A Madagascar visa is a document issued by the government of Madagascar that allows a foreign national to enter and stay in the country for a certain period of time. The type of visa required, and the length of time it allows you to stay in the country, will depend on the purpose of your visit.
The only way to visit Madagascar is by getting a visa before you travel. You can apply for a visa on arrival at any of the country's entry points; however, if you don't already have one and arrive in Madagascar without one, no access will be granted.
Visitors to Madagascar can apply for a visa online or by visiting the embassy in their home country.
Madagascar Visa Requirements
Madagascar visa requirements can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your country of citizenship. In general, the following documents are typically required for a Madagascar visa application:
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A valid passport: Yes, a valid passport is one of the most important requirements for applying for a visa to Madagascar, or any other country for that matter. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Madagascar and have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
The passport must be in good condition, not damaged or tampered in any way. It's important to double-check the expiration date, and make sure you have enough blank pages for visa stamps, immigration stamps and other possible entry/exit requirements.
It's also important to note that you should keep a photocopy of your passport's bio-data page and also keep it separately from your original passport in case of loss or theft while traveling.
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A completed visa application form: Yes, a completed visa application form is another important requirement for applying for a visa to Madagascar. The form can be obtained from the Embassy of Madagascar or online from the official e-visa application website. It's important to fill out the form completely and accurately, and to provide all the required information.
The application form typically asks for personal information such as your name, date of birth, address, occupation, and passport details. It may also ask for information about your travel plans, such as your intended arrival and departure dates, the purpose of your trip, and where you will be staying in Madagascar.
Make sure to double-check the form before submitting it, to ensure that all the information is correct and that you have not missed any fields. Incomplete or inaccurate forms can cause delays in processing your visa application, or even lead to your application being denied
A recent passport-size photograph: Yes, that's correct. The passport photo should meet the standard requirements for passport photos, which typically include the following:
- The photo should have been taken recently, within the last 6 months.
- The photo should be in color.
- The photo should be taken against a plain white or light-colored background.
- The photo should be of the applicant alone, with no other people or objects visible in the background.
- The photo should be a full-face view, with the applicant facing the camera directly.
- The photo should be clear and in focus.
- The photo should be of a sufficient resolution and size.
- The photo should show the applicant with a neutral facial expression, with both eyes open and mouth closed.
- The photo should not be altered in any way, such as by using filters or editing software.
It's important to follow these guidelines to ensure that your passport photo is accepted by the visa application authorities.
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Proof of travel itinerary: Yes, proof of travel itinerary is one of the requirements for a Madagascar visa application. This can include a flight itinerary, hotel booking confirmation, or a letter of invitation from a host in Madagascar.
A flight itinerary shows your flight details such as departure and arrival times, flight numbers, and the airlines you will be traveling with. A hotel booking confirmation shows the dates of your stay and the hotel where you will be staying. A letter of invitation from a host in Madagascar is a document that shows you have a local contact in the country and that someone will be hosting you during your stay.
Having a clear travel itinerary shows that you have made concrete plans for your trip and that you have the means to support yourself during your stay in Madagascar. It also helps the visa officials to understand the nature and duration of your trip.
It's important to note that the itinerary should match the information provided in the visa application form and also should be consistent with the purpose of the trip (e.g. business, tourism, etc.).
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Proof of financial means: Yes, proof of financial means is another requirement for a Madagascar visa application. This can include bank statements, credit card statements, or a letter of financial support from a sponsor.
The purpose of this requirement is to show that you have the financial means to support yourself during your stay in Madagascar and that you will not be a burden on the country's resources. The visa officials will want to see that you have enough money to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay, including accommodation, transportation, food and incidentals.
You can provide bank statements that show your savings account, salary account, fixed deposit or any other financial instruments that you possess. The bank statements should be recent, ideally from the last 3 months, and should be in your name.
