Madagascar

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Madagascar, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Madagascar

Capital

Antananarivo

Main Cities

Toamasina, Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, and Toliara

Local Languages

Malagasy, English, French

Currency

Malagasy ariary (MGA)

Climate

Hot & Humid

General Visa Requirements:

Madagascar is not part of the Schengen Area. Most foreign nationals, including those from the UK, EU, United States, Canada, and Australia, require a visa. Short-stay visas are typically available on arrival for eligible nationalities, usually valid for 30–60 days depending on nationality and fee paid. Length of stay is confirmed by Immigration on arrival. Visitor status does not permit paid work. Filming and paid production activities require appropriate government authorisation and work clearance.

Required Documents:

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity recommended)
Completed visa form (on arrival or prior, depending on nationality)
Proof of accommodation
Proof of onward or return travel
Production invitation or support letter
Work authorisation request (for paid activity)
Proof of fee payment
Travel medical insurance (strongly recommended)

Visa Application Process:

Visa on arrival available for eligible nationalities
Work authorisation and filming approvals arranged in advance through a local production partner
Additional ministry approvals may be required depending on location and subject matter

Official reference:
https://www.diplomatie.gov.mg/

Processing Time:

Tourist visa on arrival issued at entry for eligible nationals. Work permits and filming approvals require a minimum of 3–6 weeks. Filming in protected or environmentally sensitive areas may require longer.

Cost:

Visa-on-arrival fees vary depending on duration of stay. Work permit and filming fees assessed case-by-case.

Accreditation Requirements:

Foreign cast and crew require work authorisation to undertake paid filming activities. Productions must operate through either a locally registered Malagasy production company or an experienced local fixer. Approvals are coordinated with relevant ministries and depend on role, duration, equipment, and subject matter.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Work authorisation request
Production letter outlining:
- Project overview
- Shooting schedule and locations
- Crew list with passport details
Equipment list
Insurance documentation

Processing Time:

Minimum 3–6 weeks, longer for environmentally sensitive areas.

Cost:

Varies depending on ministry involvement, role, and duration.

Issuing Organization:

Madagascar does not have a single centralised film commission. Filming approvals are coordinated through relevant government ministries, local authorities, and Madagascar National Parks where applicable. A local production partner facilitates applications.

Required Documents:

Production title and synopsis
Full script (may be requested)
Producer and director details
Shooting schedule and locations
Cast and crew lists including passport details for foreign nationals
Equipment list
Insurance documentation
Local production partner details

Processing Time:

Permit timelines vary significantly. Filming in national parks or protected reserves requires additional environmental approval. Allow a minimum of 4–6 weeks, longer for remote or conservation zones.

Cost:

Fees vary depending on location, duration, conservation requirements, and level of government oversight.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Permissions, fees, and timelines are negotiated directly with private landowners. In rural areas, community consent may also be required in addition to landowner approval.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Varies by landowner, region, and production impact.

Drone Regulations:

Prior authorisation required for all drone operations
Commercial drone filming must be approved by civil aviation authorities
Restrictions apply near airports, urban areas, government buildings, national parks, and protected zones

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drones must be declared on arrival
Prior approval strongly recommended before importation
Additional environmental approvals may be required in protected areas

Permit Issuance:

Civil Aviation Authority of Madagascar
Additional authorisation may be required from environmental authorities.

Timing:

Minimum 10–20 working days.
Longer processing may apply for conservation or restricted airspace.

Cost:

Assessed case-by-case depending on scope, airspace, and environmental impact.

Carnet Status:

Madagascar does not consistently operate ATA Carnet procedures. Confirmation is recommended prior to shipment.

Required Documents:

Detailed equipment list with serial numbers and declared values
Customs declaration forms
Supporting production documentation
Local customs broker coordination recommended

Issuing Organization:

Malagasy Customs Authorities, coordinated through a local production partner or broker.

Timing:

Handled at entry points. Timing depends on inspection procedures and documentation completeness.

Cost:

Costs vary depending on shipment size and duration of temporary import. Temporary import duties or deposits may be requested. Local customs handling fees may apply.

General Overview:

Madagascar is generally stable; however, infrastructure can be limited, particularly in remote areas. Careful logistical planning is essential for productions operating outside major cities.

Security Requirements:

Risk assessments recommended for remote filming
Health precautions advised, including malaria prevention in certain regions
Medical evacuation planning recommended for remote shoots
Additional security coordination may be required depending on location

Rebates/Incentives:

Madagascar does not currently operate a formal national cash rebate programme. Support is primarily facilitation-based through local authorities and production partners.

Available Support

Government coordination
Location facilitation
Access to protected areas, subject to environmental approval

Eligibility

International productions working with a Malagasy-registered production partner

Notes

Incentives and facilitation operate independently from visas, work permits, environmental approvals, and drone authorisations
Environmental and conservation approvals must be secured in advance
Equipment import procedures should be confirmed prior to shipment