In this article, we will explore Madagascar, another exciting place for a fellow backpacker. We will discuss how to apply for Madagascar evisa, step by step and gain a few insights on the 2nd largest island country.

VISA-FREE ACCESS COUNTRIES

There are about 53 countries that are under the eligibility of visa-free access in Madagascar. They can stay up to 30-180 days and depends on which country you are from.

RELATED POST: Ivory Coast visa guide

VISA ON ARRIVAL

Visa on arrival is open for all nationalities and has restrictions for nationals of Burundi and Palestine. The visa is issued within 30-90 days of stay and can be valid for a single entry. If your applying for an e Visa, it is mandatory to submit at least three days before your departure date.

WHO NEEDS A MADAGASCAR EVISA

All visitors to the country need first in obtaining a visa upon entering. They may either apply from the embassy in advance. Meanwhile, some foreigners have their evisa application process on the internet or online. Furthermore, visitors must have their passport with a validity of 6 months and their return ticket back home.

Madagascar Evisa Requirements

Below are some of the lists you need before applying for Madagascar evisa. 

• Start by filling up a short application with your full name, date of birth, gender, and contact details.
• Applicants also need to provide their passport data (passport number, country of citizenship, issuing date, and expiration date)
• A working email address to receive the approved e Visa
• Debit or credit card or PayPal to pay for the evisa fee. You can also use PayPal.
• A recent passport photo of yourself with a white background

How Much Is Madagascar Evisa

The cost of Madagascar evisa depends on the processing time frame and days of your stay. Some of the prices are listed below.

• $38 for 30 days single entry visa
• $44 for 60 days single entry visa
• $55 for 90 days single entry visa

Upon arrival, a foreigner must show a printed document of their evisa. This is to be presented on arrival at the counter e-Visa with your valid passport, at least six months, and two blank pages. 

How Long Does It Take to Process Madagascar Evisa

The processing will take between 4-7 working days. After the application for an electronic visa is completed, you’ll be notified through your indicated email address. 

HOW TO GET YOUR MADAGASCAR EVISA APPLICATION ONLINE

The e-Visa is an alternative way of processing your application, it is convenient, and it doesn’t take up too much of your time. First, make sure you have the following before getting an application form.

• You must have your passport with you
• A laptop, desktop, or a smartphone
• Reliable internet connection
• Ready your bank card or PayPal account

After you’ve checked out the list above, please follow these simple steps:

• Start by clicking on this website, scroll down, and you’ll see the apply now and hit the button to get started.
• Choose your nationality ​on the drop-down menu​​
• Answer the required questions, and reread it twice once you’re done
• Choose from the three options to determine the preferred processing time of your electronic visa (standard processing, rush processing, or super rush processing)
• Proceed to payment once all your information is indicated and rechecked.

CHECK EVISA COST AND PROCESSING TIME

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO MADAGASCAR

Some locations are hard and uncomfortable to visit, its lengthy, and some areas are prohibited from entering, especially on cyclone seasons. So, it is challenging to immerse yourself in the beauty of the topography in Madagascar. However, if you are wishing for a more adventurous trip, Madagascar can be a fascinating location.

It is one of the best places for lovers of the outdoors, photographers, and natural artist who might find the area very soothing and thrilling.

Best Time To Go

The best time to go revolves around your preferences. Some people may want to go in July and August, which has a cooler temperature, and a great time for watching the whales as they roam freely in the oceans of Madagascar.

Meanwhile, others go in warmer weather from September to December. Bird and wildlife lovers may find this a good time for such, birds, reptiles, and insects are more active on these months.

Vaccinations

Madagascar is a home of numerous kinds of species, and this alone is some of the reasons to get vaccinated before travelling to Madagascar. The entire island is prone to Malaria, Hepatitis A, and diarrhoea.

Being one of the most biodiverse destinations in the world, expect to see thousands of species of flora and fauna, and the famous lemurs that can only be found in Madagascar.

What To Pack

Because of the geographical and being a multi-climate island, expect some extreme hiking and trekking in visiting Madagascar. Packing depends solely on which month you prefer to visit. The place is famous for its tropical beaches, cold mountain, and tropical forests. Here’s the list that must come handy at all times in this extraordinary nature trip. 

