Madagascar eVisa for Reunion Citizens

For residents of La Réunion, Madagascar is more than just a neighbor; it's a sister island offering a complete change of scenery just a short flight away. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway to Nosy Be, a business trip to Antananarivo, or a trekking adventure in Isalo, the "Great Island" (Grande Île) awaits.

However, despite our close proximity and historical ties, administrative formalities remain. As a French overseas territory (Département d'outre-mer), citizens of Reunion hold French passports, and thus, specific entry rules apply. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Madagascar eVisa for Reunion residents, ensuring your trip from Roland Garros to Ivato is smooth and hassle-free.

What's the visa policy of Madagascar for citizens of French overseas departments and regions?

Even though Reunion is geographically close to Madagascar and part of the Indian Ocean Commission, citizens of French overseas departments (DOM) like Reunion are subject to the same visa policy as mainland French citizens.

There is no visa exemption for Reunion residents. You must obtain a visa to enter Malagasy territory. However, the system is designed to be flexible for tourists, with requirements varying based on the length of your stay—ranging from a simple administrative fee for short trips to a full tourist visa for longer holidays.

What Types of eVisas Are Available?

Based on the official government portal, there are three main categories of Madagascar Tourist eVisa available for holders of French passports. Choose the one that matches your Air Austral flight dates:

• 15-Day Visa: Ideal for short breaks or long weekends. Note: This is often treated as a "landing authorization" with a lower fee.
• 30-Day Visa: The standard option for most holidays.
• 60-Day Visa: Perfect for those wanting to explore the island in depth.

What is a multiple entry visa for Madagascar?

It is important to note that the standard Tourist eVisas (15, 30, and 60 days) are currently Single Entry only.

What does this mean for you? If you plan to combine your trip to Madagascar with a visit to Mauritius or Mayotte and then return to Madagascar before flying back to Reunion, a Single Entry visa will not suffice for the second entry. You would need to apply for a new visa for your second entry.

For true Multiple Entry visas (often valid for 90 days), you typically need to apply for a "Transformable Visa" or a specific Business Visa through the Consulate General in Saint-Denis or the Embassy, as these are rarely issued through the standard tourist eVisa portal.

What documents are needed for a Madagascar eVisa for Reunion citizens?

For French citizens (including those from Reunion) applying for the Madagascar Electronic Visa (eVisa), or opting for a Visa on Arrival (VoA), only the valid passport is strictly required for the online application.

The passport must meet the following three critical criteria:

• Passport Type: Valid French Passport. The digital copy you submit for the eVisa must be a clear scan of the bio-data page (the one with your photo and personal information). It must be in good condition, without significant damage, tears, or water damage.
• Validity: Minimum 6 Months. Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended date of arrival in Madagascar.
• Blank Pages: Minimum 2 Blank Pages. You must have at least two (2) entirely blank, facing pages in your passport. These are required for the physical entry and exit stamps (and potentially the visa sticker, if you get a Visa on Arrival).

What payment methods are accepted for the Madagascar eVisa fee?

Since Reunion uses the Euro (€), paying for your visa is straightforward, but the method depends on how you apply:

• Online (eVisa): You must pay using a Credit or Debit Card (Carte Bleue, Visa, Mastercard) through the secure online portal.
• On Arrival (Visa on Arrival): If you choose to get your visa at the airport, you must pay in Cash.
• Accepted Currencies: Euros (€) and US Dollars ($) are preferred.
• Local Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is accepted but exchange rates at the border counter may not be favorable.

Pro Tip: If paying on arrival, carry small Euro bills (5s, 10s, 20s), as immigration officers often do not have change for large notes.

What are the typical processing times for Madagascar eVisas for Reunion citizens?

The processing speed depends on the urgency option you select during your application:

• Normal Processing: 4 - 6 Working Days. Recommended for most travelers planning a week ahead.
• Rush Processing: 2 - 4 Working Days. Good for last-minute bookings.
• Super Rush: 1 - 3 Working Days. Ideal for urgent trips.

Since flights between Reunion and Madagascar are short and frequent, last-minute trips are common. If you book a spontaneous trip for this weekend, the Visa on Arrival might be your safest bet if the eVisa won't be ready in time.

Can I get a Madagascar visa on arrival as a Reunion citizen?

Yes. If you prefer not to apply online, you can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at major international airports like Antananarivo (TNR) or Nosy Be (NOS).

• For stays < 15 days: You simply pay the approx. €10 administrative fee at the specialized counter.
• For stays > 15 days: You queue at the visa counter, present your documents (passport, ticket, hotel proof), and pay the visa fee in cash.

Recommendation: While possible, VOA queues can be long after the arrival of a wide-body aircraft. The eVisa is recommended to skip the payment queue.

How do visa agents assist with documentation for visas?

Many Reunion residents choose to use professional visa agents for peace of mind. Here is how they assist:

• Document Review: Agents verify your passport scans and photos before submission to ensure they meet strict government resolution and size requirements, significantly reducing the risk of rejection.
• Form Filling: They handle the data entry on the government portal, which can sometimes be in English or have technical glitches.
• Status Tracking: They monitor the application status for you and send the approved visa directly to your email.
• Support: They provide customer support if you have questions about specific requirements for children or mixed-nationality families.

Flight Connections from Reunion to Madagascar

Living in Reunion gives you excellent connectivity to Madagascar. Air Austral is the primary carrier, offering direct routes such as:

• Saint-Denis (RUN) to Antananarivo (TNR): Daily flights.
• Saint-Denis (RUN) to Nosy Be (NOS): Perfect for beach vacations.
• Saint-Denis (RUN) to Tamatave (TMM): Great for accessing the East Coast / Pangalanes.
• Saint-Denis (RUN) to Fort Dauphin (FTU) & Tulear (TLE): Access to the Deep South.

Ensure your visa application matches the entry port on your ticket!

Best Time to Visit from Reunion

• May to October: Cool, dry season. Perfect for escaping the Reunion winter trade winds for the warmer West Coast of Madagascar.
• July/August: Peak holiday season (school holidays). Book your Air Austral flights well in advance.
• January to March: Cyclone season affects both islands. Flights may be cancelled or delayed.

Is it Safe for Reunion Residents?

Generally, yes, but caution is advised.

• Antananarivo: Be vigilant against pickpockets (phones, chains) in Analakely and busy areas. Avoid walking at night.
• Roads: Avoid driving at night on national roads (RN7, RN2, etc.) due to security risks. Hire a driver/guide—it's affordable and safer.

Conclusion

For citizens of Reunion, visiting Madagascar is a privilege of proximity. Whether you are going for family, business, or the sheer beauty of the landscapes, the Madagascar eVisa is your key to a smooth entry.

Prepare your French passport, book your ticket from Saint-Denis, and get ready to explore the wonders of the Red Island!

Bon voyage voisin!