Madagascar is one place where the mind cannot imagine anything better. It has an alien quality in its experience, with the famous Avenue of the Baobabs and the wildlife that is nowhere to be found on the rest of the globe. The trip is unforgettable to Canadian travelers who have exchanged the Great White North with the tropical Indian Ocean, but there is a certain amount of preparation needed.

Navigating entry requirements can often be the most stressful part of a trip. Fortunately, the Madagascar eVisa system has streamlined the process, allowing you to sort your paperwork from the comfort of your home. This guide answers the most frequently searched questions related to the Madagascar visa for Canadian Citizens, ensuring you have every detail needed for a smooth arrival.

Do Canadian Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Madagascar for Tourism?

Yes, if you hold a Canadian passport, you are required to have a valid visa to enter Madagascar. Unlike some countries where you can simply land and get a stamp, Madagascar mandates formal travel authorization. While a “Visa on Arrival” is possible, the queues at Ivato International Airport can be incredibly long and chaotic, especially after a 20+ hour journey. The electronic visa (eVisa) is the preferred choice as it secures your entry before you even pack your bags.

What Are the Exact Photo Requirements for the eVisa Application?

When applying for Madagascar eVisa online, you don’t need to visit a photo studio, but your digital photo must still meet strict standards to avoid rejection.

• Format: You will require a scan in color or a digital photo of your face which is clear or understandable.
• Background: The background should be simple white or off-white.
• Expression: Face is to be kept neutral with a completely open and visible face.
• Recency: This photo must be within 6 months old.
• Specs: No glasses (except on medical ground), no hats, or things to cover your head, and be sure that you have no shadows on your face.

How Long Can Canadians Stay in Madagascar on a Tourist Visa?

Madagascar offers flexibility to suit different travel styles. Whether you are planning a quick getaway or a month-long trekking expedition, there is a visa validity option for you:

• 15 Days: Best for short holidays or specific tours.
• 30 Days: The average vacation choice.
• 60 Days: This is best suited to the traveler who is interested in getting to know all the diverse parts of the island.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for the Madagascar eVisa?

The online system is designed to be minimal and efficient. Generally, you only need:

• Passport Bio Page: A clear, color scan of the information page of your Canadian passport.
• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry and have at least two blank pages.

Do Minors and Children Need Their Own eVisa to Enter?

Yes, each separate traveler, irrespective of his age, needs his/her visa. In case you are traveling with children, you should provide an application on each minor. The form can be signed by parents or legal guardians on behalf of the child and the child cannot just follow the parent on the parent visa.

What Is the Madagascar Tourist eVisa and How Does It Work?

The Madagascar Tourist eVisa is an official digital travel authorization issued by the Malagasy government. It allows you to enter the country for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, visiting national parks, or relaxing on the beaches of Nosy Be. It completely replaces the need to mail your physical passport to an embassy or wait in slow lines at the airport.

What Are the Current Processing Times for the eVisa?

We offer three tiers of processing speeds to accommodate your specific timeline:

• Normal Processing: Takes 4 – 6 Working Days. The standard choice for early planners.
• Urgent Processing: Takes 2 – 4 Working Days. Great if you want your documents sorted within the week.
• Super Urgent Processing: Takes 1 – 3 Working Days. Designed for last-minute travelers who need their visa immediately.

How Reliable Are ATMs and Can I Use My Credit Card Everywhere?

Banking in Madagascar is quite different from Canada. ATMs are generally only available in major cities like Antananarivo, Nosy Be, and Tamatave.

• Cash is King: In rural areas and smaller towns, cash is often the only way to pay.
• Card Type: Visa cards are more widely accepted than Mastercards at ATMs.
• Advice: It is smart to carry some Euros or USD in cash to exchange upon arrival, as ATMs can sometimes be out of service or have low withdrawal limits.

What Are the Best Taxi and Transport Options for Tourists?

Getting around Madagascar is an adventure in itself.

• Taxi-Brousse: These are shared minibuses that connect cities. They are very cheap but can be extremely crowded, slow, and uncomfortable for long distances.
• Private Drivers: The most popular option for tourists is to hire a private 4×4 vehicle with a driver. This gives you the freedom to stop whenever you want and ensures you have an experienced local handling the difficult roads.
• Taxis: In cities, regular taxis are available. Always negotiate and agree on the fare before you get in, as they rarely use meters.

Why Is There a Service Fee for Using an Agent?

You might wonder why you should pay a service fee when applying through an agent. The fee covers the professional handling of your application to ensure success.

• Error Checking: We manually review your application to catch typos or photo errors that would cause a government rejection.
• 24/7 Support: We are also available 24/7 to respond to your questions unlike government portals.
• Technical Handling: We control the resizing of images, conversion of formats and uploading of images to save you the trouble of the wobbling websites.
• Peace of Mind: We track your application and keep you updated, removing the stress from the process.

Is an International Driving Permit (IDP) Required for Canadians in Madagascar?

It is always a good idea to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in case you can rent a car and drive on your own. In this case, the rental companies usually insist on its use. Local police can not necessarily accept your Canadian provincial driver license during road side checks.