Mozambique Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Mozambique's visa policy requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa before or upon arrival. A limited number of countries enjoy visa-free access, while many can obtain visas on arrival or apply for e-Visas online. The type of visa required depends on your nationality and purpose of visit.
Citizens of these countries can enter Mozambique without a visa for tourism or business purposes
Visa-free entry is primarily available to citizens of neighboring African countries and select regional partners. All travelers must still meet other entry requirements including valid passport, proof of accommodation, and return tickets. Extensions may be possible through local immigration offices.
Many nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival at Mozambique's international airports and major land border crossings
Cost: Approximately USD 50-80 for tourist visa (30 days). Payment accepted in USD, EUR, or South African Rand at most entry points. Credit cards may not be accepted.
While visa on arrival is available, it's recommended to apply for an e-Visa in advance to avoid delays. Some border posts may have limited visa-on-arrival services. Always carry exact change in accepted currencies. Business visas require additional documentation including invitation letters.
Mozambique offers an online e-Visa system for tourists and business travelers from eligible countries
Cost: Approximately USD 50-90 depending on visa type and processing speed. Payment via credit/debit card online.
E-Visa is highly recommended over visa on arrival to avoid airport delays. Print the e-Visa approval and carry it with your passport. Some travelers report the system can be slow or experience technical issues, so apply well in advance of travel. Ensure all uploaded documents are clear and meet specifications.
Some nationalities must apply for a visa in advance at a Mozambican embassy or consulate and cannot use visa on arrival or e-Visa services
Check with your nearest Mozambican diplomatic mission for specific requirements as they vary by nationality and purpose of visit. Some countries have limited Mozambican diplomatic representation, requiring applications through neighboring countries. Work permits and long-term visas always require embassy application regardless of nationality.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival in Mozambique, all travelers must pass through immigration and customs control. The process is generally straightforward if you have all required documentation prepared. Major airports like Maputo have modernized facilities, while smaller border posts may have more basic infrastructure.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Mozambique customs regulations control the import and export of goods to protect local industry, prevent illegal trade, and collect duties. All travelers must pass through customs control and declare items that exceed duty-free allowances or fall into restricted categories. Penalties for non-declaration can include fines, confiscation, and prosecution.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - Severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment
- Firearms and ammunition without proper permits - Requires advance authorization from Mozambican authorities
- Explosives and fireworks - Strictly prohibited for security reasons
- Counterfeit goods and pirated media - Subject to confiscation and fines
- Pornographic materials - Prohibited under Mozambican law
- Endangered species products - Including ivory, certain animal skins, and protected plants under CITES
- Certain plants and seeds - Agricultural restrictions to prevent disease
- Radioactive materials - Prohibited without special permits
- Hazardous chemicals - Restricted for safety and environmental reasons
Restricted Items
- Fresh food products, meat, dairy - Require phytosanitary certificates and health permits from agricultural authorities
- Medications - Prescription medications allowed in reasonable quantities with doctor's prescription and original packaging. Controlled substances require special permits
- Professional equipment - Cameras, drones, and professional video equipment may require temporary import permits or carnets, especially for commercial use
- Hunting equipment - Requires hunting permits and firearm licenses obtained in advance
- Cultural artifacts and antiques - Export of Mozambican cultural property requires authorization from National Directorate of Cultural Heritage
- Precious metals and gemstones - Commercial quantities require permits; declare all valuable jewelry
- Radio transmitters and satellite phones - May require telecommunications authority approval
- Pets and animals - Require health certificates, rabies vaccination proof, and import permits (see special situations)
Health Requirements
Mozambique has specific health requirements for entry to protect public health and prevent the spread of disease. All travelers should consult with a travel medicine specialist at least 4-6 weeks before departure to ensure they meet requirements and receive appropriate vaccinations.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required for travelers aged 9 months and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, or travelers who have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. The International Certificate of Vaccination must be presented at immigration. This is strictly enforced.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to potential exposure through food and water
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have contact with blood or body fluids, or for long-term travelers
