Madagascar visas
Whether you need a visa for Madagascar depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay. Short visits for tourism are generally covered by an electronic visa (e-Visa) or a visa on arrival, while work, study, family and long-term stays require a "transformable" long-stay visa that is converted into a residence permit after arrival. Visa policy and applications are administered by the Ministry of the Interior and Decentralization through the Immigration and Emigration Service, with the official e-Visa handled via the eService of Tourism, Immigration and Emigration and investor/business routes coordinated by the Economic Development Board of Madagascar (EDBM).
Malagasy visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Madagascar โ tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.3 visas
- Work visasComing to Madagascar to work โ the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Madagascar โ student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Madagascar.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Madagascar as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Madagascar long term โ residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Malagasy visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Madagascar Visa
For all travellers to Madagascar, it is necessary to get a visa in order to enter the country. Other options for international tourists include obtaining a visa in advance via an embassy or consulate, as well as securing a visa online or on arrival. They must also have a passport that is valid for at least six months and a return or onward ticket.
Who needs a visa to Madagascar
Visas are required for everyone entering the Republic of Madagascar. You can apply for different types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit.
Entry into Madagascar
Madagascar's borders are accessible to regional flights and commercial and charter flights to/from Europe on a limited scale. There are no COVID-19 restrictions on travel from Ireland to Madagascar. There is no necessity to produce immunisation or testing certifications for COVID-19.
Madagascar is a destination that requires a visa for Irish citizens. If travelling for tourism, a visa can be obtained at the airport of entry upon arrival. Please contact your local Madagascar Embassy for further information and entry-related questions. Consult your physician well in advance of your trip to determine if you require vaccinations for Madagascar.
Requirements to apply for a Madagascar Visa
There is a criteria in place for when travellers are applying for a Madagascar visa. This criteria is designed to help traveller know what documents are required when applying for a Madagascar visa. The criteria is listed below.
- Visa application form.
- Original passport.
- Passport-type photograph.
- Proof of status. A copy of immigration status in the United States such as a resident card, work, or study permit.
- Itinerary.
- Business invitation.
Processing Time for a Madagascar visa
The processing time for a Madagascar visa varies depending on the type of visa requested. The turnaround time is approximately four to seven business days.
Appointment Waiting Times
Visa appointment wait periods can vary from situation to situation. The seasonal volume of work and number of waiting applicants also affect the projected duration of the wait. However, the bulk of wait periods range between 60 and 120 days.
Who Can Visit Madagascar Without a Visa?
Everyone entering the Republic of Madagascar requires a visa. You can apply for different types of visas based on the reason for your stay in the country.
What To Do If Your Madagascar Visa is Refused
You have the right to contest this verdict. The embassy of the Member State that decided to deny the visa distributes a standard form to notify the applicant of the decision to deny a Madagascar visa and the reasons for the refusal. People regularly ask us how we can "guarantee" the issuance of a visa. Because all final decisions are made by embassies, there is no way to obtain a 100 percent guarantee. All you can do is ensure that your form is as strong as possible. Please get in touch with us if your visa appeal was denied.
Madagascar โ key facts
- Visa authority
- Ministry of the Interior and Decentralization โ Immigration and Emigration Service (via the official eService of Tourism, Immigration and Emigration)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Malagasy ariary (MGA)
- Time zone
- East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3)
Malagasy visas โ people also ask
Passport valid for six months after the date of entrance, with at least three blank pages. Visas must be obtained prior to travel or purchased at the port of entry for stays of less than three months. Visas can be acquired in exchange for U.S. dollars, euros, or Malagasy ariary, however credit cards are not accepted. Proof of onward and return travel.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources ยท last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only โ not legal advice.
