Madagascar
Madagascar travel guide for Americans
Americans need a visa (e‑visa or on arrival) for stays up to 90 days; apply before travel or get the visa on arrival at Ivato International (TNR). If you have a valid visa, you can follow the standard itinerary.
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Key facts
- Visa requiredcheck
- e‑visa or visa on arrival (90 days)
- Visa feecheck
- ≈ US$35‑40 (check)
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months on entry
Quick answer
US citizens need a tourist visa for Madagascar. You can apply for an e-visa online before travel or get a visa on arrival at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo. The visa covers stays up to 90 days. Confirm the current fee and validity with the Madagascar immigration service or the US State Department before booking.
- Apply for an e-visa before travel or get a visa on arrival at TNR.
- Fee is around US$35–40, payable in cash (USD or ariary).
- Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your departure date.
Entry requirements for US citizens
US passport holders must obtain a tourist visa. An e-visa can be applied online before travel; alternatively, a visa-on-arrival is issued at Ivato International Airport (TNR) for stays up to 90 days. The fee is around US$35–40 and payable in cash (USD or ariary).
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date. No onward-ticket proof is required, but immigration may ask for accommodation details.
- Apply e-visa at travel.state.gov (official US site) or obtain on arrival.
- Pay the visa fee in cash; cards are rarely accepted.
- Keep a copy of the visa receipt for any internal travel checks.
US Embassy and consular help
There is no US embassy in Madagascar; the nearest mission is the US Embassy in Antananarivo, located at Avenue de l’Indépendance. Contact details are available via the US Department of State website.
- Address: Avenue de l’Indépendance, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Phone: +261 20 22 30 00 00 (check)
- Emergency: 911 (local) or US Embassy emergency line (check)
Typical costs in USD
A mid-range two-week trip (flights, accommodation, transport, meals, park fees) costs roughly US$2,500–3,500 per person. This includes an international round-trip flight (≈ US$1,200–1,600), domestic travel (≈ US$200–400), mid-range hotels (US$40–70 per night), park entry (US$15–25 per day), and meals (US$10–20 per day).
| Item | Estimated cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip flight from US | 1,200–1,600 |
| Domestic flight or driver | 200–400 |
| Mid-range hotel (14 nights) | 560–980 |
| Meals (14 days) | 140–280 |
| Park fees & guides | 210–350 |
Prices are 2026 estimates; vary by season and booking time.
Flights and time difference
Main international gateway is Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo. Typical US-to-TNR flight time is 20–24 hours including one stop (e.g., Paris or Istanbul). Madagascar is UTC+3, so add 7–8 hours to US Eastern Time.
- Direct US flights: none (check)
- Common connections: Paris CDG, Istanbul IST, Nairobi NBO
- Time difference: UTC+3 (e.g., New York = UTC-5, add 8 h)
Plugs and power
Power plugs are type C and E, 220 V 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter and a power bank because outages are frequent, especially in Antananarivo.
- Plug types: C, E
- Voltage: 220 V / 50 Hz
- Power cuts (délestage) are common in Tana
Tipping
Tipping is expected in tourism contexts. Park guides typically receive 10–20% of the guide fee or €5–10 per walk. A driver on a week-plus trip gets €5–10 a day at the end. Restaurants: round up or 5–10%. Porters: 2,000–5,000 ariary a bag.
Emergency numbers
In an emergency in Madagascar, call 117 for police and 124 for medical help. For consular assistance, contact the US Embassy in Antananarivo.
- Police: 117
- Medical: 124
- US Embassy (Antananarivo): +261 20 22 30 00 00 (check)
FAQ
Sources
Questions people ask
Do Americans need a visa for Madagascar?
Yes. US citizens must obtain a tourist visa, either by applying for an e-visa before travel or by getting a visa-on-arrival at Ivato International Airport for stays up to 90 days.
How much does a trip to Madagascar cost in USD?
A typical two-week mid-range trip costs about US$2,500–3,500 per person, covering international flights, domestic travel, accommodation, meals, park fees and tips.
Where is the nearest United States embassy in Madagascar?
The US Embassy is in Antananarivo on Avenue de l’Indépendance. It provides consular assistance; contact details are on the US Department of State website.
What plug type and voltage are used in Madagascar?
Madagascar uses European type C and E plugs, 220 V at 50 Hz. Bring a suitable adapter and a power bank for frequent outages.
What is the typical tipping practice in Madagascar?
Tip €5–10 per day for a driver, €5–10 per guide walk, round up restaurant bills 5–10%, and give 2,000–5,000 ariary per bag to porters.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
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