Madagascar Visa for Canadian Citizens 2026
Canadian citizens can enter Madagascar visa-free for up to 90 days or apply online for an eVisa (15–60 days) starting at approximately €35. A valid passport with 6 months' validity and 2 blank pages is required.
Do Canadian Citizens Need a Visa for Madagascar?
Canadian citizens do not require a visa for tourist visits to Madagascar of up to 90 days. However, you must carry a valid Canadian passport with at least 6 months' validity beyond your date of entry and a minimum of 2 empty pages.[1] Many Canadian travellers choose to obtain an eVisa in advance for convenience and to avoid delays at the airport; this is optional but recommended.[2]
Visa Types Available to Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens have three main options for entering Madagascar:
- Visa-Free Entry (90 days): No advance application needed. You receive a tourist permit upon arrival at immigration.[1]
- eVisa (Online Pre-Approval): Apply online before travel; valid for 15, 30, or 60 days (single entry).[2]
- Visa on Arrival: Obtain a visa directly at Madagascar's international airports (not recommended; expect delays and limited payment options).[3]
For stays longer than 90 days or non-tourist purposes (work, residence, study), you must apply through a Malagasy embassy before departure.[4]
eVisa for Canadian Citizens: Types and Validity
If you prefer to secure approval before travel, Madagascar's eVisa system offers three options:
| Visa Type | Duration of Stay | Validity Period | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | Up to 15 days | 15 days | Single entry |
| Tourist eVisa | Up to 30 days | 30 days | Single entry |
| Tourist eVisa | Up to 60 days | 60 days | Single entry |
All eVisa options are single-entry only. Your travel dates must fall within the visa's validity period; once you leave Madagascar, you cannot re-enter on the same eVisa.[2]
How to Apply for a Madagascar eVisa: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Gather the following before starting your application:
- Valid Canadian Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with a minimum of 2 blank pages.[1]
- Passport Bio Page Scan: A clear digital copy of the page with your name, photo, and passport number. Ensure no creases or blurring.[2]
- Colour Photograph (5×5 cm): A recent digital photo taken within the last 6 months on glossy paper or as a high-quality digital scan. Your face must be neutral, centred, with both eyebrows and ears visible.[1]
Step 2: Visit the Official eVisa Portal
The official Madagascar eVisa portal is evisa.diplomatie.gov.mg (or alternative authorized providers). Create an account and start a new application.[4]
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill in your personal details accurately:
- Full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth
- Passport number and issue/expiry dates
- Intended arrival and departure dates
- Planned accommodation address in Madagascar
- Purpose of visit (tourism)
Important: Double-check all information before submission. Errors or inconsistencies can delay or result in rejection of your application.[2]
Step 4: Upload Documents and Pay
Upload clear scans or photos of:
- Your passport bio page
- Your colour photograph
Select your preferred processing speed (see Fees & Payment section below), review the total cost, and pay online using a credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard accepted).[2]
Step 5: Receive Your eVisa by Email
Once approved (typically within 1–6 working days depending on processing speed), you will receive your eVisa as a PDF via email. Print it in colour and carry the printed copy with you to Madagascar. Present it to immigration upon arrival.[2]
Madagascar eVisa Fees & Payment Methods
eVisa Fees by Duration
The exact fee structure for Canadian citizens is not specified in official sources; confirm the current fee on the official eVisa portal before applying. Based on available information, typical tourist eVisa costs are:
- 15-day eVisa: Approximately €10–15 (administrative fee)
- 30-day eVisa: Approximately €35
- 60-day eVisa: Approximately €48
Processing speed surcharges may apply:[2]
| Processing Speed | Processing Time | Additional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 4–6 working days | No charge |
| Rush | 2–4 working days | $59 USD |
| Super Rush | 1–3 working days | $99 USD |
Visa-Free Entry Fees
If you enter without an eVisa, you receive a 90-day tourist permit at no cost upon arrival at immigration.[1]
Visa on Arrival Fees
If you choose to obtain a visa at the airport, expect to pay approximately €10–37 depending on duration. However, this option is not recommended as it may result in significant delays and limited payment options (typically cash in EUR, USD, or Malagasy Ariary only).[3]
Accepted Payment Methods
For online eVisa applications:
- Credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
- Debit card
- PayPal (where available)
Payment is made in the currency displayed on the portal (typically USD or EUR); currency conversion fees may apply depending on your card issuer.[2]
Processing Times & eVisa Validity
How Long Does It Take to Get a Madagascar eVisa?
