Solidarity trips > Practical information

Visas

They are required for everyone travelling to Madagascar and are usually issued for a 30 day stay period. They are delivered to visitors either by Malagasy diplomatic representations and consulates abroad or at the airport or port of disembarkation against payment of the corresponding fee.

Non-immigrant stay visas for less than 3 months may be extended at Police stations for a cumulative period not exceeding 3 months.
A Convertible visa may be issued to potential immigrants, either by Malagasy diplomatic and consular representative offices or, exceptionally, by post from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This type of visa cannot be issued at the airport or port of disembarkation

Health in Madagascar

No vaccination is required from travellers, except for yellow fever and cholera if you have come from or passed through an infected area. However, everyone had better take preventive measures against malaria, hepatitis (an injection of gammaglobuline) and vaccines against cholera and yellow fever.

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is common but can be avoided by steering clear of swimming in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well-chlorinated and maintained are safe.

Banks

The banking industry is entirely liberalised in Madagascar. There are 7 major commercial banks, with about 105 agencies across the island. They are open from Monday to Friday. However, banks close at noon the day before public holidays and festivals.

Some ATMs (automated cash dispensers) are available for people with an international credit card (MasterCard at ATMs of the BNI bank, Visa card at ATMs of the BOA and BFV banks…).

Currency unit

Since 2003, Madagascar has shifted back to its traditional currency, the Ariary (Ar).

The Ariary was the name of the currency of the Kingdom of Madagascar in the 19th century. During the colonial period in the 20th century, the French Frank served as the currency of the colony. In 1945, the French Franc was replaced with the Franc CFA in Madagascar and other French colonies of Africa. CFA stood for Colonies françaises d'Afrique ("French colonies of Africa").

In 1960, Madagascar accessed to independence and introduced the Malagasy Franc (in French: franc malgache) in 1963. Madagascar remained however part of the CFA Franc zone. In the 1970s, Madagascar left the CFA Franc zone, but kept the Malagasy French without fixed parity with the French franc.

In 2003, Madagascar decided to replace the Malagasy Franc with the Ariary. On January 1, 2005, the change-over was complete after a 2 year transition.

In 2003-2004, new banknotes were introduced in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000 ariary.

Euro and US Dollars are the most used foreign currencies in Madagascar.

As Malagasy currency in not convertible, one had better change according to one’s needs at authorized foreign exchange dealers, i.e. banks, exchange agencies and a few authorized hotels. Do not exchange foreign currencies with non-authorized dealers in arrival halls or in streets.
As for current foreign exchange rates, foreign exchange regulations, banknotes and coins in circulation, visit the site of the Central Bank of Madagascar