Madagascar eVisa for Netherlands Citizens

For Dutch travelers, the allure of Madagascar often lies in its sheer contrast to the landscapes of the Netherlands. Far from the flat polders and canals, Madagascar offers jagged limestone forests (Tsingy), towering Baobab trees, and lush rainforests teeming with lemurs found nowhere else on earth. Whether you are flying from Schiphol to Antananarivo for a wildlife expedition or seeking the warm, turquoise waters of Nosy Be, the "Red Island" is a bucket-list destination.

However, before you can trade your bicycle for a 4x4, you must navigate the entry requirements. Fortunately for Dutch citizens, the process has been modernized significantly. The Madagascar eVisa (Electronic Visa) now allows you to secure your travel authorization online, bypassing the traditional embassy visits and simplifying your arrival. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Madagascar eVisa for Netherlands Citizens to ensure your journey is smooth and stress-free.

Do Dutch citizens need a visa?

Yes, Dutch citizens are required to have a visa to enter Madagascar.

The Netherlands is not exempt from visa requirements. All Dutch passport holders must present a valid visa upon arrival, regardless of whether the visit is for tourism, business, or a short family visit.

You generally have two convenient options:

1. Visa on Arrival: You can queue at the airport to purchase your visa once you land.
2. eVisa (Recommended): You can apply online before your trip. This "Landing Authorization" pre-approves your entry, often allowing you to use a dedicated, faster lane at immigration and avoiding the need to carry large amounts of cash for visa fees.

What documents are needed for a Madagascar eVisa application for Dutch citizens?

The eVisa system is designed to be efficient. To apply, you will need to prepare digital copies of specific Madagascar Visa Requirements. Ensure your scans are clear and legible to avoid processing delays.

Required Documents:

• Valid Passport: A scan of the biographical page of your Dutch passport.
• Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
• Pages: Must have at least two blank pages for stamps.
• Email Address: The approved landing authorization will be sent here.
• Payment Method: A credit or debit card to pay the fee online.

Note: While you might not need to upload your flight ticket during the initial online application, you must present a printed copy of your Return or Onward Flight Ticket to the immigration officer upon arrival in Madagascar.

What payment methods are accepted for the Madagascar eVisa?

When applying for the eVisa online, the system is cashless. You must pay using:

• Credit Card: Visa, MasterCard, etc.
• Debit Card: Must be enabled for international online transactions.

If you choose to get a Visa on Arrival instead, you cannot use a card. You must pay in Cash.

• Accepted Currencies: Euros (€) and US Dollars ($) are the most widely accepted and preferred currencies at airport counters. It is advisable to carry the exact amount to avoid exchange rate issues.

What are the rules for extending a tourist visa in Madagascar?

Madagascar often captivates travelers for longer than expected. If your 30 or 60-day visa is expiring, you can request an extension.

• Where to Apply: You must visit the Immigration Office (Ministry of Interior / Police de l’Air et des Frontières) in Antananarivo or major provincial capitals.
• Timing: You strictly must apply before your current visa expires.
• Maximum Stay: You can typically extend your stay up to a maximum total of 90 days.
• Requirements: You will need your passport, photos, a valid reason for the extension, and the applicable fee (usually paid in cash).

How to apply for an online visa for Madagascar?

Applying for the Madagascar eVisa is a simple digital process that can be done from your home in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or anywhere in the Netherlands.

1. Complete the Form: Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport (Name, Date of Birth, Passport Number).
2. Upload Documents: Attach the scan of your passport bio page and your digital photo.
3. Pay the Fee: Use your credit or debit card to complete the secure payment.
4. Receive Authorization: Once processed (usually within 3-6 days), your "Landing Authorization" will be emailed to you.
5. Print It: Print a physical copy. You must hand this paper to the border police upon arrival.

What are some common tourist attractions in Madagascar?

