:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in Nosy Be; less crowded than Antananarivo.
Practical information for RU 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 = 4,191.97 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
As of 2026, a 30-day single-entry visa costs around €35 (or equivalent in USD). Longer stays cost more — 60 days is about €40, 90 days about €45. Pay in cash (Euros or US dollars) at the airport.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel or leave and re-enter.
You will be denied a visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Otherwise, no. Check with your doctor for other recommended vaccines.
Yes, at all international airports: Ivato (Antananarivo), Fascene (Nosy Be), and Toamasina. Land borders do not offer visa on arrival for Russians.
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Without it, you could be denied entry. Best to have a refundable onward ticket just in case.
Yes, but keep it in a secure place like a money belt. ATMs are available at the airport but may have long queues or limited cash.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.