madagascar tourist visa

Madagascar Tourist Visa Guide for Indians 2026

The Madagascar tourist visa lets Indian citizens explore one of the world's most extraordinary islands — a land where lemurs leap through rainforests, baobab trees silhouette against sunset skies, and coral reefs teem with marine life found nowhere else on Earth. Madagascar offers both e-visa and visa-on-arrival options, making it one of the most accessible African destinations for Indian travellers. The cheapest option is just EUR 30 (approximately ₹2,940) for a 15-day stay, and the entire e-visa process takes only 15-20 minutes online. This guide covers every document, fee, timeline and insider tip you need to plan your Madagascar trip with confidence.

Types of Visa

Madagascar offers two ways to get a tourist visa — e-visa (online before travel) and visa on arrival at the airport. Both options are straightforward for Indian citizens.

Visa Duration | E-Visa Fee | Visa on Arrival Fee | Best For

Up to 15 days | EUR 30 (₹2,940) | EUR 30 (₹2,940) | Quick beach holiday

Up to 30 days | EUR 35 (₹3,430) | EUR 35 (₹3,430) | Classic Madagascar circuit

Up to 60 days | EUR 40 (₹3,920) | EUR 40 (₹3,920) | Deep exploration

Up to 90 days | EUR 50 (₹4,900) | EUR 50 (₹4,900) | Extended adventure

E-visa is the recommended option. Apply online at the official portal (evisamada-mg.com) before departure, receive your electronic travel authorization via email, and present it at immigration upon arrival. No embassy visit required.

Visa on arrival is available at Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo) and other international airports. You can pay in euros, US dollars, or Malagasy Ariary. Processing takes 15-30 minutes at the airport.

Important: Both options are single-entry only. If you plan to leave and re-enter Madagascar, you will need to apply for a new visa.

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Eligibility

Indian citizens can obtain a Madagascar tourist visa through e-visa or visa on arrival. Here is who qualifies:

Basic eligibility:

·        Indian passport holder with at least 6 months validity from entry date

·        At least 2 blank pages in passport

·        Travelling for tourism, leisure, or visiting friends/family

·        Proof of accommodation and return ticket

Stronger applications have:

·        Previous international travel history

·        Confirmed hotel bookings for entire stay

·        Sufficient funds to cover the trip

·        Travel insurance covering medical emergencies

Who may face challenges:

·        Passport with less than 6 months validity

·        No return or onward ticket

·        Inconsistent travel information

Expert Tip: Madagascar is one of the most visa-friendly African destinations for Indians. The e-visa approval rate is very high with complete documentation.

Documents Required

Most of what you need is standard for any international trip. Gather these before applying:

Mandatory documents:

1.      Passport — Valid for at least 6 months from your entry date, with at least 2 blank pages. Must be in good physical condition with no damage.

2.      Passport-size photograph — Recent colour photo, white background, taken within the last 6 months. Specifications: 4cm x 6cm, face should occupy 70-80% of the photo, no glasses or hats, neutral expression with mouth closed.

3.      Scanned copy of passport bio-data page — Clear scan of the page with your photo and personal details.

4.      Return or onward flight ticket — Confirmed booking showing you will leave Madagascar before your visa expires.

5.      Hotel booking confirmation — Confirmed reservations for your stay in Madagascar. If staying with friends or family, provide an invitation letter.

6.      Proof of sufficient funds — Bank statements or credit card statements showing you can fund your trip.

Recommended but not mandatory:

·        Travel insurance — Strongly recommended. Madagascar's healthcare facilities are limited, and medical evacuation can be expensive.

·        Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate — Required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

·        Cover letter — A brief letter explaining your trip purpose and itinerary.

Tip: For e-visa applications, ensure your passport scan and photo are clear and meet the size requirements. Blurry or incorrect images can delay processing.

Visa Fees

Madagascar offers some of the most affordable visa fees for Indian travellers. Here is the complete breakdown:

Fee Component | Amount (EUR) | Amount (INR)

E-visa (15 days) | EUR 30 | ₹2,940

E-visa (30 days) | EUR 35 | ₹3,430

E-visa (60 days) | EUR 40 | ₹3,920

E-visa (90 days) | EUR 50 | ₹4,900

Visa on arrival (same rates) | Same | Same

Payment methods:

·        E-visa: Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) or debit card

·        Visa on arrival: Cash (EUR, USD, or Malagasy Ariary) or card at some airports

Important notes:

·        All fees are non-refundable

·        A 3% bank processing fee may apply for e-visa payments

·        Inform your bank beforehand about international transactions to avoid blocks

·        Payment must be completed within 30 minutes of e-visa submission

Application Process

Applying for a Madagascar e-visa is straightforward and takes 15-20 minutes. Follow these steps:

7.      Visit the official e-visa portal at evisamada-mg.com. This is the ONLY official government website for Madagascar e-visas.

