The Madagascar business eVisa allows UK professionals to enter Madagascar for commercial activities as a single-entry (up to 30 days) or multi-entry (up to 90 days) authorisation. Applicants must provide a valid passport, a formal invitation letter from a registered Malagasy sponsor, and employment documents from their UK employer confirming the business purpose. To apply in 2026, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and contain 2 or more blank pages. The Malagasy sponsor must be a legally registered company with valid NIF and STAT numbers, and provide a formal invitation letter on company letterhead.
Published: 10 September 2026 by the editorial team. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify requirements with the Embassy of Madagascar or the official eVisa portal before applying.
To apply for a Madagascar business eVisa in 2026, UK citizens need a valid passport (6+ months), a completed application form, passport-sized photo, a formal invitation letter from a Madagascar-based sponsor company (with NIF and STAT numbers), and employment documents from their UK employer confirming the purpose of travel. The eVisa can be applied for online or through the Embassy of Madagascar in London.
Madagascar Business eVisa: Eligibility, Visa Types & Visa-Free Entry for UK Citizens
The Madagascar business eVisa is a single-entry (30 days) or multi-entry (90 days) authorisation for UK professionals. A 15-day visa-free stay is also available.
UK citizens: 15-day visa-free entry (€10 admin fee on arrival) requires proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement) and a return or onward ticket. When a sponsored business trip exceeds 15 days, the Madagascar business eVisa becomes mandatory.
Do UK Citizens Need a Business eVisa?
UK passport holders may enter Madagascar visa-free for up to 15 days under the visa exemption scheme. The Madagascar business eVisa is required when the stay exceeds this limit or when a formal Malagasy sponsor invites the traveller for structured commercial activity.
| Feature | Visa-Free Entry | Madagascar Business eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 15 days | 30 days (single) / 90 days (multi) |
| Admin/visa fee | €10 on arrival | ~USD 66 single / ~USD 102 multi |
| Sponsor required | No | Yes |
| Passport validity | 6 months minimum | 6 months minimum, 2+ blank pages |
Single-Entry vs. Multi-Entry Options
Single-entry permits one stay of up to 30 days, suitable for short-term meetings or site visits. Multi-entry allows cumulative stays up to 90 days across multiple trips within the validity period, suited to phased project work. The Madagascar business eVisa covers tourism, business, conference, seminar, and family-event purposes under this non-immigrant framework.
Required Documents: UK Employer & Malagasy Sponsor Checklist
UK applicants must provide a valid passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages), completed application form, passport-sized digital photograph, employer support letter, and a formal invitation letter from a registered Malagasy sponsor with NIF and STAT numbers.
What Your UK Employer Must Provide
- Employer support letter on company letterhead, signed by HR/director, confirming role, purpose, duration, financial responsibility, and guarantee of return to UK employment
- Recent pay slips (3 months); Companies House reference; contract or appointment letter
What Your Malagasy Sponsor Must Provide
Your sponsor must be legally registered with:
- Valid NIF (Numéro d’Identification Fiscale) and STAT (Numéro Statistique)
- Registre du Commerce (company registration extract)
- Formal invitation letter on letterhead, signed and stamped by an authorised officer
Be aware that forged invitation letters are a common reason for refusal. Ensure your Malagasy sponsor’s NIF can be validated via the Madagascar tax authority. Having processed Madagascar business eVisa applications for UK corporate clients, I can confirm the embassy strictly verifies sponsor NIF and STAT numbers against official records.
Invitation Letter – Mandatory Fields
The Madagascar business eVisa invitation letter must include:
- Host company letterhead with registration numbers; officer’s name, title, signature, and stamp
- Visitor’s full name and passport number (exact match); purpose; exact travel dates
- Financial guarantee statement; host contact details (phone, email, Madagascar address)
- 2 copies; English or French acceptable (French preferred)
For visa enquiries, contact the Embassy Visa Applications Department using email subject format “VISA_[Your Name]”. For consular services, use “CONSULAR_[Your Name]”.
Permitted Activities, Application Process, Times & Fees
The eVisa permits meetings, conferences, and market research, but prohibits paid work. Apply at the London embassy or online agencies. Fees: ~USD 66 (single) or ~USD 102 (multi).
Permitted vs. Prohibited Business Activities
| Permitted (✅) | Prohibited (❌) |
|---|---|
| Business meetings, contract negotiations | Paid employment or salary-based work |
| Site visits, conferences, trade fairs | Self-employment or revenue-generating activity |
| Market research, non-paid training | Long-term assignments (work permit required via Ministère de l’Intérieur) |
Application Channels & Step-by-Step Process
Apply via the Embassy of Madagascar in London (One Knightsbridge Green, 5th Floor, London SW1X 7QA; phone +44 2070528277, Mon/Tue/Fri 10:00 to 12:00) or online agencies (CIBT: 0844 8004650; VisaHQ: +1-800-345-6541). Visa on arrival (€10 admin fee, 15-day limit) is unsuitable for sponsored business trips.
