Madagascar travel guide for Britons

A valid UK passport (6 months remaining) is required. No visa is needed in advance; obtain a visa on arrival at Ivato International (TNR) or other entry points. Pay the fee in USD or euros; credit cards are accepted at the desk.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, work, study or volunteer, apply for a long‑stay visa at the Madagascar embassy in London before travel.

The British High Commission in Antananarivo handles consular matters. Address: Avenue de l’Indépendance, Antananarivo. Phone: +261 20 22 222 22 (check). Email: [email protected] (check).

Budget travellers can manage on £30‑£45 per day (hostels, street food, local transport). Mid‑range comfort rises to £70‑£120 per day (3‑star hotels, guided tours, private driver).

Direct flights from London to Antananarivo (TNR) take around 11‑12 hours with one stop, usually in Paris or Istanbul. Average return fare in 2026 is £800‑£1 200, depending on airline and season.

Madagascar uses type C and E plugs, 220 V · 50 Hz. British plugs (type G) do not fit; bring a universal adapter. Power cuts are common in Antananarivo, so a power bank is advisable.

Restaurants: round up the bill or add 5‑10 %.

Hotel staff: small amounts for housekeeping (≈ £0.50‑£1 per night).

Park guides: 10‑20 % of the guide fee or £5‑£10 per walk.

Drivers (week‑long hire): £5‑£10 per day at the end of the contract.

Police (non‑emergency): 117

Medical emergency: 124

British High Commission (after‑hours): +261 20 22 222 22 (check).