Once your visa is sorted, the adventure begins. Madagascar offers diverse experiences:

• Avenue of the Baobabs: The iconic dirt road lined with massive, ancient trees—best visited at sunset.
• Tsingy de Bemaraha: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a stone forest of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles.
• Andasibe-Mantadia National Park: The best place to hear the haunting call of the Indri, the largest living lemur.
• Nosy Be: Madagascar’s premier beach destination, perfect for diving, snorkeling with sea turtles, and relaxing.
• Isalo National Park: Known for its Jurassic-era sandstone formations, canyons, and natural swimming pools.

Can Dutch citizens get a visa on arrival in Madagascar?

Yes. The Visa on Arrival option remains open for Dutch citizens.

• Process: Upon landing, you join the "Visa on Arrival" queue. You present your passport and return ticket, pay the fee in cash (Euros/USD), and receive the sticker in your passport.
• Pros: Flexible if you decide to travel at the last minute.
• Cons: Queues can be very long after a long-haul flight. You risk entry denial if you lack cash or proper documentation. The eVisa is generally preferred for peace of mind.

How long is a Madagascar visa valid for Dutch citizens?

Whether applying online or on arrival, the validity of the tourist visa is based on the duration you request and pay for.

Standard Validity Options:

• 15 Days: Ideal for short holidays.
• 30 Days: The standard tourist duration.
• 60 Days: For travelers planning a comprehensive tour of the island.

Note: The visa is typically valid for Single Entry only. If you leave Madagascar to visit Mauritius or Reunion and want to return, you will need a new visa.

What are the visa options for Dutch citizens traveling to Madagascar?

To summarize, Dutch citizens have three main paths:

1. eVisa (Recommended): Applied for online 3-7 days before travel. fast entry, cashless payment.
2. Visa on Arrival: Obtained at the airport. Requires cash payment and queuing.
3. Embassy Visa: Applied for at a Malagasy Embassy (e.g., in Brussels or Paris, as there is no full embassy in the Netherlands, only a consulate). This is usually required only for long-term stays (over 60 days), work visas, or business visas.

What are common entry points for a Madagascar visa on arrival?

The eVisa and Visa on Arrival systems are optimized for international airports. You can enter through:

• Ivato International Airport (TNR) – Antananarivo (The Capital)
• Fascene Airport (NOS) – Nosy Be
• Arrachart Airport (DIE) – Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)
• Amborovy Airport (MJN) – Mahajanga
• Toamasina Airport (TMM) – Tamatave
• Toliara Airport (TLE) – Tuléar
• Sainte Marie Airport (SMS) – Île Sainte-Marie
• Tolagnaro Airport (FTU) – Fort Dauphin

Can I get a visa on arrival in Madagascar without a confirmed departure flight?

It is highly risky and not recommended.

Immigration rules state that visitors must possess a return or onward ticket.

• Airlines: Your airline in the Netherlands (e.g., KLM, Air France) may deny you boarding if you cannot show proof of a return flight, as they face fines for transporting passengers with incomplete documentation.
• Immigration: Officers at the Madagascar border frequently check for this to ensure you do not intend to overstay your visa.
• Solution: Always have a confirmed booking out of the country before you fly.

Do we need a travel agent to apply for e-visa?

No, a travel agent is not mandatory, but it is highly beneficial.

You can apply directly through government portals if you wish. However, using a specialized visa service or agent (like those found via evisa-madagascar.it.com) offers distinct advantages for Dutch travelers:

• Language Support: Government sites can sometimes be unclear or only in French/English. Agents provide support in clearer terms.
• Document Review: Agents check your passport scans and photos before submission to prevent rejection due to poor quality.
• Payment Ease: If your Dutch bank card has issues with foreign government portals, agents provide secure, reliable payment gateways.
• 24/7 Support: If you have an urgent question or lose your document, an agent is there to help immediately.

For Dutch citizens, the Madagascar eVisa is the key to unlocking an unforgettable adventure. By preparing your documents and applying online, you ensure that your focus remains on the excitement of the journey, rather than the red tape.