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Before you go to Madagascar: what to know

Must know

  • Visits up to 15 days are visa-free but carry a EUR 10 administration fee. For longer tourism stays, 30- or 60-day single-entry visas are available on arrival.
  • Cash-based economy; cards work at selected major hotels, restaurants and shops. ATMs are limited and currency reconversion can be difficult.

Entry and visas

British citizen passport: Visits up to 15 days are visa-free but carry a EUR 10 administration fee. For longer tourism stays, 30- or 60-day single-entry visas are available on arrival. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.

Passport validity: At least 6 months after arrival; 2 blank pages.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Money

Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Cash-based economy; cards work at selected major hotels, restaurants and shops. ATMs are limited and currency reconversion can be difficult.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Photographing military and government installations.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Carry your original passport; police may not accept certified copies.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.

Clothing: Ask your hosts about appropriate clothing for community visits and religious sites.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Climate

The cyclone season is November–April; coast, highlands and the arid south have different conditions.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: cyclone-season window; monitor warnings.
  • February: Feb: cyclone-season window; monitor warnings.
  • March: Mar: cyclone-season window; monitor warnings.
  • April: Apr: cyclone-season window; monitor warnings.
  • May: May: outside usual cyclone season; check local forecasts.
  • June: Jun: outside usual cyclone season; check local forecasts.
  • July: Jul: outside usual cyclone season; check local forecasts.
  • August: Aug: outside usual cyclone season; check local forecasts.
  • September: Sep: outside usual cyclone season; check local forecasts.
  • October: Oct: outside usual cyclone season; check local forecasts.
  • November: Nov: cyclone-season window; monitor warnings.
  • December: Dec: cyclone-season window; monitor warnings.

Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

What to pack

  • Copies of travel documents
  • An adapter compatible with your accommodation
  • Medicines with their prescription documents

Practical

Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.

Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.

Traffic: drives on the right

Insurance: Arrange insurance for your itinerary and planned activities, including medical evacuation where needed.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.