Is it safe to travel to Mozambique right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Mozambique’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Mozambique set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Mozambican High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Mozambique, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Make sure you get your passport stamped with the correct dates before leaving the immigration desk.

You need at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Travellers under 18

If you’re entering Mozambique with a child under the age of 18, you will need to present an unabridged birth certificate listing both parents. Where the child is travelling with one parent, or without either parent, a notarised parental consent affidavit (not older than three months) is required.

Visa requirements

British passport holders must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to Mozambique for tourism or business visits of up to 30 days.

You can apply for an ETA through the official Mozambique eVisa portal at least 5 working days before you travel. You must pay online when you apply. You cannot pay on arrival at the border.

The fee is approximately 47 US dollars, including a 37 US dollars visa fee and a 650 Mozambican Metical processing fee. Processing can take at least 5 working days. You should apply well in advance of your travel date.

When you arrive in Mozambique, you may be asked to show:

• proof of accommodation
• a return or onward ticket
• proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay

You should carry a printed copy of your approved ETA and payment confirmation, as immigration officials may ask to see them when you enter or leave Mozambique.

Entering Mozambique by land crossing

Not all lands borders are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Check the opening times directly online. Land border crossings into neighbouring countries can be restricted, blocked or closed at short notice.

It can take a long time to clear border formalities at the Lebombo-Ressano Garcia land crossing from South Africa, especially during holiday periods. There can be delays if you are travelling on public transport. Allow time to get to your destination before nightfall.

There have been armed robberies close to the Lebombo border in Nelspruit. These often take place in the queue for the border, mainly after dark. When you stop at junctions or in queues, stay alert and ensure you have space to turn and drive off.

Travel to or from South Africa

If you’re planning to enter South Africa before or after you visit Mozambique, or if you’re planning to travel through South Africa, check the travel advice for South Africa.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Mozambique, you must have a certificates to prove you’ve had:

• a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
• a polio vaccine in certain circumstances

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Mozambique guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Mozambique. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Mozambique

Declare 10,000 Mozambican meticais or more in cash. Declare foreign cash or travellers cheques if the value is 5,000 US dollars or more.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Mozambique.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 30 days
Business visa: not required for stays up to 30 days
Visitor visa: required when visiting by way of private invitation (from an individual or organization)
Work visa: required
Student visa: required
Residency visa: required

You can apply for a visa at the nearest Mozambican embassy or consulate or obtain an e-visa pre-authorization through Mozambique’s official e-visa portal.

Tourist and business visa exemption

You may enter Mozambique for tourism or business purposes without a visa for up to 30 days, but you must present the following upon arrival:

• an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) obtained at least 48 hours before departure
• a return or onward ticket (except for travel by land)
• a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the expected departure date, with at least 2 blank pages
• a payment of the fee paid by card or cash
• proof of accommodation

Keep the receipt provided upon arrival as part of the visa exemption policy.

If you encounter a technical issue with the ETA and e-visa portal, keep proof of the error and contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Mozambique for guidance.

Extending your visa

You may request one extension of 30 days from immigration authorities. Visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in a year. Justification for the extended stay may be required, and fees may apply. If your passport has less than 6 months validity, Mozambican authorities may refuse to extend your visa exemption.

Overstaying without authorization may result in fines.

Visa pre-authorizations

If you’re not eligible for the visa exemption, you can apply for an e-visa pre-authorization through the Government of Mozambique’s e-visa and ETA portal.

Visa pre-authorizations are only available for:

• crew members
• humanitarian workers
• sports and cultural activity participants
• eligible investors

Visa pre-authorizations are not guaranteed visas. You must submit all required documents to immigration authorities for a final decision.

Visa fees can be paid on arrival by credit card or in accepted currencies.

E-visa and ETA portal – Government of Mozambique

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation.

Make sure customs officials properly inspect and stamp your passport and visa upon entry to avoid possible fines when leaving the country. If you overstay your authorized visa period, you may be fined for each day you illegally reside in Mozambique.

Children and travel

Children under 18 entering or exiting Mozambique may be required to present certain documents.

If travelling with both parents:

• proof of parentage, such as a long-form birth certificate

If travelling with one parent or alone:

• proof of parentage, such as a long-form birth certificate
• a notarized parental consent affidavit, translated into Portuguese

If you are transiting by road through South Africa with children under 18, you may be subject to special entry requirements.

Useful links

• Entry requirements for South Africa
• Children and travel

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).