Hello, fellow traveler! So, you're heading from Norway to the incredible island of Madagascar? That's an amazing choice. But first, let's sort out the visa.
If you've Googled "Madagascar visa," you've probably seen a confusing mix of "e-Visa," "Visa on Arrival," and some websites that look a bit strange. It's easy to feel stressed about getting scammed or being stuck in a massive queue at Antananarivo airport.
Don't worry. This guide is here to clear up all the confusion. We'll give you the direct, simple answers to your real questions. This is your friendly, step-by-step playbook to make your arrival fast, cheap, and completely stress-free.
Do Norwegian Citizens Need a Visa for Madagascar?
Yes, absolutely. Let's be clear: citizens of Norway must have a valid visa to enter Madagascar. There is no visa-free arrangement.
But you have two main options to get your Madagascar Tourist eVisa, and this choice will make a huge difference to your arrival experience:
The "Old Way" (Visa on Arrival - VOA): You can get your visa when you land at the airport in Madagascar. This involves queueing, filling out forms, and paying in cash at a chaotic counter.
The "Smart Way" (e-Visa): You can apply and pay for your visa online before you leave Norway. This lets you skip the first (and worst) queue at the airport.
This guide will focus on the e-Visa, as it is the recommended, faster, and more modern way to travel.
Madagascar e-Visa (Online) vs. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
This is the most critical question, and the answer is all about time, cash, and stress.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): You land after a long flight. You are herded into a hot, crowded arrivals hall. You must first queue at the "Visa Payment" counter. Here, you'll pay your fee in cash (they prefer Euros or USD; don't count on your card working). After you pay, you get a receipt, and you then go to the second queue for "Immigration" to get the visa sticker put in your passport.
e-Visa (Online): You apply and pay online at home. You receive a "Landing Authorization" certificate via email, which you print. When you land, you completely skip the "Visa Payment" queue and go straight to the "Immigration" line. This can easily save you 30-60 minutes of standing in line.
The Verdict: The e-Visa is the clear winner. It turns a two-queue process into a one-queue process.
How Much Does the Madagascar e-Visa Cost for Norwegian Citizens?
The Madagascar Evisa Fee is very reasonable and is based on the length of your stay. The prices are officially set in Euros (EUR).
You pay this fee online with a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) during your application. This is a huge advantage, as you don't have to worry about carrying the exact amount of cash in Euros when you land.
Madagascar e-Visa Refund Policy
Understanding the Madagascar e-Visa refund policy helps applicants manage expectations and plan their travel finances effectively.
Here are the key points:
Non-Approval of Visa:
If your e-Visa application is not approved by Madagascar’s immigration authorities, you may be eligible for a refund of the visa fee. However, processing fees are typically non-refundable.Cancellation by Applicant:
If you cancel your e-Visa application before it is processed or approved, you can request a refund. The refundable amount depends on how far your application has progressed at the time of cancellation.
How to apply for Madagascar eVisa from Norway Citizens?
The process is refreshingly simple and all online. You should apply at least 7 days before you fly to be safe.
Fill in the Application Form: You'll need to enter your personal details (name, date of birth, etc.), your passport information (number, issue/expiry date), and your travel details.
Enter Your Travel Info: You must provide your arrival date, your flight number, and the name and address of your first hotel in Madagascar. Have this information ready.
Upload Your Document: The only document you need to upload is a clear, colour scan of your passport's photo page.
Pay the Fee: You will be directed to a secure payment portal. Pay the €10, €35, or €40 fee with your credit card.
Receive Your "Landing Authorization": After payment and processing, you will receive an email with your e-Visa confirmation. This document is your "Autorisation de Débarquement" (Landing Authorization).
PRINT THE DOCUMENT: This is not a suggestion. This is a rule. You must print a physical copy of this landing authorization. Do not rely on your phone.
What documents are required to enter Madagascar?
The online Madagascar Visa Requirements is very simple. All you need to upload is:
A Scan of Your Norwegian Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Madagascar and must have at least one blank page.
That's it for the online form. However, for your actual travel, you must also have:
Your return or onward flight ticket (the airline will check this before you board in Europe).
Your printed e-Visa Landing Authorization.
How Long Does the Madagascar e-Visa Take to Process?
When you apply for Madagascar e-Visa, you can choose from three convenient processing options based on how soon you need your visa approval:
Note: The total fee includes the Government Fee, Processing Fee, and any additional charges for expedited services (Urgent or Super Urgent).
Additional charges such as currency conversion fees or credit/debit card processing fees may also apply during payment.
What Happens if My e-Visa is Refused?
This is a very rare event for tourist applications from Norway. If it is refused, it's almost certainly due to a simple error:
You made a typo in your passport number or name.
Your passport scan was blurry or unreadable.
Your payment failed.
What to do: Don't panic. You cannot "appeal" the decision. The best thing to do is to carefully check your details and submit a new application.
