Madagascar Visa Types

Madagascar offers multiple visa types to accommodate the diverse needs of travellers and foreign nationals wishing to enter its borders. Whether planning a vacation, a business trip, or a more extended stay, understanding the available visa options is crucial for a smooth travel experience. This guide introduces the main Madagascar visa categories, including electronic and traditional visas, each designed with specific eligibility criteria and intended purposes.

From the convenience of the Madagascar e-Visa system for tourists to the requirements for business and work-related visits, we'll help you navigate the essentials of securing the right authorisation for your journey to Madagascar. There are two main categories of visas for Madagascar: E-visas and traditional visas.

Madagascar E-visa

In an effort to expedite the visa application process, the Madagascar e-Visa was created in 2017. Unlike a traditional visa, foreign nationals can obtain an e-visa without physically visiting the Madagascar embassy. This travel document can be applied online, greatly expediting the application process. Currently, an e-visa is valid for tourism purposes.

• Tourist E-visa: The Madagascar Before travelling to Madagascar, travellers can apply for and obtain a Tourist E-Visa online thanks to this electronic visa. It's designed for those visiting Madagascar for tourism purposes and is valid for up to 15, 30 or 60 days. The e-visa system streamlines the process of applying for a visa, making it more convenient for travellers to manage their entry requirements into Madagascar.

This means the Madagascar embassy can issue e-visas as tourist visas. You can use an e-visa to:

• Visit relatives
• Explore the country
• Attend meetings and conferences

The type of e-visa you need depends on the length of your intended stay. The Madagascar single-entry e-visa can stay in the country for 15, 30, or 60 days. If you want to stay in Madagascar longer, you must apply for a traditional visa.

Required documents for Madagascar E-visa

To apply for a Madagascar E-visa, you'll need these primary documents:

• Valid Passport: A scan of your original passport still valid for at least six months from your arrival date in Madagascar. The passport should have two blank pages for any stamps or visa issuance.
• E-mail Address: Please provide a valid and active email address for submitting your application and receiving your e-visa.
• Means of Payment: You can pay the embassy and visa fees using a credit or debit card.

In addition to these, depending on your nationality and purpose of stay, you might need some extra documents such as:

• Photograph: A passport-sized digital photo captured within the last 6 months with a white background.
• Itinerary: A confirmation of your travel dates, including your entry and departure from Madagascar and the duration of your stay.
• Bank Statement: Evidence of having the money to pay for your stay in Madagascar.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: This is required if you are travelling from or have transited through a country with a risk of yellow fever.
• Invitation Letter: If you're visiting someone in Madagascar, you might need an invitation letter from them.
• Business Support Letter: A letter from the company you're visiting in Madagascar may be required for business travel.
• Proof of Status: This could be a document showing your employment or student status, depending on your situation.

Madagascar Traditional Visa

A traditional visa is a paper visa obtained by applying at a Madagascar embassy or consulate. Traditional visas are required for a wider variety of purposes than e-visas, including:

• Business
• Transit
• Investment
• Work
• Family reunion
• Study
• Volunteer work
• Scientific research
• Retirement
• Religious missions

The process for obtaining a traditional visa may be more complex than the application process for an e-visa. You will typically need to submit more documentation and schedule an appointment to meet with a visa officer.

Here's a table that summarises the two types of Madagascar visas:

Required documents for Madagascar Traditional Visa

While Madagascar offers a convenient E-visa option, there is also a traditional visa application process. Here's what you'll generally need for a traditional Madagascar visa:

• Valid Passport: Similar to the E-visa, your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended stay in Madagascar, with a minimum of two empty visa stamp pages.
• Visa Application Form: You have to complete and sign the form. You can usually obtain it from your home country's Malagasy embassy or consulate.
• Passport-Sized Photograph: Two recent passport-sized photographs meeting specific requirements.
• Confirmed Flight Tickets: A document proving your onward or return flights from Madagascar.
• Proof of Accommodation: This might include a confirmation of your hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter stating your place to stay in Madagascar.

There might be additional requirements depending on your situation:

• Covering Letter: A letter explaining your purpose for visiting Madagascar might be required.
• Proof of Funds: Bank statements or other documents showcasing you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: This certificate is mandatory if travelling from a country with a yellow fever risk.
• Invitation Letter: A letter from the person who hosts you in Madagascar might be necessary for visits based on invitations.
• Business Documentation: Business travellers may need a letter from the company they're visiting in Madagascar.
• Proof of Status: Depending on your situation, this could be a document verifying your employment or student status.

How can I start working in Madagascar?

Embarking on a career in Madagascar offers promising prospects in a varied and expanding market, notably in agriculture, textiles, tourism, and technology. Expats often find roles in specialised areas like engineering, IT, and education. Securing employment typically involves leveraging professional networks such as LinkedIn. One must obtain a work permit to work legally, usually facilitated by the employer who sponsors the work visa. Self-employed individuals must navigate this process independently, often through a partnership with an umbrella company.

Job Market:

• Growing Economy: Madagascar's economy is growing and is driven by agriculture, textiles, tourism, and food processing.
• Expat Opportunities: Expatriates are often employed in engineering, IT, telecommunications, and English teaching.
• Finding a Job: Look for opportunities on professional networking sites like LinkedIn.

Visa and Permits:

• Work Permit Required: All foreigners working in Madagascar need a work permit.
• Employer Sponsorship: Typically, your employer will sponsor your work visa application, simplifying the process.
• Self-Employed: If self-employed, you must arrange the work permit, possibly through an umbrella company.

Frequently asked questions