The Madagascar eVisa (US$10-35, 2-5 business days online) is the cheapest option for UK tourists on short trips. Embassy visas (London, 5-15 business days, multiple-entry, £50-150+) suit longer stays. Visa on arrival (€40-70 cash) is the costliest and least predictable choice.
Madagascar eVisa vs other visa types: The Madagascar eVisa (US$10-35, online, 2-5 days) is the fastest and most affordable option for UK tourists. Embassy visas (London, 5-15 days, £50-150+) suit multiple-entry or 30+ day stays. Visa on arrival (€40-70, cash at airport) is the most expensive and least predictable.
Published September 2026. Fees and processing times verified against (official embassy source). VisaHQ application data: 99.6% first-time acceptance rate, 7-minute average completion, operating since 2003. This guide is informational and not affiliated with any visa processing agency; always confirm current requirements on the official Madagascar eVisa portal before booking.
Types of Madagascar Visas and How eVisa Differs From eTA
Madagascar issues a full electronic visa, not a lightweight eTA. An eTA (UK ETA, 23.2 million annual issuances; US ESTA) performs only lightweight pre-screening without full documentation. Madagascar does not issue an eTA. The Saudi Arabia ETA for British travellers (effective 1 July 2026) and the upcoming EU ETIAS (projected 2027) are also lightweight pre-screening systems, unlike the Madagascar eVisa which requires supporting documents and a visa fee.
| Visa type | Max stay | Fee | Entry type | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa (tier 1) | 1-15 days | US$10 / €10 | Single entry | Online |
| Tourist eVisa (tier 2) | 16-30 days | US$35 | Single entry | Online |
| Tourist eVisa (tier 3) | 90 days | See pricing on eVisa portal | Single entry | Online |
| Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days | €40-70 (cash EUR/USD/MGA) | Single entry | Ivato Int’l / Fascene airports |
| Embassy visa | Up to 90 days | £50-150+ | Single or multiple entry | London embassy |
| Authorization | Documentation required | Fee | Purpose | Stay limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madagascar eVisa | Passport scan, flight, accommodation | US$10-35 | Full tourist visa | Up to 90 days |
| UK eTA | Passport only | Minimal | Pre-screening | Short stay |
| US ESTA | Passport only | US$21 | Pre-screening | Up to 90 days |
| EU ETIAS (2027) | Passport only | €7 | Pre-screening | Up to 90 days |
Madagascar eVisa vs Embassy Visa – Side-by-Side Comparison
The Madagascar eVisa costs US$10-35 and processes in 2-5 business days, while the embassy visa costs £50-150+ and takes 5-15 business days (source:, currently longer due to temporary reorganisation at the London embassy).
| Dimension | Madagascar eVisa | Embassy Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Visa fee | US$10-35 | £50-150+ (includes consular fee) |
| Processing time | 2-5 business days | 5-15 business days (currently delayed) |
| Validity period | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days |
| Entry type | Single entry only | Single or multiple entry |
| Application method | Fully online | In-person or by post to London |
| Documents required | Passport scan, return flight, accommodation proof | Same + cover letter + bank statements |
| Best for | Short tourist trips | Multiple-entry or long-stay travel |
Madagascar Visa Requirements and Embassy Contact for UK Citizens
UK passport holders need a Madagascar eVisa, visa on arrival, or embassy visa – no visa-free entry exists. Passports must be valid 6 months beyond the departure date; airlines enforce this at check-in, risking denied boarding if your document falls short.
- Required documents for the Madagascar eVisa: passport bio page scan (JPEG or PDF), confirmed return flight, proof of accommodation, a digital passport photo, and a credit or debit card for the visa fee payment.
- The Embassy of Madagascar in London (jurisdiction also covers Sweden) can be reached for consular interview scheduling and visa enquiries:
One Knightsbridge Green, 5th Floor
London SW1X 7QA, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 2070528277 (Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Email subject line format: VISA_[Your Name]
Website: (available in French)
Processing times are currently longer than usual due to a temporary reorganisation of services (source: ).
