Practical guide for traveling to Madagascar
Madagascar is an island known for the diversity of its landscapes and its rich cultural heritage. To enjoy your trip under the best conditions, proper preparation is key.
In this practical guide to traveling to Madagascar, you’ll find clear information on entry requirements, health, what to pack, and useful tips for organizing your stay.
Madagascar: Why it’s a unique travel destination?
Madagascar offers a wide variety of landscapes, from tropical forests inhabited by lemurs to serene white-sand beaches. A trip to the “Big Island” also allows you to discover baobab formations and ecologically valuable national parks. Its landscapes, unmatched biodiversity, and the warmth of its people make the island a truly memorable travel experience.
➡️ For more details, you can read our dedicated article: “Travel to Madagascar: what adventures await you?”
Documents and requirements for traveling to Madagascar
Visa
Madagascar requires a tourist visa, which can be obtained upon arrival at the airport. There are three options:
- Stays up to 15 days: administrative fee of around 11,69 USD upon arrival
- 30-day visa: costs 40,91 USD
- 60-day visa: costs approximately 46,75 USD
Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry and have at least one blank page for the stamp.
Vaccines and Health
No vaccines are mandatory, but some are recommended depending on your type of trip and country of origin. Always consult an international health center for advice.
Practical tips for traveling to Madagascar
ATMs, money, and currency exchange
The official currency in Madagascar is the Ariary. As of January 2026, the approximate exchange rate is 1 USD ≈ 4 622 Ariary.
- ATMs are available in major cities, but not in rural areas.
- It is advisable to carry cash for long trips.
- Card payments are limited.
- Currency can be exchanged at the airport or in banks.
Language
The main languages spoken are:
- Malagasy, spoken throughout the country
- French, common in cities and tourist areas
- English is less widespread but is often used in hotels and restaurants catering to tourists
Some useful words:
- Salama = Hello
- Azafady = Please
- Misaotra = Thank you
- Veloma = Goodbye
Malagasy people greatly appreciate it when visitors try to communicate in their language.
Tipping
Tips are not mandatory but appreciated, and they provide important income for many workers.
Typically, tips are given:
- In restaurants
- To local guides
- To drivers
- In hotels
- To accompanying guides
Travel first aid kit
Include pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, disinfectant, sunscreen, and personal medication.
As in most tropical countries, there is a risk of malaria, so prophylaxis is recommended. Using mosquito repellent and protecting yourself from bites is part of standard precautions.
Important: This information is for guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice.
What to pack for a trip to Madagascar?
Depending on your itinerary, it is recommended to bring:
- Light clothing for daytime
- Jacket for cool nights and high-altitude areas
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Mosquito repellent
- Swimsuit
- Flashlight and power bank
- Daypack
For national parks, consider bringing gaiters, a raincoat, and trekking shoes.
Additional practical information
Time difference
During winter in the United States, Madagascar is 8 hours ahead of Eastern Time; in summer, the difference is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Time.
Electricity
The electrical system in Madagascar operates at 220 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz.
Crafts and shopping
Madagascar has rich and varied handicrafts, perfect for those looking for authentic souvenirs.
- Ambositra and the Zafimaniry villages are known for handmade wood marquetry.
- In the south, items are made from raffia, natural fibers, and traditional textiles.
- In the west, wooden carvings depict lemurs, baobabs, and local scenes.
- In the north, in cities like Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) and nearby islands like Nosy Be, markets offer a mix of traditional crafts, including wooden figures, jewelry made from local shells and seeds, and textiles with local patterns.
- In Antananarivo, La Digue market and other bazaars offer a wide selection of handicrafts: lamba (traditional textiles), musical instruments, semi-precious stones, shells, and other items representing Malagasy culture.
Buying local crafts not only allows you to take home a unique souvenir from Madagascar but also supports local communities and preserves traditional techniques.
Why leave your trip to Madagascar in the hands of a professional?
Madagascar is a vast and wonderful destination with limited and fragile road infrastructure, making logistics challenging. That’s why most travelers rely on local professionals to organize their trips.
Choosing an expert provides key advantages:
- Itineraries designed according to seasons, access, and actual distances
- Professional drivers with local experience
- Guidance and support in case of any unforeseen events
- Optimized routes to avoid long journeys
- Recommendations based on real on-the-ground knowledge
- Greater safety in remote areas
- Saves time, worries, and typical mistakes of independent travelers
With Madagascar Natour, travelers enjoy an authentic and safe journey with the peace of mind of being accompanied by experts who know every corner of the country.
