Passports of all visitors must be valid for at least six months after entry date. Visas can be issued on arrival, but it is highly recommended that visitors obtain visas prior to arrival. At least one blank page is needed in passports, reserved for use by the
Madagascar Immigration Authorities. Return or onward tickets are required; otherwise a deposit must be paid before arriving in
Madagascar, which is equivalent to the cost of a flight to the country of origin.
Americans: US nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
UK nationals: UK nationals require
a valid passport and a visa to enter Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport and a visa to enter Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
Australians: Australians require a valid passport and a visa to enter Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport and a visa to enter Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
Health
Malaria is a risk throughout the year and is highest on the coast. Cases of dengue fever and chikungunya fever were reported in February 2006 and are transmitted by mosquitoes; precautionary measures against being bitten should be taken at all times. In April 2008, an outbreak of
Rift Valley fever was reported in five regions; contact with domestic animals and mosquitoes should be avoided. All travelers coming from a country with yellow fever require inoculation against the disease. Other risks include bilharzia, tuberculosis and rabies. Tap water should not be drunk unless it has been boiled or chemically treated. Medical facilities are limited, and outside of the capital medical care may be difficult to find. Limited French medications are available in Tana and it is advisable to bring along a medical kit for private use. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Safety
Generally visits to Madagascar are trouble-free, but precautions against opportunistic crime, especially in the urban areas, should be taken. Pickpockets operate at the airport and in crowded areas such as markets. At night, avoid walking around city centers and road travel outside urban areas as there have been occasional hold-ups on the main routes. The height of the cyclone season is from January to March and affects the coastal regions.
