Madagascar entry requirements for Zimbabwe 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

Zimbabwean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar in 2026. The process is straightforward at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo and other major entry points. Just have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
You get a visa on arrival at Antananarivo (TNR) and other international airports. Have 35 EUR or 40 USD in cash for the single-entry tourist visa (30 days). The officer will stamp it in your passport — no pre-application needed.Apply onlineRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Madagascar does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — it just needs to cover your stay. Airlines sometimes ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at TNR check for a confirmed onward or return ticket. If you arrive without one, they may deny boarding or entry. A flight booking out of Madagascar within 30 days works.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
Officers rarely ask for hotel bookings, but having a printed reservation or a hostel confirmation helps if questioned. If you're staying with friends, a letter of invitation with their address is fine.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
No one checks bank statements at the border, but carrying around 200 EUR in cash or a credit card shows you can cover your stay. ATMs in Tana work with Visa/Mastercard.Recommended
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. Bring euros, US dollars, or Malagasy ariary in good condition. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
Visa not extendable
The visa on arrival is for a single stay up to 30 days and cannot be extended. If you need more time, you must leave the country and re-enter, or arrange a different visa before travel.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Immigration
After landing at Ivato International Airport (or other entry points), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Submit Documents and Pay
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash (euros, dollars, or ariary). The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
3
Collect Passport and Proceed
Once processed, collect your passport with the visa sticker inside. Double-check the validity dates. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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
Cost35 EUR (approx. $38 USD)

Extension available at immigration office for additional fee.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost70 EUR (approx. $76 USD)

Good for travellers planning multiple visits.

Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries, typically 100-200 EUR (approx. $110-220 USD)

Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (work, study, etc.).

retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Carte de Séjour Retraité)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD / year
For retirees aged 50+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local bank deposit and health insurance.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Projet de Loi)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD / year
Proposed visa for remote workers. Requires proof of income (min $1,500/month) and health insurance. Not yet fully implemented.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Séjour Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD / year
For investors with minimum $50,000 investment in local business. Requires business plan and local partner.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD / year
For those with a job offer from a Malagasy company. Requires work permit approval and employer sponsorship.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at airport.35 EUR (approx. $38 USD)
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online before travel.35 EUR (approx. $38 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries during validity.70 EUR (approx. $76 USD)
Overstay fineNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying.10,000 MGA (approx. $2.50 USD) per day

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

Zimbabwe passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa on arrival may be required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for Madagascar may transit without additional visa.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in coastal and lowland areas.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.

SchistosomiasisModerate risk

Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high throughout Madagascar, especially in coastal and lowland areas. Prophylaxis 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, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.

Antsiranana
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Antsiranana, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Regional office for northern travellers.

Practical information for ZW 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 = 4,196.54 MGA
updated Jun 3
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

The fee is approximately €35–€40 for a 30-day single-entry visa. You can pay in euros, US dollars, or Malagasy ariary. Bring cash in good condition — no torn or marked notes.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
At Ivato International Airport, expect 20–40 minutes depending on the queue. It's usually faster than applying for an e-visa beforehand.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including transit), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Zimbabwe is not a yellow fever country, but check your travel route.
Visa on arrival is available at all major entry points, including Nosy Be Airport and Toamasina port. Smaller crossings may have limited facilities — carry cash and expect longer processing.
Yes, Madagascar offers an e-visa for some nationalities, but Zimbabweans can simply get the visa on arrival. There's no advantage to the e-visa unless you want to skip the queue.
Your passport (6+ months validity), a printed or digital return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended.

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.