Madagascar eVisa VS Visa (Traditional Visa)

Navigating the visa application process is crucial when planning a trip to Madagascar. The country offers two main visa options: the eVisa and the traditional visa. The Madagascar eVisa, introduced in 2017, is a digital visa application process designed for convenience. Travellers can apply for and receive their visas online without visiting an embassy. It's primarily available for tourism purposes.

On the other hand, the traditional visa, obtained through an embassy or consulate, caters to a broader range of purposes, including business, work, study, and more, offering flexibility for extended and varied stays. Each visa type has its unique application process, required documents, and eligibility criteria tailored to accommodate the diverse needs of international visitors. This comparison aims to highlight the differences and guide you in choosing the correct visa type for your journey to Madagascar.

What is an Electronic visa?

An e-Visa is a digital visa obtained online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or mail in your passport. Applicants submit their information and documents through an online form, pay a fee, and receive their visa via email.

This modern solution simplifies the application process, enhances security, and is used by travellers for tourism, business, or transit purposes, depending on the issuing country's policies. Not all countries offer e-Visas, and eligibility may vary based on nationality and travel intent.

Advantages of Madagascar E-visa

Travellers planning a trip to Madagascar will find the Madagascar e-Visa to be a convenient option due to its many benefits:

Apply for Madagascar E-visa

Embarking to Madagascar has been challenging since the e-visa application process was introduced. Designed to streamline your travel preparations, applying for a Madagascar e-Visa offers a convenient, secure, and efficient way to secure your travel authorisation online.

• Verify Eligibility: First, ensure your nationality qualifies for an e-Visa by checking Madagascar visa eligible countries.
• Collect Necessary Documents: Prepare a valid passport and evidence of your travel itinerary and financial means may required.
• Application Submission: Visit Madagascar's official e-Visa website to fill out the application form with your personal details and passport details and upload the required documents.
• Make a Payment: The visa fee must be paid online via debit or credit card.
• Await Approval: Processing usually takes a few days. Once approved, you'll receive your e-visa by email.
• Prepare for Travel: Print the e-Visa and bring it with your passport when you travel to Madagascar. Remember, the e-visa is valid for 15 to 60 days from issuance and is suitable for a single entry.

How do I check my E-visa application status?

To track the status of your Madagascar e-Visa application online, simply follow these streamlined steps:

• Access the e-Visa Portal: Navigate to Madagascar's e-Visa website, where the process begins.
• Select Status Check Feature: On the website, locate and click the "Check Visa Status" or "Madagascar e-Visa Application Status" link on the homepage or within the site's menu.
• Input Your Information: Enter the application ID you were given after submitting your e-Visa application and your personal information, including your name and passport number.
• Captcha verification: You need to enter the text captcha for security verification.
• View Application Status: Upon submission, the site will display the current status of your e-Visa request, indicating whether it's been approved, denied, or is still pending.
• Download or Print e-Visa: If your application is successful, you can download or print the e-Visa for your records and use.

The entire e-visa processing generally takes a few days. Tracking your application status ensures you're informed about your visa's approval in time for your travel plans.

The validity period of the Madagascar E-visa

Understanding the validity period of the Madagascar e-Visa is essential for planning your trip to this unique island nation. Once issued by the Madagascar government, the e-Visa remains valid for 60 days, setting a window within which you must enter Madagascar. This system aims to facilitate travel arrangements while helping effectively manage visitors' flow to Madagascar.

• Validity period: The e-visa is valid for 60 days after the Madagascar government issueit. This means you have 60 days from that date to enter Madagascar.
• Maximum permitted stay: Even though the e-visa is valid for 60 days, it typically allows a maximum stay of 15 or 30 days in Madagascar, depending on the type of e-visa you apply for (single-entry options come in these durations). Check the details on your approved e-visa to confirm the duration of your permitted stay.

What can you do with Madagascar E-visa?

