Important: Entry and exit procedures for Madagascar are time-consuming and bureaucratic. Be prepared for delays of up to 5 weeks from your first email to receiving arrival authorization.

​

 Arrival Authorization

To request permission to sail to Madagascar, email ALL of the following addresses with your boat and personal details:

• ministre@mtm.gov.mg

• dgapmf@apmf.mg

• sg@mtm.gov.mg

• dgtmfa@mtm.gov.mg

• dtmf@mtm.gov.mg

• dircab@mtm.gov.mg

• spministre@mtm.gov.mg

• attachesg@mtm.gov.mg

• rodinjc9@gmail.com

• ratsimbamichel@yahoo.fr (Former Port Captain at Nosy Be – now promoted to Diego Suarez)

• Jessicah (essential contact – not listed on Noonsite): xavierjessicah@gmail.com

​

  Include in your email:

• Boat registration details (name, country of reg., length, beam, draft)

• Full crew list (names, nationalities, passport numbers)

• Last 10 ports visited

• ETA and Port of entry (e.g. Nosy Be)

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations

Note: Always CC Jessicah, as she seems to be critical to getting approvals moving.

 

Check-In Process (Nosy Be – Crater Bay / Hellville)

• Upon arrival, expect to be approached by local boat boys. One known contact is Ismail, who works with Jimmy, a trusted local fixer.

• Jimmy (WhatsApp: +261 328479237) can coordinate all check-in steps. It is advised to contact him before arrival so he can notify the Port Captain in advance.

​

Officials (up to 7) may come aboard for an inspection — Jimmy will assist with this. You’ll need 5 printed copies of all submitted documents, including your authorization from Jessicah. Jimmy can take you to a copy shop and ATM if needed.

Cruising Permits and Inspections

• If staying in Crater Bay or Hellville only, no cruising permit is needed.

• If cruising further:

  • Cruising permit fee: 100,000 Ar/month (~USD $21)

  • Safety certificate inspection: 200,000 Ar (~USD $42) — Note: this is no longer a requirement to obtain a cruising permit (per 2025 update).

 

Departure Process

• Departure permission must also be requested by email (same list as above, include Jessicah).

• Do this up to 2 weeks prior to leaving.

• Include your OSASA registration if heading to South Africa.

Departure Fees (Nosy Be):

• Port Captain, Immigration, Customs, Gendarmerie: 120,000 Ar each

Contacts in Madagascar

• Jimmy (Fixer, Hellville): WhatsApp +261 328479237

• Jessicah (Government contact): xavierjessicah@gmail.com

• Susan Hele Harrison – Yacht Subuti (Crater Bay): yachtsubuti@yahoo.com

• Pete van D: sailorpete69@yahoo.co.uk

​

Sailing Highlights – Madagascar Anchorages

• Mitsio Islands: Remote, peaceful, multi-day stay, great snorkeling

• Tanikely Marine Reserve: Rich coral, day anchorage only (Anyone wanting to visit Nosy Tanikely must book and pay online, then present the QR code when arriving. Cash payments on arrival are not accepted. Effective 01 August 2025.)

• Nosy Komba: Lemur park and friendly village, day anchorage only

• Sakatia: Well-sheltered, excellent snorkeling, sea turtles

• Russian Bay: Quiet and secure overnight stop

• Nosy Iranja: Stunning sandbar, turquoise waters, day anchorage only

• Honey River: Sheltered, village access, ideal cultural visit

• Moramba Bay: Baobabs, lemurs, and dramatic scenery