If one ever heard of Madagascar, it’s probably from a Dreamworks animation about animal friends escaping a Zoo. This country is on the southeast coast of Africa home to thousands of animal species. So if you are looking for those you have seen in the movie in real life; then you should come here. Filipinos can enter Madagascar with Visa on Arrival or eVisa.

Philippine Passport Holders can get a Visa on Arrival for Madagascar. It’s one of the easiest countries to visit for any nationality. You would definitely enjoy this country and meet the characters of Madagascar!

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Visa on Arrival in Madagascar

Information is from the website of Madagascar:

Who can get: All nationalities except Burundi (both Visa-Required) and Palestine (can not enter)

Where to get: Any port in Madagascar

Visa Fee:

Validity: 90 days for all nationalities except Comoros (only 30 days)

E-visa Guide for Madagascar

If you want to have a breeze as you enter Madagascar, you may get an E-visa ahead. Process this at least 3 days before entering Madagascar.

Step-by-Step Guide in Getting a Madagascar eVisa

STEP 1: Go to this website.

1. Click “Apply for a Visa.” “Click Register” and enter your details.

2. Enter the validation code sent to your e-mail and click validate.Log-in using the e-mail you have used.

3. Choose “apply for a new visa”.

4. Enter the information asked.

5. Enter the dates of your stay. Click validate.

STEP 2: Wait for the landing authorization to be sent in your e-mail within 72 hours. Use this when you arrive in Madagascar.

STEP 3: Pay the visa fee when you arrive at your entry point.

Overview of Madagascar

Capital: Antananarivo
Language: Malagasy, French
Currency: Malagasy Ariary (1 USD = 3,700 MGA)

Madagascar is an island nation (one of the biggest in the world) in the Indian Ocean. This place is biodiverse with most of its wildlife rare and found only in this country. So you will definitely see more kinds of flora and fauna here than what you saw in the movie with its namesake.

Not only is nature diverse, but also the people and culture. From the Nobles of Merina to being a French Colony, and Africans; you will enjoy your time. There are also many people of Malaysian descent as they moved here a long time ago. You would not regret visiting this wonderful country!

Going to Madagascar

Aside from African countries like Ethiopia and South Africa you can enter through France or Turkey. From the Philippines, the most ideal flight route will be with Turkish Airlines to Istanbul, Turkey then a connecting flight to Madagascar.

What to do in Madagascar?

1. See Wildlife in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

After a 3 hour drive from Tana, you will step ingo Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. It’s a protected rainforest that’s so lush you’ll enjoy searching for wildlife. See chameleons change colors, a family of lemurs, and much more!

2. Hug the Trees at Avenue of the Baobabs

Located in Menabe, this is a dirt road lined with tall baobab trees. The landscape is striking with about 50 trees that are 80 years of age. It’s a must-see, I didn’t get to see the trees as it was far, so hug them for me!

3. Discover Rare Animals at Ranomafana National Park

See more rare animals in this UNESCO World Heritage site. There are golden bamboo lemurs, sifaka, and frogs. There are tours that can be arranged, so ready your exploring shoes as you go through the forest.

4. Go on an Adventure to Tsingy Rouge

Discover a canyon that’s formed by red-colored rocks. It’s a stunning formation not intervened by human hands. It's a challenge to come here, but the adventure is going to be worth it.

5. Learn the History of Ambohimanga

The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is a city and burial site from centuries ago. It’s a pride of the country as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn the country’s history as you walk in this ancient city.

6. Relax at Nosy Iranja

Madagascar is an island with about five thousand kilometer coastline; you will not run out of gorgeous beaches to visit. It’s picture-perfect and becomes a one island beach on low-tide and two on high tide. It’s amazing and deserves a special mention.

Frequently Asked Questions for your travel in Madagascar

1. Is Madagascar Visa-free?

For Philippine Passport Holders, you can get a visa on arrival when you go to Madagascar. For other nationalities, see the list above!

2. Is it safe to travel to Madagascar?

Madagascar is a safe place to travel and people are friendly and helpful. Crime rates are low but always be vigilant when traveling. I always recommend buying travel insurance since we don’t know what will happen on the road. Check out SafetyWing, the insurance provider that I personally use.

3. Is it expensive to travel to Madagascar for tourists?

Madagascar is a bit expensive especially if you rent a car or have tours. However, you can do a budget DIY and spend as low as USD 40/50 a day.

4. When is the best time to visit Madagascar?

Madagascar is a great country to visit at any time of the year. However, if you want to avoid rain and cyclones, you better come from April to November.

5. Where should I stay in Madagascar?

You can stay at the capital in Antananarivo, it’s near Ivato Airport and some great spots as well. I have had a wonderful stay in Carlton Madagascar.

Madagascar sure is a dream place to go! Feed your curiosity and see the animals up close especially the lemurs! Almost everyone can enter Madagascar, Filipinos can get visa-on-arrival, too! Hurry and explore its beauty!