- Typhoid - Recommended for most travelers, especially those visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends/family
- Cholera - Consider for travelers to areas with active cholera transmission or during outbreaks
- Rabies - Recommended for travelers with extensive outdoor exposure, working with animals, or in areas with limited access to medical care
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) - Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
- Polio - Ensure routine vaccination is up to date; booster may be recommended
- Tetanus-Diphtheria - Ensure routine vaccination is up to date
- Malaria prophylaxis - Malaria is endemic throughout Mozambique; antimalarial medication is strongly recommended for all travelers
Health Insurance
While not legally required for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Mozambique are limited, especially outside major cities, and serious conditions may require evacuation to South Africa. Ensure your insurance covers medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation. Carry proof of insurance and emergency contact numbers. Medical treatment often requires upfront payment, so insurance that can direct-bill or reimburse quickly is valuable.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport with the same validity requirements as adults (6 months minimum). Unaccompanied minors or children traveling with only one parent require additional documentation: a notarized parental consent letter from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the trip, including contact information and signatures. If traveling with someone other than parents, a notarized authorization from both parents is required. In cases of sole custody, bring court documents. Birth certificates may be requested. These requirements are strictly enforced, particularly when departing Mozambique or at border crossings with South Africa. Have documents translated to Portuguese if possible. Children are subject to the same visa requirements as adults.
Importing pets into Mozambique requires advance planning. Requirements include: valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel; rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry); import permit from Mozambican veterinary authorities (apply well in advance through the Direcção Nacional de Veterinária); proof of treatment for internal and external parasites; microchip identification is recommended. Some airlines have additional requirements. Pets may be quarantined upon arrival if documentation is incomplete. Certain breeds may be restricted. Contact the Mozambican embassy for current requirements and permit applications. Consider using a professional pet relocation service for complex cases.
Tourist visas are typically issued for 30 days. Extensions may be possible through the Serviço Nacional de Migração (SENAMI) offices in Maputo or provincial capitals. Apply for extension before your current visa expires - overstaying results in fines and potential deportation. Extension applications require: valid passport, current visa, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, reason for extension, and applicable fees. Processing can take several days to weeks. For stays longer than 90 days or for work purposes, you must apply for appropriate permits: temporary residence permits for extended stays, work permits for employment (requires job offer and employer sponsorship), business visas for commercial activities, student visas for educational programs. Long-term permits require extensive documentation including police clearances, medical certificates, and may take several months to process. Consult with SENAMI or an immigration lawyer for complex situations.
Business travelers require a business visa unless from visa-exempt countries. Requirements include: invitation letter from Mozambican company or organization detailing purpose and duration of visit; proof of business registration for your company; letter from employer confirming employment and purpose of trip; detailed itinerary of business activities. Business visas are typically valid for 30-90 days. Multiple-entry business visas are available for frequent travelers. Those conducting business activities or working in Mozambique for extended periods require work permits and temporary residence authorization, which must be arranged through the sponsoring Mozambican company. Attending conferences or meetings generally requires only a business visa, but check specific requirements for your situation.
Dual nationals with Mozambican citizenship must enter and exit Mozambique using their Mozambican passport, regardless of other nationalities held. Mozambique recognizes dual citizenship in limited circumstances. Foreign-born children of Mozambican parents may need to register their Mozambican citizenship. Former Mozambican citizens who acquired foreign nationality should verify their status with Mozambican authorities. Using a foreign passport when you have Mozambican citizenship can result in entry denial or legal complications. Contact the Mozambican embassy for clarification on citizenship status if uncertain.
Transit passengers remaining in the international transit area and continuing their journey within 24 hours typically do not require a visa, provided they hold confirmed onward tickets and necessary documents for their final destination. However, if you need to collect baggage, change airports, or leave the transit area, you will require an appropriate visa. Yellow fever vaccination requirements still apply for transit passengers from endemic areas, even without entering Mozambique. Verify transit visa requirements with your airline and Mozambican authorities, as policies can vary. Some nationalities may require transit visas even for short connections.