Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Simplified e-Visa System
Most travelers can now apply for a 30-day e-visa online (€35 fee) before arrival, which is faster and more convenient than on-arrival processing. The e-visa is valid for 90 days from issuance and allows multiple entries. Apply at least 72 hours in advance to ensure smooth entry at Ivato International Airport or other ports.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Madagascar, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This is strictly enforced at borders to prevent issues with onward travel.
Renew your passport early if it's nearing expiration, and consider carrying a photocopy or digital scan for safekeeping during your trip.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of a limited number of countries, including some African nations like Rwanda and Seychelles, can enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism purposes. Always verify your nationality's status on the official Madagascar immigration website before travel.
For visa-free entry, ensure you have proof of onward travel and sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa in advance, apply through the e-visa portal or at a Malagasy embassy (€35-50 fee), providing documents like a passport photo, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of funds (at least $50/day). Processing typically takes 3-7 days for e-visas.
On-arrival visas are available at major airports like Antananarivo for $35 in cash (USD or EUR), but e-visas reduce wait times during peak seasons.
Border Crossings
Most visitors arrive via Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, where immigration is straightforward but can involve queues; land borders with neighbors like Mozambique require pre-arranged visas and may have limited hours. Sea arrivals via ports like Toamasina also offer visa-on-arrival options.
Expect questions about your itinerary and accommodations; having a detailed travel plan helps expedite the process.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (essential due to limited healthcare in remote areas), trip delays, and adventure activities like lemur trekking or diving. Policies should include coverage for malaria treatment and natural disaster disruptions.
Choose providers with 24/7 assistance; costs start at $5-10/day, and proof may be requested at entry points.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 90 additional days can be applied for at the Direction de l'Immigration in Antananarivo before your initial visa expires, costing around $20-30 with supporting documents like a new itinerary. Processing takes 5-10 days, so plan ahead for longer wildlife safaris.
Overstaying incurs fines of $10/day and potential deportation; always track your dates closely.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Madagascar uses the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Antananarivo by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on international airfare, especially during the dry season peak.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for street vendors and small eateries serving romazava or ravitoto for under $5 per meal, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants to cut food expenses by up to 60%.
Visit local markets in Antananarivo for fresh fruits, rice dishes, and snacks at bargain prices, supporting community vendors.
Public Transport Passes
Use shared bush taxis (taxis-brousse) for inter-city travel at $10-20 per long journey, far cheaper than private cars; book in advance for popular routes like Antananarivo to Nosy Be.
Some regions offer multi-day transport cards for national parks, combining rides and entry fees to save 20-30%.
Free Attractions
Explore public beaches in Ifaty, hike community trails in the highlands, and visit village markets, all at no cost while immersing in Malagasy culture and nature.
Many cultural festivals and sunset viewpoints are free; time your visit for off-peak to avoid any minor entry fees.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and tourist spots, but carry cash (Ariary or USD) for rural areas, markets, and small vendors where ATMs are scarce.
Exchange USD at banks for better rates than airports; avoid dynamic currency conversion to minimize fees.
Park Passes
Purchase a multi-park pass for $50-70 covering entry to several national parks like Ranomafana and Isalo, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and paying off after 3-4 visits.
Combine with local guide hires to access group discounts and deeper insights into endemic species.
Smart Packing for Madagascar
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical climate, including long sleeves and pants for sun and insect protection during rainforest hikes. Include modest attire for visiting local villages and cultural sites to show respect.
Quick-dry fabrics are ideal for humid conditions; layer for cooler highland evenings around Antananarivo.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type C, D, E, J, or K plugs, a solar-powered power bank for remote areas with unreliable electricity, and a waterproof phone case for beach outings. Download offline maps of national parks and a translation app for Malagasy phrases.
A good camera or binoculars are must-haves for capturing lemurs and chameleons in their natural habitats.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, antimalarials, and bandages, plus vaccinations for hepatitis and typhoid. High-SPF sunscreen, DEET insect repellent, and a mosquito net are crucial for malaria-prone regions.
Include water purification tablets or a filter bottle, as tap water is unsafe; pack any personal prescriptions with copies of labels.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable daypack with rain cover for park treks, a reusable water bottle, lightweight sleeping bag for eco-camps, and small-denomination USD or Ariary for tips and fees. A money belt or secure pouch protects valuables in crowded markets.
Include multiple photocopies of your passport, visa, and itinerary, stored separately from originals.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip for rugged paths in Tsingy de Bemaraha or Andringitra trails, paired with lightweight sandals for beach relaxation in Nosy Be. Waterproof options are essential for river crossings and rainy season mud.
Pack extra socks and blister treatment, as long walks on uneven terrain are common in wildlife areas.
Personal Care
Bring travel-sized biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toiletries to minimize environmental impact in sensitive ecosystems; include reef-safe sunscreen for diving spots like Tulear. A compact poncho or quick-dry towel handles sudden tropical showers.
Lip balm with SPF, wet wipes, and feminine hygiene products are handy, as availability varies outside cities.
When to Visit Madagascar
Cool Dry Season (May-August)
Best time for wildlife viewing with low humidity and temperatures of 18-25°C; ideal for trekking in national parks like Masoala and spotting migratory birds. Fewer crowds mean better access to remote areas, though highlands can be chilly at night.
Whale watching off the east coast peaks here, with clear skies enhancing baobab landscapes in the south.
Warm Dry Season (September-October)
Perfect for beach holidays and diving with warm weather around 25-30°C and blooming flora attracting butterflies and chameleons. Peak season for Nosy Be festivals, but book accommodations early as prices rise 20-30%.
Excellent for snorkeling in marine reserves; inland areas offer comfortable hiking without excessive heat.
Rainy Season Start (November-December)
Affordable travel with lush greenery and temperatures of 22-28°C; great for birdwatching as species breed and fewer tourists visit sites like Perinet Reserve. Short showers are common, but roads can become muddy in rural areas.
Harvest festivals in the highlands provide cultural immersion at lower costs before the full wet season.
Wet Season (January-April)
Budget-friendly for adventurous travelers with heavy rains (25-30°C daytime) creating waterfalls and vibrant rice paddies; ideal for indoor cultural experiences in Antananarivo museums. Cyclones are possible, so flexible itineraries are key, but prices drop 40%.
Lemur babies are born, offering unique sightings in rainforests despite some trail closures.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA). Exchange USD or EUR at banks; cards accepted in cities but cash preferred elsewhere. ATMs limited outside Antananarivo.
- Language: Malagasy and French are official. English spoken in tourist areas, but basic phrases help in rural spots.
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Plugs: Types C, D, E, J, K (multi-type adapter recommended)
- Emergency Number: 17 for police, 18 for fire, 117 for ambulance/medical emergencies
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 5-10% at restaurants, $1-2/day for guides/porters in parks
- Water: Not safe to drink from taps; use bottled or purified water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
- Pharmacies: Available in major towns (look for "Pharmacie" signs); stock up on basics in Antananarivo for remote travel