Madagascar entry requirements for Senegal passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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

Senegalese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar in 2026. You'll handle it at the airport in Antananarivo or Nosy Be — no need to apply before you travel. Just have your documents ready and you'll be through in about 15–30 minutes.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a Madagascar eVisa at visa.madagascar.travel before you fly. The online form takes about 10 minutes and you get approval within 72 hours. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at Antananarivo will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover your entire stay
Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Madagascar does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it's valid for the full duration of your trip.Required
Return or onward ticket
Immigration may ask for it
Immigration officers at Ivato Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do.Recommended
Proof of funds
Cash or card statement
Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. There's no set minimum amount, but around $50 USD per day is a safe benchmark.Recommended
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no credit or debit cards. Bring euros or US dollars in small denominations. Exchange rates at the airport are poor, so bring enough to cover the fee and a bit extra.
Visa not extendable
The 30-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer, you'll need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel. Plan your itinerary carefully.

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' — it's usually a separate counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa form
You'll get a small form to fill in — basic info: name, passport number, flight, hotel. Keep it simple. Have a pen handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. As of 2026, the fee is about €35–€40 for a 30-day single-entry visa. They may also accept Malagasy ariary, but rates are worse. Have exact change if possible.
4
Get your visa sticker
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa sticker. Check the dates — make sure the 'valid until' date matches your intended stay. Then proceed to passport control.
5
Pass through immigration
Show your passport with the visa sticker, your boarding pass, and your return ticket if asked. They might ask your hotel name — have it ready. Usually takes 2–3 minutes.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€35 (approx. $38 USD)

Apply at Madagascar embassy in Dakar or online via eVisa system.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total (max 30 days per entry)
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€70 (approx. $76 USD)

For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.

Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€150 (approx. $163 USD)

Requires proof of sufficient funds (€500/month) and accommodation; apply at embassy.

retirement visa
Carte de Séjour Retraité (Retirement Resident Card)
1 year, renewable annually
~€150 (approx. $163 USD) per year
For retirees aged 50+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (€500/month). Allows long-term stay but no work. Apply at Madagascar embassy or immigration office.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Résident Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $544 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Madagascar (business, real estate, or government bonds). Requires business plan and proof of funds.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $218 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Madagascar company. Employer must obtain work permit; visa allows multiple entries. Requires contract and qualifications.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in euros or USD at major airports (Antananarivo, Nosy Be).€35 (approx. $38 USD)
Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at same airports; longer stay requires higher fee.€40 (approx. $43 USD)
Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure; avoid overstaying to prevent fines or bans.€10 per day (approx. $11 USD), no official cap

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

Senegal passport holders transiting through Madagascar (e.g., at Ivato International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or change terminals, you must obtain a visa on arrival.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Transit without visa allowed for up to 24 hours if holding confirmed onward ticket and staying in international transit area.
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (TNR), Antananarivo · Fascene Airport (NOS), Nosy Be

Health & vaccines for Madagascar

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Senegal). Must present certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout Madagascar, especially in coastal and lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.

SchistosomiasisModerate risk

Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high throughout Madagascar, including tourist areas. CDC recommends chemoprophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) for all 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, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, photos, and fee in euros.

Nosy Be
Immigration Office – Nosy Be Airport
Fascene Airport, Nosy Be
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles visa on arrival and extensions for tourists on the island.

Practical information for SN 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 = 4,199.43 MGA
updated May 29
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
Police117
Medical124
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

As of 2026, the fee is about €35–€40 for a 30-day single-entry visa. You can pay in euros, US dollars, or Malagasy ariary. Cash only — no cards. Bring exact change if you can.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. Plan your trip accordingly.
You'll be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel — it's not worth the risk.
Not required for Senegal, but if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Check the latest health requirements before you go.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo) and Fascene Airport (Nosy Be). For other entry points, you'd need to arrange a visa beforehand.
Your passport (with 6+ months validity and 1 blank page), a completed visa form (provided at the counter), and the visa fee in cash. They may also ask for your return ticket and hotel booking — have those handy.
Yes, but keep it secure. Use a money belt or a hidden pouch. ATMs are available at the airport after immigration, but you'll need cash before that. Bring euros or US dollars — they're widely accepted.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.