A credit card statement can also be provided as a proof of financial means, but it is important to note that a credit card statement alone may not be considered as a sufficient proof of financial means.
A letter of financial support from a sponsor is a document that certifies that someone else will be financially responsible for your stay in Madagascar. The sponsor should provide details of their financial situation and their willingness to financially support the applicant.
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Proof of travel insurance: Yes, proof of travel insurance is another requirement for a Madagascar visa application. Travel insurance is required to cover the costs of any unexpected medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation that may occur during your stay in Madagascar.
The travel insurance should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Madagascar, and should cover all the countries you plan to visit. It should also have a minimum coverage of USD for medical expenses and USD for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
You can provide a copy of your travel insurance policy, which should include the policy number, the name of the insurance company, the dates of coverage, and the contact details of the insurance company. Make sure that the policy is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Madagascar.
It's important to note that you should also carry the original policy document with you while traveling as it may be asked for by the immigration officials at the port of entry. Also, it's always wise to keep the contact details of your insurance company handy in case of an emergency.
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Yellow fever vaccination certificate: A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required as a requirement for a Madagascar visa application, depending on the applicant's country of residence, travel history and the intended duration of stay.
Yellow fever is a serious disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes and is found in certain parts of Africa and South America. If you are traveling to or from a country where yellow fever is present, you may be required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination in order to enter Madagascar.
The yellow fever vaccination certificate is an official document issued by a designated vaccination center, after the individual has received the yellow fever vaccine. It is important to note that the certificate is valid for ten years from the date of vaccination.
It's important to note that the vaccination certificate should be valid and up to date, and should be in accordance with the World Health Organization's International Health Regulations. It's always wise to check the yellow fever vaccination requirement with the Embassy of Madagascar or the official e-visa application website before applying for the visa.
It's important to note that the Yellow fever vaccination certificate may not be requested for all applicants, and the requirement may vary based on the country of origin and the intended duration of stay.
Please note that these are general requirements and additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your country of citizenship.
What are the requirements to apply for a visa to Madagascar?
The requirements to apply for a visa to Madagascar can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your country of citizenship. However, in general, the following documents are typically required for a Madagascar visa application:
Business Visa Application Requirements for a Madagascar Visa:
The requirements to apply for a business visa to Madagascar can vary depending on your country of citizenship and the purpose of your trip. However, in general, the following documents are typically required for a Madagascar business visa application:
- A valid passport: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Madagascar and have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
- A completed visa application form: The form can be obtained from the Embassy of Madagascar or online from the official e-visa application website.
- A recent passport-size photograph: This should meet the standard passport photo requirements.
- Proof of travel itinerary: This can include a flight itinerary, hotel booking confirmation, or a letter of invitation from a host in Madagascar.
- Proof of financial means: This can include bank statements or a letter from your employer indicating that you will have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Madagascar.
- Proof of travel insurance: This should cover the duration of your stay in Madagascar and include medical coverage.
- Business letter of introduction: A letter from your employer or business explaining the purpose of your trip and how you will be conducting business in Madagascar.
- Supporting documents for the business-related activities: such as business registration, business license, and any other relevant documentation for the business-related activities you will be conducting in Madagascar.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate: if you are coming from or have been to a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you will need to show proof of vaccination.
Tourist Application Requirements for a Madagascar Visa
The requirements for a tourist visa to Madagascar are similar to those for a business visa, with a few additional or different requirements. The following are the general requirements for a tourist visa to Madagascar:
- A valid passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended stay in Madagascar, and should have at least two blank pages for the visa stamp.
- A completed visa application form: The application form should be completed online, and should be submitted along with the other required documents.
- A passport-sized photograph: The photograph should meet the standard passport photo requirements and should be taken recently.
- Proof of travel itinerary: This can include a round trip airline ticket, hotel reservations, or a letter of invitation from a host in Madagascar.
