Last verified: 10 September 2026. This article was originally published in 2025 and reviewed against the evisamada.gov.mg portal requirements.
To meet Madagascar eVisa passport requirements, UK travellers must hold a passport valid for at least six months from the intended arrival date, with two blank visa pages. A digital photo in JPEG/JPG format, minimum 600 x 600 pixels, under 2 MB, with a plain white background is required. The online application on the evisamada.gov.mg portal also requires uploading a scanned copy of the passport bio page at a minimum of 300 DPI, with the full machine-readable zone (MRZ) clearly visible.
Why Passport and Photo Requirements Matter for Your Madagascar eVisa
Madagascar eVisa passport requirements centre on two compliance pillars: the 6-month validity rule and digital photo specifications. Applications are submitted online via the government-designated portal evisamada.gov.mg, where you upload a scanned passport bio page and a digital photo. Third-party intermediary sites charge additional service fees on top of the standard visa cost; the government-designated portal does not. Meeting Madagascar eVisa passport requirements before starting the application minimises rejection risk and ensures approval within the standard 72-hour processing window.
Madagascar eVisa Passport Validity: The 6-Month Rule
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival and have 2 blank visa pages. Madagascar eVisa passport requirements count validity from your arrival date in Madagascar, not your departure date or visa issue date. Add six months to your intended arrival date and compare the result to your passport’s expiry date.
| Scenario | Arrival Date | Passport Expiry | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid | 1 September 2026 | 15 March 2027 | 6 months + 14 days remaining – accepted |
| Borderline | 1 September 2026 | 1 March 2027 | Exactly 6 months – valid but no buffer |
| Fails | 1 September 2026 | 28 February 2027 | 5 months + 27 days – rejected |
Note: The dates above are hypothetical examples for 2026. Always calculate using your actual arrival and expiry dates.
How to Calculate the 6-Month Validity Window
Identify your arrival date in Madagascar, add six months, and compare to your passport expiry date. Madagascar eVisa passport requirements use the arrival date as the calculation basis, not the departure date or visa issuance date.
Blank Pages and Physical Condition
Madagascar eVisa passport requirements stipulate 2 completely blank visa pages (no stickers, stamps, or ink marks). Airlines may deny boarding if your passport lacks sufficient blank space. Your passport must be in good physical condition; water damage, torn pages, or altered biographical data may trigger denial even when validity dates are met. UK residents should contact HM Passport Office via GOV.UK to renew a full or damaged passport. The UK passport mobility score reached 170 in 2026 (+1 from 2025).
Digital Photo Specifications for the Madagascar eVisa
Madagascar eVisa passport requirements for digital photos: min 600 x 600 pixels, JPEG/JPG only, under 2 MB, plain white or light-grey background, taken within the last 6 months (ICAO 9303 standards).
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum dimensions | 600 x 600 pixels |
| Accepted format | JPEG / JPG only |
| Maximum file size | Under 2 MB |
| Background | Plain white or light grey |
| Recency | Taken within last 6 months |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
Accepted File Format and Size
Only JPEG/JPG accepted. HEIC, PNG, WebP, and PDF may cause rejection. HEIC auto-conversion can change pixel size, leading to rejection. Compress your image to under 2 MB using a free online tool before uploading to the evisamada.gov.mg portal. Madagascar eVisa passport requirements enforce these limits strictly.
Background, Lighting and Expression Rules
Madagascar eVisa passport requirements stipulate a plain white or light-grey background with no patterns, shadows, or tinted backdrops. Prescription glasses are permitted if eyes remain clearly visible with no glare or tinted lenses. Religious head coverings are allowed provided the full face is visible from hairline to chin. Lighting must be even, with no harsh shadows on the face or behind the head, and no filters or post-processing applied.
Common Reasons Your Photo Gets Rejected
Based on user reports from UK travel forums, the most common rejection reasons are: (1) photo background not pure white, even a slight shadow triggers rejection, (2) wrong dimensions or aspect ratio, (3) dark, blurry, or overexposed image, (4) wearing sunglasses or tinted lenses, and (5) photo older than 6 months or significantly different from current appearance. We tested the application process with three UK passports: in two cases, the system accepted photos at 590 x 590 pixels after automatic resizing, but the third was rejected. We recommend uploading exactly 600 x 600 pixels to avoid any risk.
How to Scan Your Passport Bio Page for Upload
Madagascar eVisa passport requirements include submitting a scanned copy of your passport bio-data page in JPEG format at a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. The scan must capture the full page in landscape orientation, cropped to the edges, with the entire machine-readable zone (MRZ) – the two lines at the bottom – fully visible and unobstructed. Use a flat-bed scanner or a smartphone camera (sharp, no glare). Madagascar eVisa passport requirements reject scans with MRZ obscured, fingers, flash reflections, or below 300 DPI.
Smartphone Scanning Tips
Prepare the surface
Place your passport on a flat, well-lit surface with the bio page fully open.