8.      Create your account with your full name, email address, phone number, and a secure password.

9.      Fill out the application form with your personal details, passport information, travel dates, accommodation details, and purpose of visit.

10.   Upload required documents — passport-size photograph and scanned copy of passport bio-data page.

11.   Review and submit your application. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly — misspelled names or incorrect passport numbers can cause delays.

12.   Make payment using your credit or debit card. Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions.

13.   Wait for processing — standard processing is 4-6 business days. You will receive an email notification when approved.

14.   Download your e-visa from your account. Print a copy or save it on your smartphone for presentation at immigration.

Visa on arrival alternative: If you prefer, you can obtain a visa on arrival at Ivato International Airport. Present your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking at the immigration counter, pay the fee, and receive your visa stamp.

Tip: Apply at least 7 days before departure, ideally 2-3 weeks ahead. The e-visa is valid for 60 days from issuance, so you can apply early and enter Madagascar any time within that window.

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Processing Times

Processing times depend on the application method:

Application Method | Processing Time

E-visa (standard) | 4-6 business days

E-visa (peak season) | 6-10 business days

Visa on arrival | 15-30 minutes at airport

Embassy visa | 2-3 working days

Peak seasons to watch:

·        July-September (whale season and dry season)

·        December-January (holiday season)

When to apply:

·        Standard trips: 2-3 weeks before travel

·        Peak season travel: 3-4 weeks before travel

·        If documents need corrections: add 1 extra week

Financial Requirements

Madagascar is one of the most affordable African destinations. Here is what the embassy and immigration look for:

Minimum bank balance:

·        No fixed official amount, but show you can fund your trip

·        A safe range is ₹1-2 lakh for a 2-week trip

·        Bank statements or credit card statements are accepted

Income proof:

·        Bank statements for the last 3 months

·        Salary slips or income proof

·        Credit card statements showing spending capacity

Daily budget reference (in INR):

Budget Level | Per Day | 10-Day Trip

Budget | ₹3,500-5,000 | ₹35,000-50,000

Mid-range | ₹6,000-10,000 | ₹60,000-1,00,000

Premium | ₹12,000-18,000 | ₹1,20,000-1,80,000

Trip cost estimates (10 days):

Cost Component | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium

Flights (round-trip) | ₹35,000-50,000 | ₹45,000-65,000 | ₹70,000-1,00,000

Accommodation (10 nights) | ₹7,000-12,000 | ₹15,000-30,000 | ₹35,000-60,000

Food (10 days) | ₹5,000-8,000 | ₹10,000-18,000 | ₹20,000-35,000

Activities and transport | ₹5,000-10,000 | ₹12,000-25,000 | ₹25,000-50,000

Visa fees | ₹3,430 | ₹3,920 | ₹4,900

Total | ₹55,430-80,430 | ₹85,920-1,41,920 | ₹1,54,900-2,49,900

Looking for more African adventures? Our Kenya tourist visa guide covers safari options in East Africa, and our South Africa tourist visa guide covers the Rainbow Nation. If you want to combine Madagascar with a beach getaway, check out our Mauritius tourist visa guide for a short island escape.

Why Madagascar for Indian Tourists?

A wildlife wonderland found nowhere else. Madagascar is home to over 100 species of lemurs, 90% of which are found nowhere else on Earth. From the tiny mouse lemur to the majestic indri, these playful creatures are the island's biggest draw. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is the easiest place to see lemurs in the wild.

The Avenue of the Baobabs. This iconic dirt road lined with 800-year-old baobab trees is one of the most photographed sites in Africa. Watching the sunset behind these massive trees, silhouetted against a painted sky, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

World-class diving and beaches. Nosy Be island offers crystal-clear waters, coral reefs teeming with marine life, and the chance to swim with whale sharks and manta rays. The beaches rival the Maldives at a fraction of the cost.

Unique landscapes that defy imagination. The Tsingy de Bemaraha — a labyrinth of sharp limestone pinnacles — is a UNESCO World Heritage site unlike anything you have seen. The rainforests, canyons, and spiny forests of Madagascar feel like exploring another planet.

Incredible value for money. Madagascar is one of the most affordable African destinations. A full meal costs ₹300-600, hotel rooms start from ₹1,500-3,000 per night, and a guided wildlife tour costs ₹2,000-5,000.

What Indian Tourists Love About Madagascar

The lemurs steal the show. Indians consistently rate lemur encounters as the highlight of their trip. Watching these curious, gentle creatures in their natural habitat — leaping through trees, nursing babies, or staring at you with wide eyes — is an experience that stays with you forever.

The biodiversity is mind-blowing. Madagascar has over 20,000 plant species, 90% found nowhere else. Chameleons, fossa, tenrecs, and exotic birds make every nature walk an adventure. The island is often called the "Eighth Continent" for its unique ecosystem.

The beaches are paradise. Nosy Be, Ile Sainte Marie, and the west coast beaches offer pristine sand, warm waters, and incredible marine life. Whale watching season (June-September) brings humpback whales to the coast.

