US citizens must obtain a Madagascar eVisa to enter the country, as no visa-free entry exists. The eVisa is a single-entry tourist visa allowing a maximum stay of 60 days, applied for online at evisamada.gov.mg. Processing takes up to 72 hours, and fees range from €30 to €80, payable by bank card only.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Madagascar? Duration, Fees & Validity (2026)
All US passport holders require a visa for Madagascar. No visa-free entry exists. The Madagascar eVisa for US citizens is the most convenient option, with duration tiers from 1 to 60 days and fees from €30 to €80. The eVisa is a single-entry tourist visa available to all nationalities, including Americans. It permits a maximum stay of 60 days; stays of 61-90 days are not available via the eVisa system and require a consular visa. Payment is accepted by bank card only (Visa, Mastercard). Visa on Arrival fees are identical to the eVisa prices. Diplomats and employees of certain organisations are exempt from visa fees. The official portal supports English.
Madagascar eVisa Fee Tiers (2026)
| Duration Tier | Fee (EUR) | Fee (USD, approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-15 days | €30 | US$35 | Tripled from €10 in February 2026 (source:, 17 Feb 2026) |
| 16-30 days | €60 | US$70 | Unchanged |
| 31-60 days | €80 | US$93 | Unchanged |
| 61-90 days | – | – | Not available via eVisa. Consular visa required |
Complete Document Requirements for US Citizens
Applicants need a passport valid at least 6 months from the entry date with 2 blank pages, a digital photo (350×450 px, white background), proof of return travel, proof of accommodation, and a bank card for the eVisa fee payment. The name on the eVisa application must match the passport exactly.
Document Checklist
- US passport valid ≥6 months from entry date with minimum 2 blank pages
- Digital passport photo 350×450 px, white background, JPEG/PNG format, taken within last 6 months, no glasses or head coverings (religious exceptions noted)
- Return or onward flight itinerary
- Hotel booking confirmation or host invitation letter
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required only if transiting through endemic countries (Kenya, Ethiopia); not required for direct US flights; certificate valid for lifetime per WHO/CDC
- Credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard) for the eVisa fee payment
Supporting Documents & Vaccination
The Madagascar eVisa for US passport holders requires proof of return or onward travel and confirmed accommodation. A yellow fever certificate applies only when transiting through endemic zones such as Kenya or Ethiopia, not on direct flights from the United States. Once obtained, the certificate is valid for a lifetime according to WHO and CDC guidance.
How to Apply for a Madagascar eVisa: Step-by-Step Process & Avoiding Scam Websites
The Madagascar eVisa for US citizens is submitted online at evisamada.gov.mg, the sole legitimate portal using the .gov.mg domain. Processing takes up to 72 hours (3 business days) after enrolment validation. Apply between 7 days and 6 months before departure.
Application Steps
Visit evisamada.gov.mg
The only legitimate domain with a .gov.mg TLD.
Create an account
Create an account on the platform.
Provide your details
Full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, intended travel dates, and port of entry.
Upload documents
Colour scan of passport bio page and digital photograph meeting the specifications: 350×450 pixels, white background, JPEG/PNG format, taken within the last 6 months.
Pay the visa fee
Pay by bank card (Visa or Mastercard).
Download the authorisation
Download the electronic travel authorisation as a PDF.
Print and save
Print two copies and save the PDF offline on your phone.
Legitimate Portal vs Third-Party Sites
Avoid any .com or .net site claiming to process the Madagascar eVisa for US citizens. Inflated fees, Western Union demands, and “fastest processing” claims are red flags of a third-party scam. The official portal charges €30 to €80 only. If already charged by a scam site, contact your bank for a chargeback and report the incident to authorities.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
Visa on Arrival fees are identical to eVisa prices, but the eVisa eliminates airport queues and guarantees pre-departure approval. Airlines may deny boarding without a pre-approved eVisa; the eVisa eliminates this risk and guarantees entry.
Madagascar Arrival Process & Extending Your Stay
On arrival, US citizens proceed through biometric screening, present a printed or offline-saved eVisa PDF to immigration police, and can extend stays beyond 60 days at the Ministry of Interior in Antananarivo.
What Happens at Arrival
US nationals with a Madagascar eVisa must undergo biometric capture (fingerprints and facial photo), then present their passport and eVisa at passport control for immigration police verification. Carry at least two printed copies of your eVisa and save the PDF offline on your phone. Airport Wi-Fi is unreliable.
Visa Extension & Embassy Contacts
The Madagascar eVisa for US citizens permits stays up to 60 days. To extend, visit the Ministry of the Interior in Antananarivo with your passport, original eVisa, extension fee, and proof of continued funds. US travellers should also register their trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
| Embassy | Address | Phone | Consular Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embassy of Madagascar, Washington D.C. | 2374 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington D.C. 20008 | 202 265 5525 | Thursdays 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (effective 13 July 2026) | |
| Embassy of Madagascar, London | One Knightsbridge Green, 5th Floor, London SW1X 7QA | +44 20 7052 8277 | – | Mon/Tue/Fri 10:00 am to 12:00 pm |
FAQ: Madagascar eVisa for US Citizens
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Madagascar?
Yes. All US passport holders must obtain a visa. No visa-free entry exists. The Madagascar eVisa for US citizens is strongly recommended for pre-departure certainty.
How long can I stay with a Madagascar eVisa?
The Madagascar tourist eVisa allows a maximum stay of 60 days, issued for single entry only. Stays of 61-90 days require a consular visa through an embassy before travelling.
How much does a Madagascar eVisa cost for US citizens in 2026?
In 2026, fees are €30/US$35 for 1-15 days, €60/US$70 for 16-30 days, and €80/US$93 for 31-60 days. The 15-day tier tripled from €10 to €30 in February 2026. Payment by bank card only.
How long does eVisa processing take?
Processing takes up to 72 hours (3 business days) after online enrolment validation. Apply at least 1 week before departure but no more than 6 months in advance. During peak travel periods (June to August), processing may take longer; apply at least 2 weeks in advance to avoid delays.
Can I apply if my passport expires in less than 6 months?
No. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date into Madagascar and have a minimum of two blank pages. Failure to meet these passport validity rules will result in application rejection.
What documents do I need for a Madagascar eVisa?
You need a valid US passport scan, a digital passport photo with a white background measuring 350×450 px, and a bank card for payment. Supporting documents include proof of return or onward travel, proof of accommodation, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate if transiting through an endemic country.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Madagascar?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if you are transiting through a yellow fever endemic country, such as Kenya or Ethiopia. It is not required for direct flights from the US. Once obtained, the certificate is valid for a lifetime according to WHO and CDC guidance.
Can I get a visa on arrival instead of an eVisa?
Yes, a visa on arrival is available at major airport eVisa counters with identical fees. Airlines may deny boarding without a pre-approved eVisa; the eVisa eliminates this risk and guarantees entry.
What if I want to stay longer than 60 days?
If you want to stay longer than 60 days, you must apply for a consular visa before travelling, as the eVisa only covers up to 60 days. If already in Madagascar, you can apply for a visa extension at the Ministry of the Interior in Antananarivo.
Is the Madagascar eVisa valid for multiple entries?
No, the Madagascar tourist eVisa is strictly single entry. Leaving Madagascar and re-entering requires applying for a new eVisa. You must submit a separate online registration and pay the fee again for each entry.
Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. Fee data verified against the evisamada.gov.mg portal and (17 Feb 2026). This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Government of Madagascar. Always verify current requirements on the official portal before applying.
