We have booked Mysterious Madagascar departing June 08. couple of questions on this:
1. We are a bit confused about the Visa. The booking documenation strongly recommends that you get this before departure while the country dossier states you can get it on arrival. If there are no issues getting it at the airport then great as this is what we plan to do.
2. Yellow fever Vaccination. - We have this and it is still in date (until next year) However we have a stamped vaccination record book as opposed to an actual certificate. Will this suffice.
3. We arrive late on Day 1 (9.55pm before) will there be facilities to change currency at the airport at that hour of the night or will we get an opportunity to do so on Day 2 during the city tour.
Many thanks - looking forward to this trip and would be interested to hear from someone who has done this already.
Post Count: 145
Re: Madagascar June 08
Hi, I will answer your questions in order;
1. We are not visa specialists so we always refer are passengers to a company called Travcour (www.travcour.com) or 0207 223 5295 and they will be able to advise what is the best way to obtain a visa and how much it will cost. You could also try getting in touch with the Madagascar embassy at
[url=http://www.madagascar.org.uk/.]http://www.madagascar.org.uk/.[/url]
2. With regards to the Yellow fever Vaccination we would recommend that you get in touch with the Travel Clinic on 0800 039 3073 and they will be able to tell you if the record book with be sufficient. The embassy may also be able to advise you on this mattter.
3. I've never been to the airport myself but there should be facilities for you to change some currency but if not then you will definitely have the opportunity on Day 2.
I hope this helps
Post Count: 4
Madagascar 08 - We're back
We are just back from madagascar. This was a fantastic trip and made even better by the local guide Patrick who was exceptional. We got some terrific photos of Lemurs, Geckos, chameleons, Baobabs etc. What a diverse country.
In answer to my questions raised on my oroiginal post:
1. There is no problem getting the visa on arrival. you have to queue up twice to get it.
(a) Queue to pay for a stamp for a visa - this costs €60.00 (jun 08) and is payable in Euro, USD, or GBP. the queue was not too long so about 15 - 20 minutes.
(b) Queue to get the passport validated, and get the visa another 15 - 20 minutes.
2. Yellow fever certificate. - Your passport is checked thoroughly at visa point no 2 to ensure that you have not arrrived from a yellow fever destination. You will need the certificate if you have. Don't take the chance.
3. you can change money on arrival. We landed after midnight and the bank was open in the Airport for money change. It was one of the better rates we got throughout. There are not many opportunities to change money after the trip is started as you visit quite remote areas. - But there are some your guide will assist you.
Madagascar is not highly developed for tourism yet so don't expect luxury - the only "poor" accommodation we got was the meeting hotel. The standards of hygiene were higher than we expected. GO if you get the opportunity.
It is a good idea to bring a lot of pens, paper, small cheap toys - for the local children. They really appreciate them but be careful or the whole village will want them !!