Documents You Need to Apply for a Madagascar eVisa
A Madagascar eVisa application requires: (1) a valid passport with 6 months validity beyond departure, (2) a passport bio page scan in JPEG or PDF format, (3) a confirmed return or onward flight booking, (4) proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, or host invitation letter), (5) a digital passport photo (white background), (6) an email address for eVisa approval delivery, and (7) a credit or debit card (Visa/Mastercard) for the US$10-35 visa fee payment.
Apply via the official Madagascar eVisa portal. The process is as follows:
Create an account
Register on the official Madagascar eVisa portal.
Fill the online form
Complete the application with your travel and personal details.
Upload documents
Submit passport bio page scan, return flight, accommodation proof, and digital photo.
Pay the visa fee
Pay the US$10-35 fee by credit or debit card (Visa/Mastercard).
Receive approval by email
Get your eVisa within 2-5 business days. Apply at least 7 days before departure.
Common rejection causes: low-resolution photo, expired passport scan, wrong file format. According to VisaHQ data, the average online application takes 7 minutes with a 99.6% first-time acceptance rate.
Comparison Matrix, Ports of Entry and Extension Options
For ≤30-day single-entry trips: Madagascar eVisa (US$10-35). For multiple entry or 30+ days: embassy visa (£50-150+). At the airport with cash and no prior application: visa on arrival (€40-70, cash EUR/USD/MGA).
| Airport | City | eVisa Accepted | VoA Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivato International Airport | Antananarivo | Yes | Yes |
| Fascene Airport | Nosy Be | Yes | Yes |
The Madagascar eVisa is a full electronic visa validated at these ports of entry, not a lightweight eTA or ESTA. eVisa holders can apply for extensions at the immigration office in Antananarivo (Direction Générale de l’Immigration), with processing taking 1-5 business days and a modest administrative fee. Embassy visa holders can extend more easily due to longer initial validity. VoA (€40-70, cash EUR/USD/MGA) is available at Ivato and Fascene but carries queue and officer-discretion risks.
⚠️ Risk of choosing the wrong visa type: Denied boarding at UK airports if the visa type doesn’t match your itinerary, refused entry at Madagascar immigration, fines for overstaying beyond Madagascar eVisa validity, inability to extend if the wrong duration tier was selected, and deportation risk in extreme cases.
FAQ: Madagascar eVisa vs Other Visa Types
What is the difference between a Madagascar eVisa and a visa on arrival?
Madagascar eVisa: online, US$10-35, 2-5 days. VoA: airport desk, €40-70 cash (EUR/USD/MGA). The eVisa is cheaper and skips the cash desk.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Madagascar in 2026?
Yes. UK passport holders must obtain a tourist eVisa, visa on arrival, or embassy visa. No visa-free entry exists for UK citizens in 2026.
Can I get a Madagascar eTA instead of an eVisa?
No. Madagascar does not issue an eTA. It issues a full electronic visa (eVisa) requiring documentation, a fee, and granting a specific stay duration.
How long does it take to get a Madagascar eVisa from the UK?
Typical processing: 2-5 business days. Apply at least 7-10 days before departure. Embassy visas processed in London take 5-15 business days.
Which is cheaper: Madagascar eVisa or visa on arrival?
The Madagascar eVisa is cheaper. Tier 1 (1-15 days): US$10. Tier 2 (16-30 days): US$35. Visa on arrival: €40-70, the most expensive option.
Can I extend my Madagascar eVisa while in the country?
Yes. Extensions at the immigration office in Antananarivo take 1-5 business days. For stays over 30 days, apply for the embassy visa before departure.
Which airports in Madagascar accept the eVisa?
The Madagascar eVisa is accepted at Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo) and Fascene Airport (Nosy Be). Carry a printed copy as backup.
What documents do I need to apply for a Madagascar eVisa?
Valid passport (6+ months), bio page scan (JPEG/PDF), confirmed return flight, proof of accommodation, digital passport photo, and a card for the US$10-35 fee.
Is the embassy visa worth it if the eVisa is cheaper and faster?
Embassy visa: multiple entries or 30+ day stays. Madagascar eVisa: short tourist trips. Embassy processing currently takes 5-15 business days.
What happens if my passport expires within 6 months of my travel date?
Airlines will likely deny boarding and your Madagascar eVisa application may be rejected. Renew your passport before applying for any Madagascar travel authorization.
