Customs formalities in Madagascar

At the airport, you will be asked to open your luggage for a simple glance rather than for a meticulous search. However, no-one is spared the currency declaration (only for an amount above 7 500 Euro) to which each newcomer is subjected. This procedure which is not very tedious, aims at controlling foreign exchange markets and fighting against black markets. All the sums you have (cash, travellers' cheques) must be registered on a form (a form for recording all exchange transactions including credit card payments) which you will keep with you during your stay. The authorized bank or hotel will indicate the amount of each exchange transaction on it. When leaving the territory, you will have to declare the sum of currencies remaining in your possession. It must be equal to the amount announced when entering the country minus those converted, thus preventing any exchange transaction out of official circuits (except the smart one who would not have declared the totality of the money in their possession on arrival). Departure controls are not systematic but exist even if they very seldom go as far as body search.

You should have in mind that the Malagasy currency i.e. the Ariary is not exportable (except some banknotes which you can bring back from your trips as a souvenir) and any currency exchanged must be spent in the island. Nevertheless, you should keep some cash to pay the airport tax. Some products are subjected to export restrictions and require special permits from the concerned Department: the National Forestry Section for weever plants, the Plant health Section for dried fruits, vegetables and plants, the Ministry of Trade for raw stones.

However, customs officers will be very strict on some prohibited products like endemic plants and animals: orchids, live or stuffed lemurs, crocodiles, tortoises, authentic and rare objects (aloalo, fossils...).