Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a passport with at least three blank pages and valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into Madagascar.
For stays of 15 days or fewer: A visa is not required, but travelers are required to pay a USD $10 administrative fee. You have the option of paying this fee online in advance at https://evisamada-mg.com/en/home or upon arrival in Madagascar (cash only, U.S dollars accepted).
For stays longer than 15 days: A visa is required for entry. The cost for a single-entry visa for a visit up to 30 days is USD $37. You may obtain and pay for an electronic visa in advance at https://evisamada-mg.com/en/home or you may obtain a visa upon arrival in Madagascar. If obtained upon arrival, the visa fee must be paid in cash (U.S. dollars accepted).
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please be sure to check with the Madagascan Embassy for requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Madagascar unless you are arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk (including transiting 12 or more hours through the airport of a country where yellow fever is a risk).
The CDC recommends hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccines for most travelers visiting Madagascar. The CDC also recommends a single lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine for adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
The CDC warns that travelers to Madagascar may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.
To protect against mosquitos, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.
Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.
OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES
In addition to malaria, the CDC warns that travelers may be at risk for several insect-borne illnesses carried by mosquitos, ticks, and fleas, such as dengue fever, chikungunya, African tick-bite fever, and others.
The CDC recommends that travelers to Madagascar protect themselves against insect bites using the measures noted above. After spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Respiratory Illness Protocols
Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.