Located on the coast of southern Africa, Madagascar island is considered one of the fifth largest islands in the world. Beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and delectable cuisine are just some of the reasons why you should visit the beautiful island of Madagascar.
However, everyone who wants to enter the island is required to apply for a Madagascar visa. For further information regarding the visa policy, requirements, visa fees, and the Madagascar visa types read the article below.
Who Needs a Visa for Madagascar?
Everyone needs a visa to enter the Republic of Madagascar. There are different types of visas you can apply for depending on the purpose of your stay in the country.
How to Apply for a Madagascar Visa?
Here are some options on how to apply for a Madagascar visa:
- Apply online.
- Apply at the port of entry.
- Apply at the embassy or consulate of Madagascar.
Apply Online
Applicants who want to apply for a Madagascar visa online must follow these steps:
- Enter the official page of the Madagascar e-Visa.
- Select the type of visa you want to apply for.
- Fill out the application form with all the required personal information. Do not leave any blank spaces.
- Confirm your traveling and return date.
- Wait until you receive a confirmation.
- Download the confirmation letter and print a copy of the confirmation.
- You will need to present your anding authorization at the port of entry in Madagascar.
An e-Visa application form must be completed at least three days before your entry date to Madagascar.
Apply at the Port of Entry
Everyone can apply for a Madagascar visa at the port of entry expect for Burundi and Palestine citizens. To apply for a visa at the port of entry, applicants must have a valid passport and other required documents to support their visa application.
Apply at the Embassy or Consulate of Madagascar
To apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of Madagascar in your home country, follow these instructions:
- Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Madagascar in your home country and book a visa appointment.
- Fill out the Madagascar visa application form, download it and sign it at the end.
- Gather all the required documents.
- Submit the required documents to the embassy or consulate.
- Finish the applicable visa fee payment.
- Wait until you receive a response from the embassy or consulate of Madagascar with your visa application result.
Madagascar Visa Requirements
Applicants who want to apply for a Madagascar visa must submit the following documents:
- A passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of return. The passport must have at least two blank pages.
- A fully completed and signed Madagascar visa application form.
- A passport-sized photograph taken within the last three months. Your photo must be in color and in compliance with Madagascar visa photo requirements.
- An accommodation document proving that you have a place to stay in Madagascar. This document can be a rental agreement, hotel reservation, or invitation letter.
- An invitation letter by a host in Madagascar.
- A return or ongoing flight itinerary.
- A valid health insurance that will cover you for any health incident in Madagascar.
- A yellow fever card (if applicable).
Note: Other documents can be required depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Remember that missing documents or false information can lead to your visa being denied.
Madagascar Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Madagascar visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for. The processing time is approx-four to seven working days.
The Madagascar Immigration Office can extend the processing time if there is any missing or incorrect information in your visa application form.
Duration of a Madagascar Visa
The duration of a Madagascar visa depends on the type of visa the applicant is applying for. For example:
- A tourist visa is valid for 30 to 90 days.
- A work visa is valid for five years.
The applicant will be informed of the duration of their visa once their visa is issued.
Madagascar Visa Fees
Madagascar visa fees can change depending on several factors, such as:
- The type of visa you are applying for.
- Your age.
- The country you apply from.
- Your profession.
However, a tourist visa ranges from $30 to $50, and a business visa can start from $50.
The applicant must finish the visa application fee payment in cash at the port of entry.
Madagascar Visa Types
There are two main types of Madagascar visa:
- A tourist visa is issued for tourism, visits, and sightseeing purposes.
- A transformable (long-stay) visa is issued to foreign citizens for the following purposes:
- Investment.
- Work.
- Family reunion.
- Study.
- Volunteer work.
- Scientists.
- Retirement.
- Natives.
- Humanitarian missionaries.
- Religious missionaries.
- Managers to a company in Madagascar.
Applicants who want to apply for a transformable long-stay visa must first stay in Madagascar for one month with a tourist visa. Then they must decide on the type of long-stay visa they want to apply for and apply at the Ministry of Interior (Department of Immigration) in Madagascar within that month.
Why Should You Visit Madagascar?
Here are a few reasons why you should visit Madagascar:
- You can go whale watching.
- You can see some of the unique animals and wild species.
- The beaches are breathtaking, with crystal clear blue waters.
- The locals are friendly and ready to help in any situation and time.
- The food and drinks are unique and tasty.
- You can do volunteer work and help the locals.
- The country is home to one of the biggest baobab trees in the world.
- You can visit the Grand Canyon in Madagascar.
- You can go surfing and hiking and experience an unforgettable sunset.
- You can explore and learn a lot about the culture and traditions of Madagascar.