Foreign travel advice

Madagascar

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Madagascar set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of Madagascar in London

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Madagascar. 

Passport validity requirements 

To enter Madagascar, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. It must also have at least 2 blank pages.  

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements 

You can visit Madagascar for up to 15 days without a visa. You must pay a 10-euro administration fee on arrival and be ready to show your onward or return tickets. 

Applying for a visa 

If you want to stay longer than 15 days, you can buy a 30- or 60-day single-entry tourist visa on arrival at the airport with US dollars, euros or Malagasy ariary.  

You can also apply in advance to the Embassy of Madagascar in London for a tourist or immigrant visa. 

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

You can extend either of these visas to a maximum total stay of 90 days while you are in Madagascar. If you overstay, you may be detained or deported.  

Travelling with children 

A child aged 17 or under, travelling without one or either parent must carry written authorisation from the absent parent or parents when leaving Madagascar. 

Vaccination requirements  

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Madagascar guide

Depending on your circumstances, these may include: 

  • a yellow fever vaccination certificate 
  • a polio vaccination certificate 

Health screening

Cholera

If you are entering Madagascar from a Cholera-affected country, you may be asked by airport authorities to take an anti-cholera drug (Doxcyline) for three days. Anyone who is unable to take Doxcyline should be offered an alternative medication by the health authorities.

Alternative medication will be provided to those that: 

  • are pregnant 
  • are under 8 years old  
  • have a pre existing medical condition

You are likely to be asked to leave contact details with the health authorities and they may follow up with you after 3-5 days.

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Madagascar. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking food into and out of Madagascar 

Do not take in any food, including fruit, as this is illegal. 

When leaving Madagascar you may, after declaring and showing receipts, take out: 

  • up to 2kg of vanilla 
  • up to 1kg of pepper or cloves 

You may only export other plant and animal products if you get permission.

Taking money into Madagascar 

You can take up to 400,000 Malagasy ariary into Madagascar.  

Declare foreign cash or travellers cheques if the value is 7,500 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.