Processing time depends on the speed you select at application:
- Standard (Free): 4–6 working days
- Rush (+$59): 2–4 working days
- Super Rush (+$99): 1–3 working days
Processing times do not include the submission date. You will receive email updates throughout the review period, and can track your application status on the eVisa portal.[2]
eVisa Validity and Stay Duration
Your eVisa validity period is fixed at the time of approval and does not extend beyond the dates you specified in your application. For example, a 30-day eVisa approved on 1 August 2026 is valid for 30 consecutive days from approval; you must enter Madagascar within that window.[2] Once inside Madagascar, you may stay for the full duration (up to the maximum allowed by your eVisa type) but cannot extend beyond the eVisa's expiry date without applying for a separate extension visa.
Passport Requirements for Canadian Citizens
- Validity: Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Madagascar.[1]
- Blank Pages: Your passport must contain a minimum of 2 empty pages for entry and exit stamps.[1]
- Condition: Your passport must be in good condition; heavily damaged or water-stained passports may be rejected at immigration.[1]
- Gender Marker 'X': While the Government of Canada issues passports with an 'X' gender identifier, Madagascar may not recognize this designation. Verify acceptance with the Malagasy embassy before travel.[1]
What Happens at Immigration When You Arrive
If You Have an eVisa
Present your printed eVisa and Canadian passport to the immigration officer. Your visa will be scanned and verified. If approved, you will receive an entry stamp in your passport. The process typically takes 5–10 minutes.[2]
If You Arrive Visa-Free
Present your Canadian passport to the immigration officer. You will be asked the purpose of your visit (tourism), your intended length of stay (up to 90 days), and proof of onward travel or sufficient funds. You will receive a tourist entry stamp and a printed tourist permit valid for 90 days.[1]
Health & Vaccination Requirements
Yellow fever vaccination is required by Madagascar authorities, and proof is mandatory upon arrival.[1] If you do not carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, you may be denied entry or required to be vaccinated at the airport (which may delay your arrival). For detailed health guidance and other recommended vaccinations, refer to Vaccinations & Health Rules for Madagascar (also applicable to Canadian citizens).
Customs & Prohibited Items
Madagascar prohibits the import of certain items, including narcotics, counterfeit currency, and wildlife products. You must declare any items of significant value. Photography of military and government installations is prohibited.[1]
Extensions, Multiple Entries & Overstays
Extending Your Stay in Madagascar
If you wish to stay longer than 90 days (visa-free) or your eVisa duration, you must apply for an extension in person at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministère des Affaires Étrangères) in Antananarivo within 72 hours of arrival. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and may take 2–7 working days.[4] There is no guarantee of approval.
Multiple Entries
Both the visa-free permit and standard eVisa are single-entry only. If you plan to leave and re-enter Madagascar, you must obtain a new eVisa or apply for a multiple-entry visa through the Malagasy embassy before travel.[4]
Overstaying Your Visa
Overstaying your permitted duration is a serious immigration violation. Penalties include fines (typically 200,000–500,000 Malagasy Ariary, or approximately USD 45–115), detention, and deportation. You may also be banned from re-entering Madagascar. Do not overstay.[1]
Transit Through Madagascar
If you are transiting through Madagascar (not leaving the airport), you do not need a visa if your stay is under 24 hours and you have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you leave the airport terminal at any point, you must have a valid visa or eVisa. It is safer to assume you need a visa if there is any chance you will exit the airport.[4]
Common Mistakes & Reasons for Rejection
Application Rejection Reasons
- Passport Validity: Passport expires within 6 months of your intended arrival. Solution: Renew your passport before applying.
- Photo Quality: Photo is blurry, outdated (older than 6 months), or does not show both ears and eyebrows. Solution: Take a fresh, high-quality photo meeting the 5×5 cm glossy paper standard.
- Document Scans: Scans are creased, low-resolution, or partially cut off. Solution: Re-scan or photograph documents in good lighting with a clear, full view.
- Information Mismatch: Details on your application do not match your passport (spelling of name, date of birth, passport number). Solution: Carefully verify all information before submission.
- Incomplete Application: Required fields are left blank or unclear. Solution: Complete every field and review before submitting.
- Ineligibility: You have a criminal record or are flagged for other security reasons. Solution: Contact the Malagasy embassy for guidance.
