Mozambique Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Mozambique.
Healthcare System
The public system is under-resourced; cities have private clinics that meet Western standards.
Hospitals
Clinic Sommerschield (Maputo) and Hospital Central da Beira are recommended for emergencies; cash deposits are required upfront.
Pharmacies
Well-stocked pharmacies in Maputo and Tofo; malaria prophylaxis, antibiotics, and rehydration salts are widely available. Bring prescription medicines in original packaging.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended.
Healthcare Tips
- Confirm evacuation coverage to South Africa; air ambulances are common for serious cases.
- Pack a basic medical kit including malaria test kits and broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Bag-snatching, pickpocketing, and theft from vehicles occur, at markets and bus stations.
Poor lighting, stray livestock, and unlicensed drivers raise accident risk, at night.
Transmitted year-round except at high altitudes; chloroquine-resistant strains present.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Uniformed imposters set up temporary roadblocks demanding on-the-spot fines for ‘traffic violations’.
A ‘helpful’ local at the airport or bus station has a fixed-price ‘safe’ ride, then demands inflated fares midway.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transport
- Fly between Maputo, Vilankulo, and Pemba during cyclone season to minimize road risk.
- Pre-book airport transfers with reputable companies to sidestep taxi scams.
Outdoor Activities
- Check dive-operator certifications and insurance before booking ocean activities.
- Bring biodegradable sunscreen and water shoes—coral cuts are common on remote beaches.
Money & Documents
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls; notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.
- Keep passport copies in cloud storage and a hard copy separate from originals.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Solo female travelers report positive experiences in tourist-oriented areas, but street harassment does occur, at night.
- Dress conservatively away from beaches to reduce unwanted attention.
- Sit near families or other women on public transport; use trusted hotel or restaurant wifi to book rides.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relations are not criminalized, but there is no legal recognition of same-sex couples.
- Book mozambique hotels known to be LGBTQ-friendly (e.g., Polana Serena, Anantara Bazaruto).
- Avoid discussing sexual orientation in rural areas and be discreet in public.
Travel Insurance
Essential due to limited local medical facilities and high evacuation costs to South Africa.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries