Madagascar entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Zambians visiting Madagascar.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 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 costs around $35 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa. Approval usually comes within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Zambian passport must be valid for at least the full length of your stay in Madagascar. Airlines at Lusaka and Johannesburg check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they will check the date matches your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host in Madagascar can speed up the immigration process. Officers rarely demand it, but having a printed reservation avoids delays if they ask. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card to show you can cover your stay. Immigration rarely checks, but budget airlines flying into Madagascar may ask for proof of sufficient funds before boarding. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. Credit cards are not accepted. Have exact change to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. Plan accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR)
After landing in Antananarivo, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee in cash (EUR or USD). The officer will issue a visa sticker on the spot.
3
Proceed to passport control
After getting the visa, join the main passport control line. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy — they may ask for it.
4
Collect luggage and exit
Once stamped, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 20–40 minutes depending on flight volume.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€35 (approx. $38 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€70 (approx. $76 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-Stay Visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€150 (approx. $163 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Carte de Séjour Retraité)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (approx. $217 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local bank deposit and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Séjour Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $543 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least €50,000 in a local business or real estate. Must provide business plan and proof of funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $163 USD) plus employer fees
Requires a job offer from a Malagasy company and work permit approval. Employer handles most paperwork.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in EUR or USD at entry; valid for up to 30 days. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration upon departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), no cap |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Must apply at immigration office before current visa expires. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) for 30-day extension |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Zambia passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, 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 risk (Zambia is endemic). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)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 water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Madagascar, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 de l'Immigration et de l'Émigration
Anosy, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Nosy Be
Immigration Office Nosy Be
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for tourists on the island; arrive early.
Practical information for ZM 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 = 4,197.89 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 fee is €35 for a 30-day single-entry visa. You must pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Have exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Zambia is not a yellow fever endemic country, so it's not required unless you've recently traveled to an affected area.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports: Ivato (Antananarivo), Fascene (Nosy Be), and Fort Dauphin. The process is the same at each.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. The airline may also refuse to let you board. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket.
Yes, immigration will ask for proof of your first night's accommodation. A booking confirmation email or app screenshot with the hotel name and address is sufficient.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.