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 anticipated stay in Madagascar.
For stays shorter than 15 days, a visa is not required, but travelers will be required to pay a "landing authorization" fee of approximately USD $10 upon entry.
For stays of 15 days or longer, a visa is required for entry and may be obtained upon arrival. A single-entry tourist visa valid for up to 30 days is USD $19.20, payable in cash only. It is best to have the correct amount if possible because you are unlikely to get exact change. Be aware this fee is subject to change without notice. You will also be required to provide a recent, 2x2" passport photo.
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. Cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later). If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.
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.