Madagascar visa for UK Citizens

Madagascar, an island nation renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity, offers its visitors an array of unforgettable experiences. From the iconic baobab trees to its unique wildlife, including the world-famous lemurs, Madagascar beckons travellers with its natural beauty and vibrant cultures.

Understanding the visa requirements is essential for UK citizens planning a journey to this mesmerising country. This guide provides an in-depth look at obtaining a Madagascar visa, ensuring a smooth travel experience for UK travellers.

Madagascar E-visa Overview

The Madagascar e-Visa is a digital visa that permits entry into Madagascar for tourism, business, or transit purposes. It's applied for and received online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate.

Types of E-visas in Madagascar

Madagascar offers several types of e-Visas to cater to the varied needs of international travellers, ensuring a tailored approach to visitation rights.

• Tourist E-visa: For leisure visits, including sightseeing, family visits, or other non-commercial activities.
• Business E-visa: For those undertaking business-related activities, excluding employment.
• Transit E-visa: For travellers passing through Madagascar to another destination.

What are the eligibility Criteria for UK Citizens?

The criteria for obtaining a Madagascar e-Visa are inclusive, making it accessible to many international travellers, includingUK citizens. Here's a summary of the eligibility requirements:

• Nationality: The Madagascar e-Visa is open to citizens from a broad spectrum of countries, including the UK, offering a convenient entry option for a diverse range of travellers.
• Purpose of Visit: This e-Visa accommodates various types of visits, such as tourism, business activities, and transit. Applicants need to select the visa category that aligns with their travel intent.
• Passport Validity: Applicants must hold a valid passport for at least 6 months after their planned entry date into Madagascar, ensuring compliance with entry regulations.

Requirements for Madagascar E-visa

Embarking on a journey to Madagascar, a land famed for its unique biodiversity and cultural heritage, now comes with the ease of obtaining an e-visa for travellers. Understanding the requirements for a Madagascar e-visa is crucial to streamline your preparations for this adventure. Here are the required documents you need to apply for the Madagascar E-visa:

• A Valid Passport: Your passport's validity period must be at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date into Madagascar. It should also have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
• Email Address: A legitimate email address is needed as the e-visa will be sent to you electronically upon approval.
• Payment Method: Pay with a debit or credit card when paying the e-visa application fee online.

Extra documentation, like a letter of invitation from the company in Madagascar or proof of business activities, may be required for business visas, also include:

• Digital Passport-Sized Photo: A recent passport-sized photograph that meets the standard visa photo criteria must be uploaded digitally during the e-visa application process.
• Travel Itinerary: Evidence of your travel plans while in Madagascar. This can include hotel bookings and a return flight ticket or a ticket for onward travel.

Step-by-step process of Madagascar E-visa Application

Applying for a Madagascar e-visa is a straightforward process to simplify travel preparations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process efficiently:

• Visit the E-visa Portal: Start by visiting Madagascar's e-visa website. This platform is the only authorised online channel for your e-visa application.
• Choose Your Visa Type: Select the type of visa you require, whether it’s a tourist, business, or transit visa, based on the purpose of your visit.
• Complete the Application Form: Provide your travel, passport, and personal details on the online Madagascar E-visa application form. Ensure all the details match your passport and are accurate to avoid delays or rejections.
• Upload Required Documents: Upload every one of the documents mentioned above.
• Review Your Application: Before proceeding, review your application thoroughly to ensure all information is correct and all necessary documents have been uploaded.
• Pay the Application Fee: The application fee depends on the visa type and stay duration. Payment is made via a safe and encrypted debit or credit card payment.
• Submit Your Application: After payment, submit your application. You'll get an email containing an application ID, which you can use to track the status of your application.
• Wait for Approval: Processing times may differ, but you will typically receive your e-visa via email within a few days. To confirm your visa, watch your email, including the spam folder.
• Print Your E-visa: Once received, print out the e-visa confirmation to present at immigration upon arrival in Madagascar.
• Arrival in Madagascar: Show your printed e-visa along with your passport when you arrive in Madagascar. Ensure your passport has at least one blank page for the entry stamp and at least 6 months remaining on it from the entry date.

