Madagascar: visa and entry rules

Madagascar's borders: every crossing point

Madagascar is an island, so it has no land borders.

The main way in is Ivato Airport in Antananarivo.

Regional airports — Nosy Be and Toamasina — take flights from Reunion and Mauritius.

By sea there is the port of Toamasina, but there is no scheduled passenger service to the mainland.

People get around the country by plane and by road, and on routes into the interior the asphalt runs out quickly.

Bringing a car into Madagascar

You cannot reach the island under your own steam — there are no land borders.

Tourists travel in rental cars, usually with a driver — that is the local norm rather than a whim: the roads are difficult and navigation is approximate.

Four-wheel drive is needed on most routes away from the main highways.

Ask customs directly how temporary import is handled. The procedure changes and reference guides do not keep up with it.

Travelling to Madagascar with a pet

An import permit is required, obtained in advance from the veterinary service.

A rabies vaccination must be valid on the date of entry.

An international veterinary certificate is required.

Check vaccination timings and quarantine rules on import with the country's veterinary service before you buy tickets.

Overstaying your visa in Madagascar

A fine is charged for exceeding the period of your visa and is paid on departure.

You will pay at the border, and that is where you will be told the amount. There is no way to learn the sum in advance, so do not book a tight connection and keep cash on hand.

Check the period stated in your visa, and it is sometimes 30 days instead of the 90 you might expect.

Extensions are handled in the capital — from remote areas that means a separate trip.