Madagascar, renowned for its rich and diverse flora and fauna, holds a unique allure. What sets it apart? The exceptional wildlife endemic to the country makes it truly special. Many foreign travelers obtain a Madagascar tourist visa to experience the wonders of ecotourism in this remarkable country.

Understanding the Madagascar Tourist Visa

A tourist visa for Madagascar is issued to travelers with plans to visit the country for tourism and leisure activities. Holders of this visa can also visit friends and family residing in Madagascar. This permit has an initial validity of three months, allowing for a 30-day stay. It is a single-entry visa and can be obtained either online or upon arrival. It’s essential to note that having a visa does not guarantee entry across the border; travelers must meet specific criteria for entry.

How to Obtain a Tourist Visa for Madagascar from India

To acquire a Madagascar tourist visa for Indian nationals, you must first ensure your eligibility. There are multiple application methods, primarily online or upon arrival in Madagascar. Here are the detailed procedures for obtaining a tourist visa for Madagascar from India:

E-Visa Process:

1. Visit the official Madagascar e-visa application website.
2. Complete the visa application form.
3. Attach your recent photograph.
4. Upload scanned copies of the required documents.
5. Submit the application.
6. Pay the necessary visa processing fee.
7. Await approval of your application.

Visa on Arrival:

1. Download the visa application form.
2. Complete the form in full and sign it.
3. Carry the application form and other necessary documents with you to Madagascar.
4. Present the application form and supporting documents to the Immigration officer upon arrival.
5. Pay the required fee.
6. Get your passport stamped.

The processing of the permit commences upon approval of the application. If there are any complications with the online application or if you don’t receive a response from the e-visa portal within the standard processing time, you can apply for a tourist visa for Madagascar offline at the Madagascan Embassy. The offline process for the permit is as follows:

Stamp Visa Process:

1. Begin by downloading the visa application form.
2. Fill out the required information on the form.
3. Attach a recent photograph according to the photo specifications.
4. Submit the application form and supporting documents to the embassy.
5. Pay the required fee for the permit.

When filling out any application, whether online or offline, it’s crucial to take precautions. The information in the application form must match the details in your travel documents and be accurate and verifiable. Any issues with the application can render it inadmissible and result in rejection. Other factors can also lead to visa rejection. To minimize the chances of rejection, consider seeking assistance from professionals for the application process.

Eligibility

To obtain a tourist visa for Madagascar, specific parameters and criteria must be met. These parameters define the visa requirements and the application process. Some general eligibility criteria include:

• Providing proof of the purpose of your visit.
• If you are visiting acquaintances, you should have an invitation letter from a resident in Madagascar.
• Your visit should be for tourism or visiting acquaintances, and not for employment.
• Meeting health requirements, including taking a medical test before traveling.
• Demonstrating good character and genuine intentions for working in Madagascar, often requiring a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• Having sufficient funds to cover your stay and expenses in Madagascar, which may require a bank statement or equivalent document.

Madagascar Tourist Visa Requirements

Document requirements for a tourist visa for Madagascar differ depending on the application method chosen. Here are the Madagascar tourist visa requirements based on the application process:

E-Visa Requirements:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
• Photo meeting the specified photo requirements.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Proof of the purpose of your visit (e.g., exhibition pass, invitation letter, etc.).
• Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement, etc.).

Visa on Arrival Requirements:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
• Duly signed visa application form.
• Photo meeting the specified photo requirements.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Proof of the purpose of your visit (e.g., exhibition pass, invitation letter, etc.).
• Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement, etc.).

Stamp Visa Requirements:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
• Duly signed visa application form.
• Photo meeting the specified photo requirements.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Covering letter.
• Proof of the purpose of your visit (e.g., exhibition pass, invitation letter, etc.).
• Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement, etc.).

Photo Specifications

• Provide one copy.
• Photo size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Must be in color.
• Acceptable formats include JPEG or other supported formats for E-visa.
• The face should occupy approximately 70-80% of the frame.
• The head should be well-centered.
• The photo must not be older than 6 months.
• The background should be white.
• Maintain a neutral expression.
• Ensure hair does not obscure the eyes.
• Both ears must be visible.
• Teeth should not be visible.
• Glasses are not permitted, except for prescription glasses.
• Eyes must be clearly visible through glasses.
• Photos should be taken in clear light.
• Red eyes or flashes should not distort the image.
• Headgear is not allowed, except for religious reasons.
• Clothing should not match the background.

Madagascar Tourist Visa Processing Time

The processing time varies depending on the chosen application method. For an e-visa, the standard processing time is 72 hours, but it may take longer in some cases. However, the processing time for a stamp visa depends on several factors, including the embassy’s workload, staff availability, processing requirements, holidays, and more. Therefore, the processing time for an offline tourist visa for Madagascar is typically longer than for an online application.

Madagascar Tourist Visa Cost

The cost of a Madagascar tourist visa, regardless of the type of permit, is typically paid after submitting the application form and documents. For an online permit, the fee is paid online, while for a visa on arrival, the fee is paid upon arrival in Madagascar to the Immigration officer, along with the application form and your passport. To obtain a stamp Madagascar tourist visa for Indian travelers, the fee must be paid to the embassy in cash or by demand draft.

After Submission

Once the documents are submitted, the processing begins. During this period, it’s essential to note the following:

• If you experience delays or receive no response from the e-visa portal after the standard processing time, you can consider applying offline through the embassy.
• Since e-visas may not be available for all types of permits, the offline permit option is suitable in such cases.
• After submitting the offline application form and documents, the Embassy of Madagascar reviews the application.
• If additional requirements need to be met, you will be informed accordingly.
• After approval, processing commences, and you will be granted the permit.
• If changes are required in the application or if you need to withdraw it due to a change in plans, inform the embassy. The visa fee is typically non-refundable.

How to Check Visa Status

You can check the status of your tourist visa for Madagascar either through the e-visa portal online or by contacting the embassy if you applied offline. If you applied through a visa agency, you can also check the status by contacting them.

Upon Receiving Your Visa

Once your visa is processed and granted, you will receive it according to the application method:

• E-visa: The e-visa will be emailed to you at the registered email address.
• Stamp Visa: You can collect the stamp visa directly from the embassy.

When you have your tourist visa for Madagascar, keep the following in mind while traveling to the country:

Before You Travel:

• Print your e-visa for Madagascar.
• Note the visa expiry date and the number of entries allowed. You must not overstay your visa.
• Travel to Madagascar within the validity of your visa.
• Carry copies of your passport and other travel documents while in the country.
• Obtain health insurance and travel insurance from a certified company.

At the Border:

• Acquire landing clearance.
• Have your documents and your e-visa/stamp visa verified.
• Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
• Consult airport authorities for any required assistance.
• Review your visa copy for additional guidelines and rules to follow.

Upon Arrival in Madagascar:

• Do not engage in any employment; however, volunteer work may be allowed.
• Avoid prohibited tourist areas.
• Ensure you do not overstay your visa and apply for a visa extension as needed.