By Air
Almost everyone arrives at Ivato International Airport (TNR), 16km north of Antananarivo. The main carriers are Air France (Paris), Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa), Kenya Airways (Nairobi), Corsair (Paris), and Air Austral (Réunion). From Europe, Paris is the most common gateway, with Paris–Tana taking around 11 hours direct.
There are also smaller international airports at Nosy Be (with connections to Réunion and Mayotte) and Toamasina (with regional flights). Nosy Be handles charter flights from Europe during peak tourist season.
Ivato airport has ATMs, a currency exchange desk, and the predictable chaos of a busy African gateway. Allow plenty of time for immigration queues. Taxis into central Tana cost around €15–20; agree on the price before you get in. There is no useful bus service from the airport.
Visas
Most nationalities require a visa. A visa on arrival is available for stays up to 30 days (around €35), payable in euros or US dollars cash — cards are not accepted at the immigration desk. Stays up to 15 days attract a reduced €10 administrative fee. An e-visa for up to 60 days can be arranged before departure (allow at least a week for processing). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date.
By Sea
No regular international ferry services connect Madagascar to the African mainland or neighbouring islands. Cruise ships occasionally call at Toamasina, Nosy Be, and Mahajanga. Toamasina is the country's main commercial port. Getting to Madagascar by sea as an independent traveler is not practical.