Madagascar Visa for France Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Madagascar as a French citizen? You can enter visa-free for up to 15 days with just a €10 administrative fee, or obtain a visa on arrival for longer stays up to 90 days. French travelers enjoy near-universal approval with minimal documentation. This guide covers everything you need: visa options, fees, required documents, and entry requirements.

Visa Application process

French citizens have three convenient options for obtaining a Madagascar visa.13 Option 1: Visa-Free Entry (Up to 15 Days) For short visits up to 15 days, you do not need a visa. Simply pay the €10 administrative fee on arrival at immigration.1 Present your passport, return ticket, and proceed through customs. This is ideal for quick trips to see lemurs in Andasibe or relax on Nosy Be beaches. Option 2: Visa on Arrival (Up to 90 Days) For longer stays, obtain your visa at the airport upon arrival.1 Head to the visa counter before immigration, fill out a brief application form, pay the fee, and receive your visa stamp within minutes. This option works well for most tourists planning extended explorations of Madagascar’s diverse landscapes. Option 3: E-Visa (Pre-Approved Online) Apply online at evisamada.gov.mg at least 72 hours before travel.2 Upload your passport scan and photo, pay online, and receive your e-visa by email. Print the approval and present it on arrival for faster processing. This option provides peace of mind before departure.

Visa Application Steps

1. Valid Travel Documents Your passport must have at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. Entry will be denied if these conditions are not met.
2. Intent to Leave A return or onward ticket proves you plan to leave Madagascar within your visa validity. One-way tickets may prompt additional questions.
3. Accommodation Plans Know where you are staying. Hotel bookings, tour confirmations, or a host’s address satisfy this requirement.
4. Health Requirements If arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country, you must show a valid vaccination certificate.1 Direct travelers from France are exempt from this requirement.

Visa Fees breakdown

Length of Stay: Visa Fee	Up to 15 days: €10	15-30 days: €35	31-60 days: €40	61-90 days: €54	All fees can be paid in cash at the airport visa counter.13 Euros are most convenient for French travelers. Bring exact change when possible, as change availability can be limited.	E-visa fees are similar but paid online via credit card.2 Additional processing fees may apply depending on the e-visa service used.

What you need to prove

Madagascar immigration checks are straightforward for French citizens. You must demonstrate:

Required documents

Valid Passport
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of Accommodation
Visa Fee Payment

Valid Passport

Your French passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Madagascar • At least 2 blank pages required for visa stamp; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Must be a standard passport (not emergency travel document)] (Tip: Check your passport expiry date before booking flightsCarry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately from the original)

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of return flight to France or onward travel out of Madagascar • Must be a confirmed booking, not just an itinerary; • Electronic or printed ticket accepted; • Travel date must be within your visa validity period] (Tip: Book a flexible ticket if your plans may changeHave your booking confirmation easily accessible on your phone)

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel booking, tour operator confirmation, or invitation letter from host • Hotel reservations with confirmation number; • For staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation; • Tour package confirmation if traveling with an organized group] (Tip: Book refundable accommodation in case plans changeFor multi-city trips, have bookings for all locations)

Visa Fee Payment

Cash payment for visa on arrival in Euros, US Dollars, or Malagasy Ariary • €10 for stays up to 15 days; • €35 for 15-30 days; • €40 for 31-60 days; • €54 for 61-90 days] (Tip: Bring exact change as airport counters may have limited changeEuros are the most convenient currency for French travelers)

Optional documents

Proof of Sufficient Funds | Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence of financial means to support your stay • Credit cards are widely accepted; • Bank statement may be requested but rarely required; • Carry some cash in Euros for visa fee payment] (Tip: Bring cash in Euros or US Dollars for the visa feeNotify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks)

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for yellow fever • Required if traveling from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries; • Certificate must be valid (vaccination effective 10 days after administration); • Lifetime validity for yellow fever vaccination] (Tip: If transiting through Africa, check if your transit country requires this certificateFrance is not a yellow fever risk country, so direct travelers from France do not need this)

