Madagascar entry requirements for South Africa 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
South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. As of 2026, you simply arrive at the airport, pay the fee, and receive a 30-day tourist visa. No need to apply in advance.
Apply for Madagascar eVisaOfficial portal: Madagascar eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Antananarivo (TNR) and other international airports. Pay in cash (EUR or USD) — $35 for 30 days, $40 for 60 days. Have a passport photo ready; they don't always ask, but it speeds things up.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your South African passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned departure from Madagascar. Airlines check this at check-in — if you're under 6 months, they may deny boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at TNR ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Airlines also check this before you board. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration rarely asks, but if you're flagged for secondary inspection, they'll want to see where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry at least $200–$300 in cash (EUR or USD) or have a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. ATMs are unreliable outside Antananarivo — bring enough cash for the trip. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival counter only accepts cash — euros or US dollars. No cards, no MGA. Bring the exact amount (€35 or $40) to avoid fumbling for change.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process takes about 10-15 minutes at Ivato Airport. Just have your passport, form, and cash ready. No need to queue for a separate visa office.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' — there's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa form
You'll get a small form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying. Fill it in while queuing.
3
Pay the fee
Hand over your passport, form, and cash (€35 or $40). The officer will process payment and issue the visa sticker. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your visa stamped
The officer stamps the visa into your passport. Check the dates — it's usually valid for 30 days from the day of issue. Then proceed to passport control.
5
Pass through immigration
Show your passport with the fresh visa. They may ask for your return ticket or accommodation proof. Answer calmly, and you're through.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy in Pretoria; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within 6 months.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation; renewable.
retirement visa
Carte de Séjour Retraité (Retirement Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (~$220 USD) per year
For retirees aged 50+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. €500/month). Allows long-term stay without work rights.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in a Malagasy business or real estate. Includes family members.
work visa
Travailleur Étranger (Foreign Worker Permit)
1 year, renewable
~€300 (~$330 USD) per year
Requires a local employer to sponsor and a valid work contract. Must be approved by the Ministry of Labour.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in EUR, USD, or MGA at the airport upon arrival. | €35 (~$38 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at major entry points; same payment options. | €40 (~$44 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure; overstay can affect future visits. | 10,000 MGA (~$2.20 USD) per day, max 100,000 MGA (~$22 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
South Africa 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 overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (TNR) · 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)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in coastal and lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Madagascar, including urban areas. Atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline prophylaxis is strongly recommended 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
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and long-stay permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Nosy Be
Immigration Office Nosy Be
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for tourists on the island; often less crowded.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 4,265.01 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
€35 or $40 for a 30-day tourist visa. Pay in cash at the airport — euros or US dollars accepted. No card or MGA accepted at the visa counter.
Yes, you can extend once for an additional 30 days. Visit the immigration office in Antananarivo (Direction de l'Immigration et de l'Émigration) before your initial visa expires. The extension costs around MGA 100,000 (about $25).
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. South Africa is not considered a risk country, so no vaccine is required for direct travel. But if you've been in a yellow fever zone recently, you'll need proof.
You'll be fined MGA 100,000 per day (about $25) at the airport when you leave. Avoid this by extending or leaving on time.
Yes, all international airports offer visa on arrival: Ivato (Antananarivo), Fascene (Nosy Be), and Fort Dauphin. The process is the same everywhere.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. A confirmed return or onward ticket is mandatory. A screenshot on your phone is fine.
No, it's not required for entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical facilities are basic, and evacuation to South Africa or Réunion can cost thousands. Get a policy that covers medical evacuation.
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.