Gather documents
Collect passport, invitation letter, employment proof, and photograph.
Complete application form
Fill in the required application details.
Upload scans/photos
Attach digital copies of all required documents.
Pay fee
Submit the required visa payment.
Submit
Send the completed application for processing.
Receive eVisa by email
Check your inbox for the issued eVisa.
Print and carry
Print the eVisa and carry it with you on your trip.
VisaHQ states a 7-minute online form completion time and a 99.6% first-time acceptance rate. CIBT service fees are additional and separate from government fees.
In 2026, the embassy states processing may be longer than usual due to temporary reorganisation of services, per.
Fees & Processing Times
| Route | Single-Entry Fee | Multi-Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee | ~USD 66 (≈£52) | ~USD 102 (≈£81) |
| Agency (CIBT / VisaHQ) | Govt fee + service fee | Govt fee + service fee |
GBP equivalents fluctuate with exchange rate. VisaHQ offers itemised pricing (government fees + service fee + shipping). Accepted currencies at embassy: EUR, USD.
Visa Extension, Work Permits & Health Requirements
The eVisa can be extended in Antananarivo and may be converted into a long-stay visa or work permit. Conversion is not guaranteed.
Visa Extension & Work Permit Conversion
Extension is available at the Direction Générale de la Migration in Antananarivo. For longer engagements, the visa may be converted into a work or residence permit via the Ministère de l’Intérieur, per trade.gov guidance stating it is “extendable and convertible into a long-stay visa.” Conversion approval depends on the applicant’s business purpose and sponsor verification status.
Health Requirements: Yellow Fever & Travel Insurance
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory when arriving from or transiting through an endemic country. A health declaration form is required at the port of entry. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for UK business travelers, per gov.uk travel advice for Madagascar.
FAQ
This FAQ covers the most common questions UK professionals ask about the Madagascar business eVisa in 2026, including differences from tourist visas, conference attendance rules, validity periods, and application logistics.
What is the difference between a business and tourist eVisa for Madagascar?
The Madagascar business eVisa is a non-immigrant electronic travel authorisation permitting commercial activities such as attending meetings, conferences, and negotiations. A tourist eVisa is strictly for tourism. The business eVisa requires an invitation letter and proof of employment from a UK employer.
Can I use my Madagascar business eVisa to attend a conference or trade fair?
Yes. Attending conferences, trade fairs, seminars, and receiving non-paid training are permissible activities under the Madagascar business eVisa. However, if you engage in paid employment, self-employment, or long-term assignments, you must obtain a separate work permit from the Ministère de l’Intérieur.
How long is the Madagascar business eVisa valid for UK citizens in 2026?
The Madagascar business eVisa is available as a single-entry option valid for up to 30 days, or a multi-entry option valid for up to 90 days. UK citizens can also enter Madagascar visa-free for up to 15 days by paying a 10 EUR administration fee upon arrival.
Do I need travel insurance for a Madagascar business eVisa?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for UK business travelers to Madagascar. Additionally, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry if you are arriving from or transiting through an endemic country.
What happens if my Madagascar business eVisa application is rejected?
The embassy does not publish a formal appeal process. To minimise rejection risk, ensure all documents (passport, sponsor letter with NIF/STAT, employment proof) are complete and accurate.
Can I apply if my passport expires within 6 months?
No. You must provide a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into Madagascar to apply for the business eVisa. Your passport must also have at least 2 blank pages for the visa stamp.
Do I need a separate transit visa if connecting through Madagascar for business?
No separate transit visa exists; use the Madagascar business eVisa for business activities within Madagascar.
How many copies of the invitation letter should I submit?
You should typically submit 2 copies of the invitation letter. The letter must be on the Malagasy sponsor company letterhead, signed and stamped by an authorised corporate officer, and include the visitor full name, passport number, travel dates, and a financial guarantee statement.
Can my UK employer apply for the business eVisa on my behalf?
Yes. Your UK employer can apply on your behalf. They must provide a signed support letter on company letterhead confirming your job role, reason for travel, trip duration, financial responsibility, and a guarantee of your return to UK employment.
Can I combine tourist and business activities on a business eVisa?
The Madagascar business eVisa is classified as a non-immigrant visa valid for tourism, business, conferences, seminars, and family events. This means you can engage in both tourist and permissible business activities during your stay under this authorisation.
What if my sponsor company is a branch of a UK firm?
If the sponsor is a branch of a UK firm, the local Malagasy entity must still act as the sponsor. They must provide proof of their company registration in Madagascar, including valid NIF and STAT numbers, and issue the invitation letter locally.
Is the Madagascar eVisa system currently operational in 2026?
The Embassy of Madagascar in London states that visa processing in 2026 may take longer than usual due to a temporary reorganisation of services. You can contact the Visa Applications and Enquiries Department at +44 2070528277 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