By carefully following these instructions, you'll guarantee a smooth application process for your Madagascar e-visa, leading to an exciting journey ahead in this unique destination.

Fee structure of Madagascar E-visa

The fee of a Madagascar e-visa for UK citizens fluctuates based on several factors, including the visa category, the number of intended entries, and the speed of processing requested. Prospective travellers can visit the Madagascar e-visa feepageto ascertain the exact cost. This page features a detailed fee chart or an interactive fee calculator to help users accurately determine the expense according to their visa needs.

Processing of Madagascar E-visa

For UK citizens applying for a Madagascar e-visa, the processing time usually falls within a week from the submission date, though it can vary. To avoid potential delays, applying for your e-visa significantly ahead of your intended departure is wise.

For the latest and most accurate details on processing times, it's best to visit the official Madagascar e-visa portal. These timeframes might change based on the application volume or other unforeseen factors.

Madagascar e-Visa Processing Options:

• Standard Processing: Typically requires about 4 to 6 business days at no additional cost.
• Urgent Processing: For applicants needing their e-visa more rapidly, this option delivers within 2 to 4 business days for an extra fee.
• Super Urgent Processing: The fastest option, ensuring e-visa delivery in 1 to 3 business days, incurs higher additional charges.

Validity Period of Madagascar E-visa

The Madagascar e-visa is available in different validity periods and tailored to various travel needs and purposes. These include short-term visits for tourism, business, or transit.

The validity period dictates how long the visa holder is allowed to stay in Madagascar from the date of entry, not the date of visa issuance. It's important to note that the duration of stay and the validity period are defined at the time of application and are directly influenced by the type of e-visa applied for.

Once your e-Visa is granted, it permits entry into Madagascar for 90 days from its issue date. Therefore, travellers must ensure they arrive in Madagascar within these 90 days. The actual length of stay allowed in Madagascar, be it 15, 30, or 60 days, depends on the type of e-Visa acquired and begins when you enter the country.

How to extend your Madagascar E-visa for UK Citizens

For UK citizens in Madagascar looking to prolong their visit beyond the initial term allowed by their e-Visa, there are established steps to follow for a visa extension:

• Visit the Local Immigration Office: Begin the extension procedure by going to the closest immigration office in Madagascar well before your current e-Visa expires. You should undertake this step several days ahead to prevent any issues.
• Provide a Justifiable Reason for Extension: You'll need to explain why you're seeking an extension, whether due to unexpected circumstances like health concerns or a wish to experience Madagascar's diverse attractions further.
• Submit Necessary Documentation: The extension process may require you to present additional paperwork. This might include evidence of adequate financial means for your extended stay, a comprehensive plan for your time during the extension, or a written explanation detailing your request for more time in Madagascar.

Top places to explore in Madagascar

Madagascar, the world's fourth-largest island, offers an extraordinary array of biodiversity and landscapes that range from rainforests to deserts. This unique destination is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts alike. Here are the top things to do in Madagascar:

• Avenue of the Baobabs: Marvel at these ancient, towering trees, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
• Ranomafana National Park: A biodiversity hotspot, perfect for spotting the endangered golden bamboo lemur.
• Andasibe-Mantadia National Park: Ideal for lemur watching, home to the indri, Madagascar's largest lemur species.
• Nosy Be: The top beach destination, offering clear waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life.
• Tsingy de Bemaraha: Explore the unique limestone karst landscapes in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

For more details, The Madagascar Embassy in the UK

For those seeking comprehensive information or assistance regarding travel to Madagascar, the Embassy of Madagascar in London is a pivotal resource.

Embassy of Madagascar in London

Address: 1 Knightsbridge Green, 5th Floor, London SW1X 7NE

Frequently asked questions