Mozambique

🇲🇿

Phone Code

+258

Capital

Maputo

Population

32 Million

Native Name

Moçambique

Region

Africa

Eastern Africa

Timezone

Central Africa Time

UTC+02:00

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Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

Mozambique is a Southern African country on the Indian Ocean coast, bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and South Africa. A former Portuguese colony (1505-1975), Mozambique is one of few Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa. After independence, the country endured devastating civil war (1977-1992) followed by slow recovery and development. Maputo, the capital (formerly Lourenço Marques), has Portuguese colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and seafood culture. Mozambique stretches 2,500km along Indian Ocean coastline with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and island paradises largely undeveloped compared to neighboring South Africa. Visitors are drawn to Bazaruto Archipelago (five islands, luxury lodges, diving, game fishing, dugongs), Quirimbas Archipelago (32 islands in north, remote), Tofo Beach (whale shark and manta ray diving/snorkeling, backpacker hub), Ilha de Moçambique (UNESCO World Heritage, historic Stone Town), Gorongosa National Park (wildlife restoration project), Maputo nightlife and seafood, and affordable Indian Ocean beaches compared to Seychelles or Mauritius. Mozambique offers authentic African beach experience with Portuguese colonial charm, though infrastructure remains basic outside tourist areas and poverty widespread. Security improving but caution required in northern regions.

Visa Requirements for Mozambique

Mozambique requires visas for most nationalities. E-visas are available online for citizens of 100+ countries for tourism or business, making the process relatively straightforward. Apply through evisa.gov.mz with processing taking 3-7 days and cost $50-80 USD depending on type. South African, Botswana, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Zambia citizens can enter visa-free (varies 30-90 days). Visa on arrival is available at Maputo International Airport and some land borders for certain nationalities but pre-arranged e-visa strongly recommended to avoid issues. IMPORTANT: Northern provinces (Cabo Delgado) have insurgency warnings - terrorist attacks since 2017, areas OFF-LIMITS to tourists. Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond intended stay with at least 3 blank pages. Yellow fever vaccination certificate REQUIRED if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries. Mozambique's tourism infrastructure is developing but remains limited outside main destinations. Entry requirements strictly enforced.

Common Visa Types

E-Visa (Tourist/Business)

30 days single entry; apply at evisa.gov.mz; processing 3-7 days; costs $50-80 USD; requires passport scan, photo, yellow fever certificate (if from endemic area), hotel booking, return ticket; print e-visa approval and show at entry; recommended over visa on arrival; most common visa type for tourists.

For tourism or business for citizens of 100+ countries, applied online before travel.

Visa on Arrival

30 days; costs $80-100 USD; requires passport (valid 6 months), passport photos, yellow fever certificate if applicable, return ticket, accommodation proof; long queues possible; payment in USD cash; not guaranteed - e-visa safer; available for US, UK, EU citizens but e-visa preferred.

Available at Maputo Airport and some land borders for limited nationalities, but pre-arranged e-visa strongly recommended.

Visa-Free Entry (Regional)

30-90 days depending on nationality; South Africa (30 days), Botswana, eSwatini, Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Seychelles (90 days), Zimbabwe, Zambia; stamped at entry; passport valid 6 months; no advance application; supports regional tourism; SADC member benefits.

For citizens of select Southern and East African countries as part of regional agreements.

Border Visa / KAZA UniVisa

KAZA UniVisa ($50) allows entry to Zambia, Zimbabwe, and parts of Mozambique (Tete Province only, for Victoria Falls visitors); valid 30 days; available at participating borders; useful for Victoria Falls travelers combining countries; limited Mozambique area access but convenient for multi-country trips.

Special visa for Zambia-Zimbabwe-Mozambique tourism corridor visitors.

Important Travel Information

Northern insurgency CRITICAL: Cabo Delgado province (northeast) has Islamic State-linked insurgency since 2017. Terrorist attacks, beheadings, village burnings ongoing. AVOID: Palma, Mocímboa da Praia, entire Cabo Delgado north of Pemba. Quirimbas Archipelago (popular tourist destination) in conflict zone - some lodges closed, travel inadvisable. CHECK current security before traveling to northern Mozambique. Southern areas (Maputo, Tofo, Bazaruto, Inhambane) generally safe.

Portuguese language essential: Portuguese is official language (legacy of colonization 1505-1975). English very limited outside luxury lodges and Maputo upscale areas. Local Bantu languages (Makhuwa, Tsonga, Sena) widely spoken. Basic Portuguese phrases essential for budget/independent travel. South African tourists common (neighboring country) so some Afrikaans understood near border.

Yellow fever certificate: Yellow fever vaccination certificate REQUIRED if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic country (includes much of Africa and South America). Can be asked to show at entry. No requirement if arriving from non-endemic country (Europe, USA, South Africa). Vaccination recommended anyway for health. Malaria highly endemic throughout Mozambique - take prophylaxis.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Maputo
States & Regions in Mozambique

Explore different regions and their cities.

Hosted missions

Embassies in Mozambique

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Mozambique
United States in Mozambique

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