- Proof of financial means: This can include bank statements, credit card statements, or a letter of financial support from a sponsor. You should have enough money to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay, including accommodation, transportation, food and incidentals.
- Proof of travel insurance: This should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Madagascar, and should cover all the countries you plan to visit. It should also have a minimum coverage of USD for medical expenses and USD for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate: This may be required depending on the applicant's country of residence, travel history and the intended duration of stay.
- Proof of accommodation: This can include hotel reservations, proof of lodging with friends or family, or a letter of invitation from a host in Madagascar.
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay in Madagascar.
It's important to note that the requirements may vary depending on the country of origin and the intended duration of stay, and it's always wise to check the visa requirements with the Embassy of Madagascar or the official e-visa application website before applying for the visa.
Supporting documents as per your occupation, type of visit:
- If Employed:
- Leave Certificate: a document with the company seal providing approval for leave of absence.
- Salary Slip: Last 3 Months
- If Self Employed:
- Business Proof: Registration certificate, partnership agreement and business license
- Company Bank Statement: stamped & updated within the last 6 months with bank seal
- Company's Income Tax Returns: from the last 3 years.
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If Retired:
- Retirement documents: pension book, statement, etc.
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If Student:
- Students’ ID Card: from school, college or institute
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If Minor:
- Birth Certificate showing the names of your parents, if applicable.
- Letter of Consent
- When only one parent is traveling with the child, that parent's letter of consent must be legalized by the other.
- If a child is traveling without either of his or her parents, the consent form must be notarized by both parents and signed at separate times.
- Death Certificate: in case of the death of one or both parents
- ID Proof: of both parents
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If Visiting friend or relative:
- An invitation letter: including the relationship between inviter and invitee, a statement about the purpose of visiting Madagascar, assurances that all necessary arrangements for housing and related expenses have been made during your stay in our beautiful country.
- ID of the person who invited you: Passport or Resident Permit
- Certification of Inviter's Domicile: Utility bill
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If Sponsored:
- Sponsorship Letter: a statement that gives the name of visitors in question, their purpose for visiting (business or pleasure), their relationship with the visitor requesting sponsorship, how long they intend to travel and any other information deemed necessary by either party.
- Passport or Resident Permit: Proof of Identity and Residence
- Address Proof of Inviter: Electricity bill
- Proof of Financial Support: Updated bank statement, pay slips
Frequently asked questions
Travel insurance is not a requirement for all countries, but it is strongly recommended. Travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and other travel-related issues. It can also provide peace of mind while traveling, knowing that you have a way to get help if something goes wrong.
The easiest way to get a Madagascar visa is by applying for an e-Visa online. An e-Visa is an electronic visa that can be obtained through the official Madagascar e-Visa website. The application process is simple and can be completed online fast or easily.
If your Madagascar visa application is rejected, you will be notified by the embassy or consulate where you applied. The notification will typically include the reason for the rejection.
If your visa application is rejected, you have a few options:
- Appeal the decision: You can appeal the decision by writing a letter to the embassy or consulate explaining the reasons why your visa should be approved. This process can take some time, so it's a good idea to do this as soon as possible.
- Re-apply: You can re-apply for a visa by submitting a new application and addressing the reasons why your previous application was rejected. Make sure to include any additional documentation that is required.
- Get a new passport: If your visa application is rejected because your passport is damaged or expired, you can apply for a new passport and re-apply for a visa.
- Seek Professional help: You can seek assistance from a visa consultant or immigration lawyer who can help you understand the reasons for the rejection and advise on the best course of action.
It's important to note that if your visa is rejected, you may be barred from re-entering the country for a certain period of time. So it's always best to make sure that your application is complete and accurate before submitting it.
The earliest time you can apply for a Madagascar e-visa online would depend on the country where you are applying from, and the type of visa you are applying for.
For most e-visa, you can apply for your visa up to 90 days before your planned travel date. However, please note that the e-visa is only valid for entry within the validity period indicated in the visa.