It is obtained on arrival at the airport. No need an ID photo. On the plane, the flight attendants / steward will give you a small form named “passport for Madagascar” to fill out. At the exit of the plane, take the line “Without Visa” where you will give the form to the customs. In 2019 the Visa cost was 35 Euros for 30 days stay.
The “e-visa” is currently being drafted: online payment of the visa before departure. It might be set up in 2020
There are money exchange offices at the airport with interesting prices such as « Socimad ». They are open for every international arrival. There are also offices in the city center; the driver can bring you there at the beginning of the tour.
We advise to change only one part of your money at your arrival. You easily can find a bank or exchange offices and ATM in each main city. Indicative tariff in 2019 : 1 Euro = 4 000 Ariary
Madagascar is a poor country which means conducive to temptation. Never have much money with yourself. It is better to withdraw money progressively. Do not wear visible value effects. Always check rooms and windows closures before going out and during the night. Hotels usually have individual chests. If it is not the case, hotels ‘Managers have a common safe. Otherwise, it is advised to equip the main bag with a padlock. Drivers don’t drive at night; in case you need to go out at night, you can take a taxi.
The country has developed well in recent years and has good coverage. Hotels generally have WIFI; there are “cyber cafe” in the main cities. The telephone providers are Airtel, Telma and Orange. With 5 Euros, you can easily buy a prepaid SIM card used for call and internet
The electricity in Madagascar is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz. Remember to charge your batteries around 18:00; in the province, the hotels cut their generator around 22:00 and then switch to solar batteries.
The highlands region (Tana and Fianarantsoa, altitude around 1300 m) are quite cool especially from June to August (sweater, good jacket is necessary). On the coast it’s warm; we can walk the day in shorts and T-shirts.
Walks in the parks: a pair of sneakers is enough; a pair of mid-mountain shoes is more suitable. K Way is advised
It is not necessary to take a mosquito net; the rooms are equipped; in the highlands region, few mosquitoes, the rooms are not equipped, but the a diffuser can be provided
Bags: 4×4 vehicles are spacious, large bags are well suited instead of suitcases.
Descent of Tsiribihina River / Sleeping: Nights are under tents. We provide: mattresses, sheets, pillows, blankets. Bring a headlamp and a towel.
Recommended kit: General Antibiotic, Eye Drops, Efferalgan or Doliprane, Betadine, Cotton, Dressing, Immodium, Ercefuryl.
Drink only capped water; wash hands frequently, disinfect a woundimmediately. There are no compulsory vaccines. Preventive treatment for malarious advised.
Link site institut pasteur: https://www.pasteur-lille.fr/vaccinations-voyages/?pays=Madagascar
Mosquito nets: Hotels are usually equipped with mosquito nets, so no need to bring them.
The hotels that do not dispose of them are, either located in the highlands (few mosquitoes, if necessary, hotels can provide broadcasters) or either equipped with air conditioners.
The cost of a meal (starter / main course / dessert) is about 8 Euros in a restaurant. In a gargote, the main course is 2 Euros. A little bottle of water costs from 1500 to 2000 Ariary. Coca or beer type drinks between 3,000 and 5,000 Ariary.
There are two main seasons: the rainy season from January to March and the dry season from April to December.
For example, winter in Europe corresponds to the summer in Madagascar or the rainy season and vice versa.
January to March: Rainy season, cyclonic risk in February; hot temperatures.
April to June: Start of the dry period with the opening of the slopes, the descent of the Tsiribihina and the Tsingy of Bemaraha.
July / August: It is cool on the highlands (Tana / Antsirabe / Fianarantsoa); on the coasts, temperatures are summery.
September to December: Beautiful and warm all over the island.