The Madagascar e-Visa allows travellers to enter Madagascar for various purposes without the need for a traditional visa stamp in their passport before arrival. Here's what you can do with it:

• Tourism: It's ideal for those exploring Madagascar's unique biodiversity, beaches, and cultural sites.
• Visiting Relatives: If you have family in Madagascar, an e-Visa makes it easier to visit them.
• Business Activities: Attend meetings, conferences, or short-term business affairs.
• Transit: Useful for travellers passing through Madagascar en route to another destination.

It's essential to choose the correct type of e-visa based on the duration of your stay (15, 30, or 60 days) and ensure that your activities align with the visa's terms.

Traditional Visa in Brief

The Madagascar Traditional Visa requires an application at an embassy or consulate and is suitable for various travel purposes, including business and study. It demands in-person or mail submission of documents like a valid passport and application form. This visa type can offer multiple entries and more extended stays than an e-visa, making it ideal for extended visits. Details on the application process and required documents may vary, so checking with the nearest Madagascar embassy or consulate is advised.

What are the benefits of the Madagascar Traditional Visa?

The Madagascar Traditional Visa offers several benefits for travellers and foreign nationals, making it a preferred choice for certain types of visits:

While the traditional Madagascar visa process might require more time and documentation than the e-visa, its benefits make it a compelling option for travellers with specific needs or those planning longer or more complex visits to Madagascar.

Apply for Madagascar Traditional Visa

Applying for a traditional Madagascar visa involves contacting your home country's Malagasy embassy or consulate. Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Find the embassy/consulate: Locate the nearest one and schedule an appointment.
2. Prepare documents: These typically include a passport, visa application form, photos, flight tickets, and proof of accommodation. Depending on your situation, they may ask for additional documents (cover letter, proof of funds, invitation letter, etc.).
3. Submit application and fees: Attend your appointment and submit everything along with the visa fee.
4. Processing and collection: Processing time varies, but it usually takes weeks. You can collect your visa once it is approved.

How to Check the Status of Your Traditional Madagascar Visa

The procedure for checking the status of your traditional visa application for Madagascar differs based on the Embassy or Consulate where you applied.

Visit Madagascar's official website or the Embassy's local page for the most up-to-date and accurate instructions. Here are some standard methods to check on your traditional visa application:

• Direct Contact: Contact the Madagascar Embassy or Consulate where you applied, using their contact information to inquire about your visa status.
• Email Inquiry: Email the respective Embassy or Consulate requesting updates on your visa application status.
• Phone Inquiry: Call the Embassy or Consulate directly to ask about the current status of your visa application.
• Online Tracking: Some Embassies or Consulates may offer a website through which you can check your visa application status.

The validity of the Madagascar Traditional Visa

The validity of a traditional Madagascar visa varies depending on the kind of visa you request since Madagascar caters to multiple visa types, such as tourist, transit, and business.

Tourist visa: This is the most common type and is typically valid for 15, 30, or 60 days from your entry into Madagascar.

Longstay visa: The Madagascar long-stay visa is tailored for individuals planning an extended stay in Madagascar, covering various purposes such as work, investment, retirement, or family reunification. It is valid for 30/60/90 days and even for several years.

What can you do with Madagascar Traditional Visa?

Depending on your visa type, you can do various things in Madagascar with a traditional visa. Here are some of the common types of conventional visas and what they allow you to do:

• Tourist Visa: This visa lets you go to Madagascar for tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, and other non-business activities. You can explore the country's unique biodiversity, beautiful landscapes, and cultural heritage.
• Long-Stay Visa or Transformable Visa: This type of visa is aimed at individuals who intend to stay in Madagascar for extended periods. It's applicable for various purposes, including work, investment, family reunion, retirement, and more. Initially, you enter Madagascar with a convertible visa, which you must convert into a long-stay visa upon fulfilling specific conditions.

Comparison of E-visa vs Traditional visa

The Madagascar e-Visa and traditional visa cater to different needs of travellers, offering options that balance convenience against flexibility and long-term stay capabilities. Here's a comparison to help you choose the right visa for your trip to Madagascar:

In conclusion, the choice between an e-visa and a traditional visa depends on your specific travel needs, including the purpose of your visit, how quickly you need the visa, and whether you value the convenience of online processing over the potential for a longer stay or more visa types offered by traditional visas.

Frequently asked questions