Mozambique Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Mozambique has a warm welcome to travelers with its impressive coastline, rich culture, and diverse wildlife. Entry is typically straightforward, with immigration officials at international airports and land borders checking passports, visas (if required), and proof of onward travel. Most travelers will need to obtain a visa in advance or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online, though some nationalities enjoy visa-free access. It is important to ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your date of entry and contains blank pages for stamps. The immigration process is generally efficient, but travelers should be prepared for potential queues, during peak tourist seasons. Having all documents organized and ready for presentation will expedite the process. Before traveling, it is highly recommended to check the latest entry requirements with the Mozambican government or your nearest Mozambican embassy, as policies can change. Travelers should also be aware that entry requirements for minors are strictly enforced, and specific documentation is required. While English is spoken in tourist areas, Portuguese is the official language, so having key travel documents and information translated or readily accessible can be helpful. Overall, with proper preparation, entering Mozambique is a smooth start to an memorable journey.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Mozambique employs a mixed visa policy, offering visa-free entry to citizens of neighboring SADC countries, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for many others, and traditional visa requirements for a smaller group. The ETA system has streamlined entry for many tourists.

Visa-Free Entry

30 to 90 days, depending on nationality.

Citizens of select Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states.

Includes

Botswana Eswatini Lesotho Malawi South Africa Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe

Stays are typically for tourism purposes. Some nationalities (e.g., South Africa) may be granted 30 days, while others get 90. Always confirm the exact duration upon entry.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

30 days, single entry (can be extended once within Mozambique).

Pre-arrival online authorization required for citizens of many countries, replacing the need for a visa on arrival.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia Germany France Italy Spain Portugal Netherlands Japan China

How to Apply: Apply online via the official Mozambican ETA platform (evisa.gov.mz). Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, but apply at least 7 days before travel. An approved ETA must be presented upon arrival.
Cost: Approximately $50 USD (subject to change).

The ETA is mandatory for eligible travelers; you cannot obtain a visa on arrival if you are from an ETA-required country. A valid passport, digital photo, and proof of accommodation and onward travel are required for the application.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type (typically 30 days for tourist visas).

Nationals not eligible for visa-free entry or the ETA must obtain a traditional visa from a Mozambican embassy or consulate before travel.

How to Apply: Apply in person or by post at a Mozambican diplomatic mission. Requirements usually include a completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, and sometimes an invitation letter or proof of funds.

Processing times and fees vary by embassy. Some nationalities may also be eligible for a visa on arrival at certain entry points, but this is being phased out in favor of the ETA. Always confirm current procedures with an embassy.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at a Mozambican port of entry (e.g., Maputo International Airport, Vilanculos Airport, or land borders), travelers will proceed through immigration and customs. The process is generally orderly.

Health Check

You may need to present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of transmission. Health screening forms may also be required.

Immigration Control

Present your passport, ETA approval letter or visa, and a completed immigration form (often distributed on the plane). The officer will stamp your passport with an entry permit, noting the allowed duration of stay.

Baggage Claim and Customs

Collect your luggage and proceed through the green (nothing to declare) or red (goods to declare) customs channel. Be prepared for your bags to be scanned or inspected.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry and have at least two blank visa pages.

Visa or ETA

A valid visa sticker in your passport or a printed copy of the ETA approval letter.

Proof of Onward Travel

A return ticket or evidence of onward travel out of Mozambique.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from your host in Mozambique.

Sufficient Funds

Immigration may ask for evidence of funds to cover your stay (cash, credit cards, bank statements).

Tips for Smooth Entry

Print multiple copies of your ETA, passport, flight details, and hotel reservations. Keep them separate from your originals.

Complete the immigration form neatly and accurately before reaching the officer to save time.

Be polite and patient with immigration officials. Answer questions clearly and concisely.

Have your documents (passport, ETA, flight ticket) readily accessible in your hand luggage, not checked baggage.

Customs & Duty-Free

Mozambique has standard customs regulations. Travelers must declare certain items and are prohibited from bringing in others. Duty-free allowances are for personal use.

Alcohol

2 liters of wine and 1 liter of spirits per adult.

Traveler must be over 18 years of age.

Tobacco

400 cigarettes, 500 grams of tobacco, or 250 grams of cigars.

For personal use only.

Currency

Amounts over 5,000 USD (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared upon entry and exit.

Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines. Keep the declaration form for exit.

Gifts/Goods

Other goods up to a value of approximately $100 USD for personal use.

Commercial quantities or high-value items may be subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs
Counterfeit goods and pirated materials
Obscene or pornographic material
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without prior authorization
Protected wildlife products (e.g., ivory, rhino horn) without CITES permits

Restricted Items

Medications - Carry a doctor's prescription, for controlled substances.
Plants, seeds, and fresh food products - May require phytosanitary certificates.
Pets - Require an import permit and veterinary health certificate.
Drones - Require prior authorization from the Mozambican Civil Aviation Institute (IACM).

Health Requirements

Health requirements focus on preventing the importation of infectious diseases. Recommended vaccinations protect travelers from illnesses present in the region.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 1 year and over arriving from countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission, and for travelers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, etc.)
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Hepatitis B (for longer stays)
Rabies (for adventure travelers or those working with animals)
Cholera (recommended during outbreaks or for humanitarian workers)

Health Insurance

Complete travel health insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, is highly recommended but not mandatory for entry. Medical facilities outside major cities are limited, and treatment can be expensive for foreigners.

Current Health Requirements: As of October 2024, there are no specific COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry into Mozambique. However, this can change, so check the latest advisories from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Mozambican Ministry of Health before departure.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Mozambique (usually in Maputo).

Check your government's travel advisory website for the most up-to-date contact information and support services.

Immigration Authority

Serviço Nacional de Migração (National Migration Service)

Official source for visa and ETA information: https://smi.gov.mz/ and the ETA portal: https://evisa.gov.mz/

Emergency

Emergency services number

119 - Police, Ambulance, Fire (Note: Operators may speak Portuguese. For private medical emergencies, contact your insurance provider's assistance line.)

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors (under 18) require additional documentation to prevent child trafficking. This includes: the child's passport, unabridged (full) birth certificate, and if traveling with only one parent or without parents, a notarized affidavit of consent from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The affidavit should be in Portuguese or accompanied by a certified translation. Requirements are strictly enforced.

Traveling with Pets

Cats and dogs require an import permit from the Mozambican Veterinary Services, an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of current rabies vaccination (at least 30 days but not more than 12 months prior), and sometimes a rabies titer test. Advance planning (starting 1-2 months before travel) is essential.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas (including the 30-day ETA) can usually be extended once for an additional 30 days by applying at a Serviço Nacional de Migração office within Mozambique before the original permit expires. For longer stays, work, study, or residency, you must apply for the appropriate long-term visa or permit from a Mozambican embassy abroad or from immigration authorities within the country under specific criteria.

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