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.

Fees

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.

Entry Points

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

What You Need to Prove

Madagascar immigration checks are straightforward for French citizens. You must demonstrate:1

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.

Processing Times

Visa on arrival is processed immediately at the airport counter.1 During peak season (July-August), expect slightly longer queues, but processing rarely exceeds 15-20 minutes.

E-visa applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before departure, though 5-7 days is recommended to allow for any technical issues.2

After Your Visa is Approved

Once you receive your visa stamp on arrival or e-visa approval:1

1. Keep your passport safe: Your visa is stamped directly in your passport. Losing it means losing your visa.

2. Note your departure deadline: Calculate when your visa expires based on your entry date, not when you applied.

3. Carry visa documentation: If you have an e-visa, keep a printed and digital copy accessible.

4. Register if staying long-term: For stays exceeding 30 days in one location, register with local authorities.

At the Border:

Immigration officers may ask basic questions about your visit: where you are staying, how long, and the purpose of your trip. Answer honestly and briefly. French tourists rarely face extended questioning.

Currency Exchange:

Change some money at the airport for immediate expenses. The Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is the local currency. As of 2025, €1 equals approximately 4,800-5,000 MGA.4 ATMs are available in major cities but can be unreliable in remote areas.

If Your Visa is Refused

Visa refusals for French citizens are extremely rare given Madagascar’s welcoming visa-on-arrival policy.1 However, entry may be denied if:

1. Passport issues: Less than 6 months validity or no blank pages
2. No return ticket: Cannot prove intent to leave Madagascar
3. Health requirements not met: Missing yellow fever certificate when required
4. Previous violations: History of overstaying previous Madagascar visas

If Refused:

• You may be allowed to return on the next available flight
• Contact the Embassy of Madagascar in Paris before rebooking: +33 1 45 04 62 11
• Apply for a visa at the embassy to address concerns before traveling again

Embassy Application:

If you prefer certainty, apply in advance at the Embassy of Madagascar in Paris:3

Embassy of Madagascar 4 Avenue Raphaël 75016 Paris, France Tel: +33 1 45 04 62 11

Processing takes 7-10 working days. This option is recommended if you have concerns about meeting entry requirements.

Best Time to Visit Madagascar

Madagascar has two distinct seasons that affect travel conditions:4

Dry Season (April to November): The ideal time for most visitors. Clear skies, cooler temperatures, and excellent wildlife viewing. May to October sees the most tourists, especially July-August when lemurs are most active.

Rainy Season (December to March): Cyclone season brings heavy rainfall, particularly on the east coast. Some roads become impassable, and domestic flights may be cancelled. However, this is when the island is greenest and bird diversity peaks.

French School Holidays: Madagascar sees increased French tourist arrivals during February, July-August, and December school holidays.4 Book accommodation and internal flights well in advance during these periods.

Health and Safety

Recommended Vaccinations: While only yellow fever is conditionally required, the following are recommended for Madagascar travel:1

• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Rabies (if visiting remote areas)
• Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended

Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential. Madagascar’s healthcare infrastructure is limited, and serious medical emergencies often require evacuation to Réunion or South Africa.

Safety: Madagascar is generally safe for tourists, but exercise standard precautions:1

• Avoid walking alone at night in cities
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use registered taxis and guides
• Be cautious in remote areas

French Community in Madagascar

France and Madagascar share deep historical and cultural ties.4 French is one of Madagascar’s official languages, and French is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas. In 2024, over 54,000 French tourists visited Madagascar, making France the largest source market for Malagasy tourism.4

This strong connection means French travelers enjoy several advantages:

• No language barrier in most tourist areas
• Direct flights from Paris to Antananarivo
• Familiar food options available in major cities
• Established French expat community for advice