Madagascar

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Madagascar’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Madagascar set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of Madagascar in London. 

Passport validity requirements 

To enter Madagascar, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. It must also have at least 2 blank pages.  

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements 

You can visit Madagascar for up to 15 days without a visa. You must pay a 10-euro administration fee on arrival and be ready to show your onward or return tickets. 

Applying for a visa 

If you want to stay longer than 15 days, you can buy a 30- or 60-day single-entry tourist visa on arrival at the airport with US dollars, euros or Malagasy ariary.  

You can also apply in advance to the Embassy of Madagascar in London for a tourist or immigrant visa. 

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

You can extend either of these visas to a maximum total stay of 90 days while you are in Madagascar. If you overstay, you may be detained or deported.  

Travelling with children 

A child aged 17 or under, travelling without one or either parent must carry written authorisation from the absent parent or parents when leaving Madagascar. 

Vaccine requirements  

To enter Madagascar, you must have a certificates to prove you’ve had:  

• a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
• a polio vaccine in some circumstances

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Madagascar guide. 

Health screening

Cholera

If you are entering Madagascar from a Cholera-affected country, you may be asked by airport authorities to take an anti-cholera drug (Doxcyline). Anyone who is unable to take Doxcyline should be offered an alternative medication by the health authorities.

Alternative medication will be provided to those that: 

• are pregnant 
• are under 8 years old  
• have a pre existing medical condition

You are likely to be asked to leave contact details with the health authorities and they may follow up with you after 3-5 days.

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Madagascar. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking food into and out of Madagascar 

Do not take in any food, including fruit, as this is illegal. 

When leaving Madagascar you may, after declaring and showing receipts, take out: 

• up to 2kg of vanilla 
• up to 1kg of pepper or cloves 

You may only export other plant and animal products if you get permission.

Taking money into Madagascar 

You can take up to 400,000 Malagasy ariary into Madagascar.  

Declare foreign cash or travellers cheques if the value is 7,500 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. 

Emergency services in Madagascar 

Ambulance or police emergency 

Telephone: 17  

Mobile: 117  

To contact the police station directly, call 19, or 119 from a mobile phone. 

Fire 

Telephone: 18  

Mobile: 118 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Madagascar 
• dealing with a death in Madagascar 
• being arrested or imprisoned in Madagascar 
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime 
• what to do if you’re in hospital  
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call  FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

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