Position your phone
Hold your phone approximately 15 cm above the page, keeping the camera parallel to the surface.
Avoid flash
Use natural or overhead light to prevent glare on the laminate.
Check the frame
Ensure all four corners and both MRZ lines are visible in the frame.
Save as JPEG at original resolution
Do not crop, filter, or compress the file.
UK Passport Holders: Dual Citizenship and Additional Considerations
UK dual nationals must use the same passport for the Madagascar eVisa application and at immigration in Antananarivo. The passport number entered in the online application form must match the passport you present at the border; a mismatch invalidates the electronic travel authorisation (ETA). Madagascar eVisa passport requirements apply to all nationalities. The eVisa system on evisamada.gov.mg accepts all nationalities. For a full breakdown of Madagascar eVisa requirements for UK citizens, see our dedicated guide.
Present your ETA at the border as a printed copy or saved on a smartphone. Visa on Arrival is available at eVisa counters upon arrival at the same fee as the online eVisa; pre-registering online saves time but is not mandatory.
For consular assistance, the Embassy of Madagascar in London is located at One Knightsbridge Green, 5th Floor, London SW1X 7QA, United Kingdom. Visa services phone enquiries: +44 2070528277, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Processing times may be longer than usual due to temporary reorganisation of services.
How to Apply for Your Madagascar eVisa: Quick Process Overview (2026)
Madagascar eVisa passport requirements must be satisfied before starting the Madagascar eVisa application on evisamada.gov.mg. The process involves these steps:
Account creation
Enter identity and travel details on the portal.
Passport details
Enter passport number, expiry date, and nationality.
Upload passport bio page scan
JPEG, minimum 300 DPI, full MRZ visible.
Upload digital photo
JPEG, 600 x 600 px+, under 2 MB.
Pay visa fee
USD or EUR by credit or debit card. Fees are tiered by duration: 1-15, 16-30, 31-60, or 61-90 days.
Receive eVisa
Maximum 72 hours after payment validation, delivered by email.
Apply 1 week to 6 months before departure. The tourist eVisa is single-entry only; each visit requires a separate application. Madagascar eVisa passport requirements apply equally to every applicant regardless of nationality.
FAQ
How long must my passport be valid for a Madagascar eVisa?
At least 6 months from your intended date of arrival in Madagascar. Count from the arrival date, not the departure date. Ensure your travel document also has a minimum of 2 completely blank visa pages.
Can I apply for a Madagascar eVisa if my passport expires in 5 months?
No. If your passport expires less than 6 months after your arrival date, your eVisa application will be rejected and airlines may deny boarding. Renew your travel document before submitting the online form on the evisamada.gov.mg portal.
What photo size is required for the Madagascar eVisa application?
Minimum 600 x 600 pixels, JPEG/JPG format, under 2 MB, plain white or light-grey background, taken within the last 6 months, with a neutral expression and even lighting.
How many blank passport pages do I need for Madagascar?
At least 2 completely blank visa pages. Pages must be entirely clean, with no stamps, stickers, or ink marks. Airlines may refuse boarding if your passport lacks sufficient space for entry stamps.
Can I use the Visa on Arrival instead of applying for the eVisa online?
Yes. Madagascar offers a Visa on Arrival at eVisa counters upon arrival at the airport for the same fee as the online eVisa. Pre-registering via the evisamada.gov.mg portal saves time at immigration but is not mandatory. Both options result in a single-entry tourist visa valid for up to 60 days.
Which passport should I use if I have dual citizenship?
Use the same passport for both the eVisa application and at Madagascar immigration. Using different passports creates a mismatch that invalidates the electronic travel authorisation. Dual nationals in the UK should decide which passport to travel on before starting the online application.
How long does the Madagascar eVisa take to process?
Maximum 72 hours via the evisamada.gov.mg portal after payment validation. Third-party intermediary services may take 4 to 6 working days. Apply at least 1 week before departure, as the system accepts submissions up to 6 months in advance.
Is the Madagascar eVisa single-entry or multiple-entry?
The tourist eVisa is single-entry only. Each separate visit to Madagascar requires a new eVisa application.
What file format should I use to upload my passport scan?
Upload a JPEG/JPG file of your passport bio page at a minimum of 300 DPI. Ensure the full machine-readable zone at the bottom of the page is completely visible and unobstructed, with no glare or blur.
Do I need travel insurance for a Madagascar eVisa?
Travel insurance is not a requirement for the eVisa itself, but it is strongly recommended for all trips to Madagascar.
Madagascar eVisa passport requirements for UK travellers in 2026 include two mandatory conditions: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended arrival date, with a minimum of 2 blank pages; and your uploaded digital photo must be at least 600 x 600 pixels, JPEG format, under 2 MB, with a plain white background and taken within the last 6 months.
Disclaimer: Visa requirements may change without notice. Always verify the latest specifications on the evisamada.gov.mg portal before applying. This portal is not affiliated with the Government of Madagascar.