Border entry information

French citizens can enter Madagascar through several international gateways.1
International Airports:
• Antananarivo-Ivato International Airport (TNR): The main gateway, serving the capital. Most international flights arrive here, including Air France flights from Paris.
• Fascene Airport, Nosy Be (NOS): Popular for beach holidays, with some direct charter flights from Europe.
Seaports:
Cruise passengers can obtain visas at major ports including Toamasina (Tamatave), Mahajanga, and Antsiranana (Diego Suarez).3

Comparison

Length of Stay	Visa Fee	Payment Methods
Up to 15 days	€10	EUR, USD, MGA
15-30 days	€35	EUR, USD, MGA
31-60 days	€40	EUR, USD, MGA
61-90 days	€54	EUR, USD, MGA

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Passport Validity Issues
30%	No Return or Onward Ticket
20%	Insufficient Documentation
10%	Missing Health Documentation
5%	Previous Immigration Violations

35% - Passport Validity Issues

How to avoid: Check your passport validity before booking. Renew if it expires within 6 months of your planned return date, and ensure you have at least 2 blank pages.

30% - No Return or Onward Ticket

How to avoid: Book your return flight before traveling. Immigration may deny entry without proof of departure plans.

20% - Insufficient Documentation

How to avoid: Have your hotel bookings or host contact details ready. Print or save confirmations on your phone for easy access.

10% - Missing Health Documentation

How to avoid: If transiting through or arriving from Africa, Asia, or South America, check yellow fever requirements and get vaccinated if needed.

5% - Previous Immigration Violations

How to avoid: If you have previous violations, consider applying at a Madagascar embassy before travel to address any concerns in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Do French citizens need a visa to visit Madagascar?

French citizens can enter Madagascar visa-free for up to 15 days with just a €10 administrative fee. For stays longer than 15 days, you can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport for stays up to 90 days.

How much does a Madagascar visa cost for French citizens?

The cost depends on your length of stay: €10 for up to 15 days, €35 for 15-30 days, €40 for 31-60 days, and €54 for 61-90 days. Fees can be paid in Euros, US Dollars, or Malagasy Ariary.

Can I get a Madagascar visa on arrival as a French citizen?

Yes, French citizens can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Antananarivo-Ivato International Airport or Nosy Be Airport. The process is quick and straightforward, and visas are issued immediately upon payment.

How long can French citizens stay in Madagascar?

With the initial visa, French citizens can stay up to 90 days. This visa can be extended while in Madagascar at local immigration offices for an additional fee, up to a maximum total stay of 90 days.

What documents do I need for Madagascar visa on arrival?

You need a valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), return or onward flight ticket, proof of accommodation, and cash for the visa fee. Yellow fever vaccination is only required if arriving from an endemic country.

Is there a Madagascar e-visa for French citizens?

Yes, French citizens can apply for an e-visa online at evisamada.gov.mg before traveling. Applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before departure. However, visa on arrival is equally convenient for most travelers.

Can I extend my Madagascar visa?

Yes, tourist visas can be extended while in Madagascar at the Service des Étrangers (Foreigners Service) office. Extensions are available up to a maximum total stay of 90 days. Apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstay penalties.

What if my Madagascar visa application is rejected on arrival?

Rejections are rare for French citizens meeting basic requirements. If rejected, ensure you have a valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. You may be allowed to return on the next available flight and reapply through an embassy.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Madagascar?

Yellow fever vaccination is only required if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with yellow fever transmission risk. France is not on this list, so direct travelers from France do not need the vaccine.

What is the best time to visit Madagascar?

The dry season from April to November is the best time to visit, with May to October being peak tourist season. The rainy season from December to March brings cyclones and flooding, making travel more difficult in some regions.

Apply for Madagascar tourist visa online

Sources

UK Government Foreign Travel Advice - Madagascar

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/madagascar/entry-requirements

Madagascar E-Visa Official Portal

https://www.evisamada.gov.mg

Embassy of Madagascar Berlin

https://ambamad-berlin.diplomatie.gov.mg/index.php/en/visa

Madagascar Ministry of Tourism Statistics

https://www.capmad.com/tourism-en/tourism-madagascar-air-growth-and-economic-benefits/

Vivy Travel Madagascar Entry Requirements

https://www.vivytravel.com/have-madagascars-entry-requirements-changed-in-2025/

At a glance