• Sunglasses
• Sunblock
• Mosquito or insect repellents
• Bathing Suits
• Flashlights
• External Battery and Pocket Wi-Fi
• Swiss knife
• Loose shirt and -t-shirts (Preferably cotton)
• Light jacket (It can get cold at times, especially at night)
• Leggings, Hiking pants, or Cargo pants
• Dresses, and Jumpsuits
• Hiking Boots
• Durable Slippers
• Hat

Estimated Travel Cost Per Day

Like any traveller, you’ll want to know how much you will be spending in a culture or place new to you. Everything in Madagascar can be very cheap. Food that will just cost you cents to one dollar, and accommodations that range from two to several dollars.

CHECK OUT THE CHEAPEST ACCOMMODATIONS HERE 

Here’s a breakdown of estimated expenses per day in residing and thoroughly enjoying a day or more in this earthly place.  

• On the budget: $20-$25 per person for accommodation, food, travel expenses, and necessities or toiletries excluding tours and entrance fees to tourist destinations.
• Mid-range: $30-$50 per person for a decent double room, dining at restaurants, and taxi rides. If you want to avail for a tour, it will cost you around $100 for a three-day itinerary
• Luxury: $150-$200 per day for a room in a guesthouse, lunch, and dinner to local restaurants, and travelling expenses. Some agency also offers $350 for a 1-week itinerary tour to the Tsiribihina River, Tsingy de Bemaraha, and Avenue du Baobab.

Also, bring enough cash (Malagasy Ariary), there are a few ATMs in the cities. You can exchange some money once you landed on their airports, they offer currency exchange, and dollars are pretty high in exchange.

It is also good to invest in a nomad travel insurance, to make sure that you’ll get covered for possible accidents on your trip.

Language

The primary conversational language spoken day-to-day in Madagascar is Malagasy. However, good news for some travellers who may have some experience with the French language.

A good amount of locals speak French. Take note that Malagasy has little knowledge of the English language. So, it is best to know some of the Malagasy words.

Dress Code

You can opt for dresses, pants, t-shirts, or something modest, and can make you comfortable in the heat. Some women of the eastern African countries generally wear quite conservatively. So, it is best to pack clothes that don’t reveal too much of your skin.

However, you can always wear shorts, bathing suits in camps, lodges, and on the coast of the beach. It is also better to go for long trousers and tops to help you protect from the harsh sunlight and keep you away from the mosquitos.

How to Get Around Madagascar

Getting around in Madagascar has a myriad of ways to travel and commute. It’s either by renting a car, hire a tuk-tuk to get you around town, and some destinations also offer van services.

• Travelling by bus is one way to go from short distances to long distances comfortably, and it doesn’t usually get too crowded.
• If you want to travel by train, rail networks are limited to short lines. The most common train destinations are the Fianarantsoa-Manakara line. Although cancellations and delays are frequent, so always expect the unexpected.
• Taxis are the most common of getting around affordably in cities and large towns. Also, take note that a taxi doesn’t have a meter and rely only on predetermined rates. You should always ask for a price before setting off to prevent overpricing.

Safety In Madagascar

Travelling to Madagascar has always been relatively safe compared to neighbouring African countries. Malagasy are very hospitable and friendly people, but because of the turmoil of the government and the uprising of unemployment.

Beware of petty crimes, avoid walking in the corners of big cities at night to prevent yourself from being mugged. However, it is perfectly safe and no stress as you get out of the capital city.

Dos And Don’ts

Let’s talk first about what you shouldn’t do on your trip to Madagascar. Don’t ever feed the dogs, Madagascar is a developing and poor country, they may find this offensive. Don’t pass to someone without being respectful and polite.

Always pay attention to how you walk on villages, Malagasy find it very irritable if you’re walking as if you own it. Don’t get offended if people stare right at you. It is common for them, especially if you look foreign. If your taking pictures, always be courteous to know some of the photo etiquettes.

For the dos, be careful with your belongings, especially to crowded places like Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar. You can keep looking but don’t touch their sacred wood carvings or the Aloalo.

Do bring extra changes alongside with you, especially when planning to shop in the market. And always keep an eye and secure your baggage.

TRAVEL VISA GUIDES PER NATIONALITY

• Check out this collection of visa guides
• Australian passport holders
• Canadian passport holders
• German passport holder
• New Zealand passport holders
• United States passport holders
• United Kingdom passport holders

We hope that we able to answer on how to get a Madagascar evisa. If you have any questions or have some information that we should correct, let us know in the comment section below.