Madagascar

[ChocolateHuntr]

Just arrived in Madagascar for the first time. Initial reports are on the way. But first, want to confirm the current requirements for arrival. My port of entry is Nosy Be international airport, and I arrived on Air Austral (via Reunion island).

• At least 72 hours before arrival, apply online for your tourist visa.

• Within two days, you will receive an email with your visa pre-approval attached as a .pdf

• Print this document and carry it with you. Upon arrival, show the pre-approval document to the immigration official and pay in cash. The price is $45 USD / 40 euros for a 60-day tourist visa, which can be extended for an additional 30 days (a total of 90 days).

• A negative PCR COVID test is required 72 hours before departure.

• ALL passengers must also pay for a COVID test upon arrival at the airport. This is required, regardless of vaccination status. The test costs $20 USD / 15 euro.

[Golfinho]

And when you leave Madagascar if your destination country requires covid 19 test before arrival then you will have to pay 290.000 AR for the test fee here. (It is the rate for foreigners) For locals its only 100.000 AR haha.

Simply explain to them who you are why you don't have to pay. 🙄 But if it's really too much money for you to waste, you can always stay home.

[SouthEaster]

I looked a lot for this regarding Schiphol. Maybe it's an outlier but the testing facilities there want something like 150 euro which is an absolute rip off. An no, mine are not covered by insurance!

[Kako123]

Upfront? She wanted you to send it before she comes? There are a lot of girls like this here yes.

If you happen to come across this girl on Facebook, don't waste your time.

She will promise you the moon, and then ask for "taxi" money upfront.

Thankfully I didn't fall for it, but she eventually admitted that she never had any intention of showing up. Trying to run a scam is her gig.

[Bubba Lulu]

If you happen to come across this girl on Facebook, don't waste your time.

She will promise you the moon, and then ask for "taxi" money upfront.

Thankfully I didn't fall for it, but she eventually admitted that she never had any intention of showing up. Trying to run a scam is her gig.

[Kako123]

And when you leave Madagascar if your destination country requires covid 19 test before arrival then you will have to pay 290.000 AR for the test fee here. (It is the rate for foreigners) For locals its only 100.000 AR haha.

[Muzungufotsy]

How hard is it to get a simple PCR test anyway? I just took another one yesterday which is covered by insurance. And even when they're not, like at an airport abroad (I've had them in Paris, Addis, Bogota, CDMX) its never been more than $60.

Some people enjoy wasting money for nothing I guess.

[Golfinho]

Looks like back to square one unless they change by October. I really don't understand these guys. The resto of the planet is abandoning these stupid testing rules, even my own idiotic country of Canada and anal governments like Vietnam. It's almost like the don't want a return of tourism.

How hard is it to get a simple PCR test anyway? I just took another one yesterday which is covered by insurance. And even when they're not, like at an airport abroad (I've had them in Paris, Addis, Bogota, CDMX) its never been more than $60.

[SouthEaster]

Thanks Neddy. Looks like back to square one unless they change by October. I really don't understand these guys. The resto of the planet is abandoning these stupid testing rules, even my own idiotic country of Canada and anal governments like Vietnam. It's almost like the don't want a return of tourism.

[Neddy69]

Or have I been missing something all along. From this URL https://www.skyscanner.ca/travel-res...ascar/29475274 the following information. "Non-vaccinated travelers are required to provide proof of a negative PCR, NAT, NAAT, or RT-LAMP test result, taken within the previous 72 hours of departure. Alternatively, proof of a negative professionally administered antigen test result, taken the day before departure, is also accepted. " Has this been the case all along? I thought the PCR was required by ALL arrivals not just non vaxxed. Has anybody who has arrived recently, say within the last few weeks done this and is the norm? I have been looking at flights for days now and the logistics involved from the west coast of Canada are a big pain in the ass but there is a good option YVR-AMS- CDG-TNR which gives me 20 hours on the ground in Amsterdam, which I do not mind to rest up and then a quick hop to Paris before connecting to Tana. I am fully vaxxed and if no pre departure testing is needed it would make my trip a lot easier. And the money I save on not testing will pay for my hotel in Amsterdam! Any feed back welcome.

There's a mandatory PCR Test requirement. No older than 72 hours as you touch down in Madagascar. Plus the 15€ mandatory Antigen Test as you arrive. If both are negative, you're free to roam. Vaccine or no vaccine irrelevant. Pray that you're negative or you spend a week in a nice quarantine hotel at your expense. Or even worse tested positive PCR before departure. Happened to a friend. Fortune to change flight plus nice quarantine hotel. (Guests allowed). Hahahaha.

The best current source of info is Brett Massoud in TripAdvisor he is legit. Second source is the IATA timatic site. Third source national tourism office.

The other sources like embassies etc. Are BS.

La Buse.

Brett Massoud.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...adagascar.html

National Tourist Office. Fill out the forms.

https://madagascar-tourisme.com/Fr-fr/border-reopening/

[SouthEaster]

Or have I been missing something all along. From this URL https://www.skyscanner.ca/travel-res...ascar/29475274 the following information. "Non-vaccinated travelers are required to provide proof of a negative PCR, NAT, NAAT, or RT-LAMP test result, taken within the previous 72 hours of departure. Alternatively, proof of a negative professionally administered antigen test result, taken the day before departure, is also accepted. " Has this been the case all along? I thought the PCR was required by ALL arrivals not just non vaxxed. Has anybody who has arrived recently, say within the last few weeks done this and is the norm? I have been looking at flights for days now and the logistics involved from the west coast of Canada are a big pain in the ass but there is a good option YVR-AMS- CDG-TNR which gives me 20 hours on the ground in Amsterdam, which I do not mind to rest up and then a quick hop to Paris before connecting to Tana. I am fully vaxxed and if no pre departure testing is needed it would make my trip a lot easier. And the money I save on not testing will pay for my hotel in Amsterdam! Any feed back welcome.

[Zimzam]

There is an Italian airline, NEOS AIR, that flies from Milan directly to Nosy Be and from there via Mombasa back to Italy.

[Golfinho]

Does anyone have experience with Louvre hotel? Seems to be in a prime spot near all of the main hotshots that I've found referenced here and looks nicer than some of the other options I've seen.

The rooms are tiny. Balcony rooms get street noise. If you want to be in that area, the Tana Hotel is our preference (second floor, facing away from street side.).

[DonKey82]

Thanks Gents, sounds like Louvre is a good option then, will book that and will take a look at Ambassador.

Re: 2019 if you see the posts they were talking about a trip for 'next year' (I. E. 2020) which was thwarted by COVID. Been waiting patiently like many of us for things to reopen. Flying out 25 Nov.

Cheers,

[SouthEaster]

What happened to the trip in 2019? If you went you would already know that 95% of hotels are GF if by that you mean girl friendly. Top hotel in Diego is (or was) The Ambassador. Seems to run around 100-150 $ a night. Can't recommend anything in Nosy Be. I stayed at an overpriced dump but 50 bucks a night should see you right.