If Your Application Is Rejected
You will receive an email explaining the reason. You may reapply, but non-refundable processing fees are typically forfeited. Correct the issue and resubmit with a new application and payment.[2]
Planning Your Madagascar Trip
Once your visa is secured, you're ready to explore. Consider booking a Madagascar Safari & Beach Holiday or comparing Madagascar Safari vs East Africa wildlife experiences. SafariFind makes it easy to find and compare verified safari packages, accommodation, and guides across Madagascar's national parks and coastal regions.
Summary: Canadian Visa Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Required? | No (for stays up to 90 days); optional eVisa recommended |
| Passport Validity | Minimum 6 months beyond arrival + 2 blank pages |
| eVisa Duration Options | 15, 30, or 60 days (single entry) |
| eVisa Cost | €10–48 (confirm on official portal); processing fees +$59–$99 optional |
| Processing Time | 4–6 days (standard); 1–3 days (super rush) |
| Application Portal | evisa.diplomatie.gov.mg |
| Visa-Free Entry | 90 days at immigration (no cost) |
| Yellow Fever Vaccination | Required; proof mandatory at arrival |
| Entry Stamp Cost | Free (visa-free) or included in eVisa |
Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling. Visa requirements, fees, and processing procedures are subject to change without notice. Verify all information with the Madagascar Entry Requirements 2026 guide or contact the Malagasy embassy in Canada before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Madagascar?
No, Canadian citizens do not require a visa for tourist visits up to 90 days. You receive a tourist permit automatically upon arrival at immigration. However, you must carry a valid Canadian passport with 6 months' validity and 2 blank pages. Many travellers choose to apply for an optional eVisa in advance to avoid delays.[1][2]
How much does a Madagascar eVisa for Canadian citizens cost?
eVisa costs vary by duration: approximately €10–15 for 15 days, €35 for 30 days, and €48 for 60 days. Optional rush processing adds $59 (2–4 days) or $99 (1–3 days). Confirm the exact fee on the official eVisa portal (evisa.diplomatie.gov.mg) before applying, as prices may change.[2]
How long does it take to get a Madagascar eVisa?
Standard processing takes 4–6 working days at no extra cost. Rush processing (2–4 days) costs $59, and super rush (1–3 days) costs $99. Processing time does not include your submission date. You will receive email updates and can track your status on the portal.[2]
What documents do I need to apply for a Madagascar eVisa?
You need: (1) a valid Canadian passport with 6+ months' validity and 2 blank pages, (2) a clear scan of your passport bio page, and (3) a recent colour photograph (5×5 cm, glossy, taken within 6 months, showing both ears and eyebrows with neutral expression).[1][2]
Is yellow fever vaccination required for Madagascar?
Yes, yellow fever vaccination is required by Madagascar authorities. You must carry proof of vaccination (valid yellow fever certificate) at immigration upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or required to be vaccinated at the airport.[1]
Can I extend my stay in Madagascar beyond 90 days?
Yes, but you must apply for an extension in person at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Antananarivo within 72 hours of arrival. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and may take 2–7 working days. There is no guarantee of approval.[4]
What is the validity period of a Madagascar eVisa?
Your eVisa validity period is fixed at the time of approval and does not extend beyond the dates you specify in your application. For example, a 30-day eVisa is valid for 30 consecutive days from approval. You must enter Madagascar within this window. The eVisa is single-entry only.[2]
What happens if I overstay my visa in Madagascar?
Overstaying is a serious violation. Penalties include fines (typically 200,000–500,000 Malagasy Ariary, or ~USD 45–115), detention, deportation, and a possible ban from re-entering Madagascar. Do not exceed your permitted stay.[1]
Can Canadian citizens apply for a visa on arrival at Madagascar airports?
Yes, but it is not recommended. Visa on arrival typically costs €10–37 depending on duration, payment options are limited (cash in EUR, USD, or Malagasy Ariary), and you should expect significant delays at immigration. Applying for an eVisa in advance is faster and more convenient.[3]
Do I need a visa if I am only transiting through Madagascar?
If you remain in the airport terminal and do not leave within 24 hours, you do not need a visa. However, if you exit the airport at any point, you must have a valid visa or eVisa. It is safest to assume you need a visa if there is any chance of leaving the terminal.[4]
What should I do if my Madagascar eVisa application is rejected?
You will receive an email explaining the reason (e.g., photo quality, passport validity, information mismatch). Correct the issue and reapply with a new application and payment. Non-refundable processing fees from the rejected application are typically forfeited.[2]
Where do I apply for a Madagascar eVisa?
Apply online at the official Madagascar eVisa portal: evisa.diplomatie.gov.mg. Create an account, complete the application form, upload your passport bio page and photo, select your processing speed, and pay by credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard).[2]
