Madagascar raises short-stay e-visa costs amid policy shift

Madagascar has sharply increased the cost of its 15-day electronic visa, adding a new expense for travelers planning short stays on the Indian Ocean island. 

From Feb. 16, 2026, visitors applying for a 15-day e-Visa will pay $35.5, up from $11.83.

The change applies only to the shortest stay option and does not affect visas issued on arrival or through embassies and consulates. 

Officials have not given a detailed explanation for the increase.

The move comes as Madagascar works to fine-tune its tourism policies while visitor numbers continue to recover after years of disruption. 

For travelers, the higher fee may prompt a rethink of brief trips. For the government, it appears to be a targeted adjustment rather than a broad overhaul of entry rules.

New fee applies only to short visits

Visa fees for longer visits remain unchanged. Travelers staying 16 to 30 days will still pay $41.4, while the 31- to 60-day option costs $47.3. A 90-day e-Visa remains priced at $59.2. 

Visitors who decide to extend their stay after arrival can still apply for a visa extension at a cost of 210,000 ariary, or about $48.5.

The online e-Visa system itself remains in place, continuing to offer a faster option than traditional paper applications. 

By keeping longer-stay fees steady, Madagascar appears keen to avoid discouraging visitors who spend more time — and money — in the local economy.

Tourism numbers edge higher 

The fee increase comes as tourism shows clear signs of life. Data from the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts show Madagascar welcomed 330,909 international visitors in 2025, up from 316,873 in 2024 and above pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019. 

A brief political crisis late last year disrupted flights and bookings, but arrivals picked up again toward December, helping steady the sector. 

Much of the appeal lies in Madagascar’s natural assets, from the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs to the limestone formations of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, as well as wildlife-rich reserves such as Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and Isalo National Park.

Looking ahead 

Authorities are betting that better airports, stronger air links and steady policy changes will support tourism without overwhelming local communities.

While the higher 15-day visa fee adds to travel costs, Madagascar continues to draw visitors seeking rare wildlife, varied landscapes and experiences far from crowded routes.