If you are out of time and flying in the next day or two, your backup plan is simple: you can still get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) when you land. The e-Visa being refused does not ban you from getting a VOA. Just be sure to bring crisp, clean Euro notes to pay the fee at the airport.
Is the e-Visa a Sticker in My Passport? (The "Landing Authorization" Explained)
No, this is a key point of confusion. The PDF you receive via email is not the visa itself.
It is a "Landing Authorization (autorisation de débarquement).
This document simply proves that you have pre-applied and pre-paid for your visa. The actual visa is a sticker that will be placed in your passport by the immigration officer at the airport in Madagascar.
Your printed authorization is your "ticket" to the fast-track queue, where the officer will scan your document, verify your payment in their system, and then affix the proper visa sticker.
What Really Happens at Antananarivo (TNR) Airport with an e-Visa?
This is where your smart planning pays off. The arrivals hall at Ivato Airport (TNR) can be intimidating, hot, and confusing.
Here is the genuine arrival process:
Deplane & Health Forms: You'll walk from the plane into the terminal. You will likely be given a small health declaration form (Fiche de déclaration sanitaire) on the plane or in the hall. Fill this out.
The Big Queue Hall: You will enter a large hall with several queues. You will see signs for:
"Avec Visa" (With Visa)
"Sans Visa / Visa on Arrival" (Without Visa)
Your Action: You have an e-Visa, so you go directly to the "Avec Visa" queue. This is your fast-track lane.
The Immigration Booth: At the counter, you will hand the officer:
Your Norwegian passport.
Your printed e-Visa Landing Authorization.
Your completed health form.
The Process: The officer will scan your authorization paper, check your passport, and place the official visa sticker inside. They will then stamp you into the country.
Baggage & Customs: You then proceed to baggage reclaim (which can be slow) and finally through customs.
You have successfully bypassed the "Sans Visa" line, which is typically much longer because every person has to fumble for cash (Euros or Dollars) and get their payment processed before seeing the immigration officer.
I Have an e-Visa, But What is this Separate €10 "Tourist Tax"?
This is another point of confusion. The €10 fee for the 15-day visa is also referred to as a "border control formality" fee or "tourist tax."
The simple answer is: The fee you pay on the e-Visa website is all-inclusive.
If you apply for the 15-day option, you pay €10 online.
If you apply for the 30-day option, you pay €35 online.
You will not be asked to pay an additional €10 at the airport if you have your e-Visa Landing Authorization. The payment is already done.
What if I Don't Get an e-Visa? Can I Pay for the Visa on Arrival with a Credit Card?
Do not risk it. While some airport counters may have a card machine, it is notoriously unreliable. The power could be out, the machine could be "broken," or it may just reject foreign cards.
Genuine Advice: If you are forced to get a Visa on Arrival, you must treat it as a cash-only transaction. Bring clean, new Euro notes (EUR). This is the preferred currency. US Dollars (USD) are usually accepted as a backup, but Euros are better. Don't get stuck in an airport with no way to pay your visa fee. This is the #1 reason to get the e-Visa online in advance.
Can I Get Local Money (Malagasy Ariary) at the Airport?
Yes. After you pass immigration and collect your bags, you will enter the main arrivals hall (before you go outside). Here, you will find several official bank counters (BFV, BNI, etc.) and ATMs.
This is the best and safest place to change your initial money.
ATMs: This is the easiest option. Use your Norwegian bank card to withdraw Malagasy Ariary (MGA) directly. Inform your bank (like DNB or Sbanken) of your travel dates before you leave Norway.
Cash Exchange: The bank counters will exchange your Euros (EUR) or USD for Ariary. The rates are generally fair for an airport.
Genuine Advice: Get enough Ariary at the airport to pay for your taxi and your first night's dinner. Do not change all your money at once. ATMs in larger towns (like Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Tulear) are common, but they can run out of cash, so it's always good to have some backup Euros.
Do I Need a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate?
This is a common health question, and the rule is very specific.
Flying from Norway/Europe: NO. You do not need a yellow fever certificate if you are travelling directly from Norway or any other European country.
Flying from a "Risk" Country: YES. You must have a yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from (or have transited for more than 12 hours in) a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Kenya, Ethiopia, or any mainland African or South American country).
Health Advice: Madagascar is a high-risk zone for Malaria. You absolutely must speak to your Folkehelseinstituttet (FHI) or GP about malaria prophylaxis (antimalarial tablets) before you go. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are also strongly recommended.
Can I Extend My e-Visa Once I'm in Madagascar?
Yes, you can, but it's not a simple online click. If you have a 30-day or 60-day visa and you decide to stay longer (up to a maximum of 90 days total), you must apply for an extension in person.
This requires going to the Immigration Office (Bureau des Visas et Passeports) in Antananarivo or another major city. You will need to bring your passport, photos, and a fee. This process can be bureaucratic and take several days, so it's not recommended for a short holiday.
The Best Advice: Be realistic about your travel dates. If you think you'll stay for 45-60 days, get the 60-day e-Visa from the start. It's much, much easier than trying to get an extension later.