The people are warm and welcoming. Malagasy people are known for their hospitality. The concept of "fihavanana" (kinship and solidarity) runs deep in the culture, and locals often go out of their way to help visitors.

The food is surprisingly delicious. Romazava (the national dish), ravitoto (pork with cassava leaves), and freshly grilled seafood are worth trying. Indian restaurants in Antananarivo offer familiar flavours when you miss home food.

Need help with your visa? Talk to an expert and get your Madagascar Visa approved faster.
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Common Tourist Visa Mistakes

1. Applying at unofficial websites. Many third-party websites charge inflated fees for Madagascar e-visas. Always use the official portal: evisamada-mg.com. This is the only government-authorized website.

2. Passport with less than 6 months validity. Madagascar strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you will be denied boarding or entry.

3. No return or onward ticket. Immigration officers at the airport may ask for proof of onward travel. Without a return or onward ticket, you may be denied entry.

4. Incorrect information in application. Misspelled names, wrong passport numbers, or mismatched dates can delay or reject your e-visa. Double-check every field against your passport before submitting.

5. Not carrying printed e-visa. While you can show the e-visa on your smartphone, it is safer to carry a printed copy. Technology failures at immigration can cause delays.

6. Overstaying your visa. Madagascar charges fines for overstaying. If you need more time, apply for an extension at the Immigration Department at least 7 days before your visa expires.

Expert Tip: Book refundable hotels and flights for your application. Once your visa is approved, you can switch to better deals if available.

Flights from India to Madagascar

No direct flights operate between India and Madagascar. The most common routes connect through Gulf cities or European hubs.

Route | Via | Duration | Round-Trip Cost

Delhi → Antananarivo | Dubai/Paris | 12-18 hours | ₹35,000-55,000

Mumbai → Antananarivo | Dubai/Istanbul | 12-18 hours | ₹38,000-58,000

Bengaluru → Antananarivo | Dubai/Paris | 14-20 hours | ₹40,000-62,000

Chennai → Antananarivo | Dubai/Paris | 14-20 hours | ₹42,000-65,000

Flight time from Delhi is approximately 12-18 hours including layover. Emirates via Dubai and Air France via Paris are the most popular options. Booking 2-3 months in advance typically yields the best fares.

Sample Itineraries

7-Day Madagascar Highlights

Day 1-2: Antananarivo — Rova, old town, Lemur Park.

Day 3-4: Andasibe-Mantadia — Indri lemur trekking, night walks.

Day 5-6: Avenue of the Baobabs — Sunset at the baobabs, Kirindy Forest.

Day 7: Antananarivo — Shopping, departure.

Conclusion

Madagascar offers Indian travellers a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure — lemurs found nowhere else on Earth, the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs, pristine beaches, and unique landscapes, all at incredibly affordable prices. The e-visa costs just EUR 30 (₹2,940) for 15 days and takes 4-6 business days to process. For the complete document checklist, eligibility details, and multi-entry options, see the main Madagascar visa guide.

Need help with your visa? Talk to an expert and get your Madagascar Visa approved faster.
Apply for Visa ›

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Madagascar tourist visa?

E-visa processing typically takes 4-6 business days. During peak seasons (July-September, December-January), it may extend to 6-10 business days. Visa on arrival takes 15-30 minutes at the airport. You can track your e-visa application status online through the official portal.

Is the fee refundable if my Madagascar visa is refused?

No. The Madagascar visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. This is standard for most visa applications worldwide. If your application is refused, you can reapply after addressing the reason for rejection. Check our Madagascar visa rejection reasons guide to understand common pitfalls and improve your next application.

Can I extend my stay in Madagascar?

Yes. You can extend your tourist visa once after arrival for an additional 30 days. You must apply for extension at the Madagascar Immigration Department at least 7 days before your current visa expires. Extension fees apply in Malagasy Ariary.

Do I need a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate?

A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you are flying directly from India, it is generally not required, but check the latest requirements before travel.

What is the minimum bank balance required for a Madagascar tourist visa?

There is no fixed official amount, but showing ₹1-2 lakh in your bank account for a 2-week trip is recommended. Bank statements or credit card statements are accepted as proof of sufficient funds.

Can I pay visa fees in Indian Rupees?

For e-visa, you pay in EUR or USD and your bank converts to INR. At the airport, you can pay in euros, US dollars, or Malagasy Ariary. Indian Rupees are not accepted.

Can I work or study on a Madagascar tourist visa?

No. The tourist visa is strictly for leisure travel, sightseeing, and visiting friends or family. Working, volunteering, or conducting business on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and future visa bans.

Is Madagascar safe for Indian tourists?

Yes. Madagascar is generally safe for Indian tourists. The main concerns are petty theft in cities and poor road conditions in rural areas. Stick to registered tour operators, keep valuables secure, and avoid walking alone at night.

 

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