Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to Cabo Delgado Province, except for Palma town and the area around Pemba and Afungi.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to Palma town and the area around Pemba and Afungi.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the districts of Memba and Eráti in Nampula Province.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the districts of Mecula and Marrupa in Niassa Province.
\n\nFind out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nFollow FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nTo enter Mozambique, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nMake sure you get your passport stamped with the correct dates before leaving the immigration desk.
\nYou need at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nBritish passport holders must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to Mozambique for tourism or business visits of up to 30 days.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nWhen you arrive in Mozambique, you may be asked to show:
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nNot 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.
\n\nIt 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.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nTo enter Mozambique, you must have a certificates to prove you’ve had:
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Mozambique guide.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nDeclare 10,000 Mozambican meticais or more in cash. Declare foreign cash or travellers cheques if the value is 5,000 US dollars or more.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Mozambique.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Mozambique.
\nThe main threat is from IS-Mozambique (IS-M), a terrorist group with links to Daesh (formerly known as Islamic State) that is mainly active in Cabo Delgado Province, and has carried out attacks in neighbouring districts of Niassa and Nampula Provinces.
\n\nIS-M militants have conducted violent attacks using explosives, machetes and firearms across Cabo Delgado, resulting in hundreds of deaths, including civilians and security personnel. They have also engaged in burning vehicles and homes, robberies, looting and threats. In 2021, dozens of people were killed in a large scale attack in Palma, Cabo Delgado Province. In these incidents, security forces have not been able to reach these areas quickly.
\n\nSee regional risks.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals, such as:
\n\nStay aware of your surroundings, stay up to date with local media reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nDue to the presence of groups with links to Islamist extremism, there is a threat of kidnap in Mozambique. The threat is particularly acute in Cabo Delgado Province, as well as neighbouring districts of Niassa and Nampula Provinces.
\n\nBritish nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
\n\nThe long-standing policy of the British government policy is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
\n\nIf you work in Mozambique, you should follow your employer’s security guidelines. Employers are strongly advised to take professional security advice, be vigilant at all times and review security measures regularly. Keep others informed of your travel plans and vary your routines. Make sure your accommodation is secure and consider pre-deployment training or travelling under close protection, particularly if working in Cabo Delgado.
\n\nIn Mozambique, protests can occur at short notice and even peaceful protests can become violent. Road toll gates are particularly vulnerable.
\n\nAccess to land borders can be affected at short notice, along with public services and transport.
\n\nTo reduce your personal risk:
\n\nStreet crime is common in Maputo and is increasing in other cities and tourist destinations. This has involved knives and firearms. There are some areas in cities which are more dangerous – seek local advice. Beaches and offshore islands are not policed.
\n\nYou can reduce the risk from pickpocketing and mugging by:
\n\nIf you want to report a crime, contact the local police to get a police report. Also report stolen passports to the British High Commission in Maputo and the Mozambican immigration authorities.
\n\nThere is a risk of carjacking. Keep your car doors locked and windows closed while driving. Be particularly vigilant when you arrive at or leave residential properties after dark. Avoid driving alone at night.
\n\nDo not pick up strangers or stop to help distressed motorists or pedestrians. Hijackers sometimes use these techniques to trick motorists into stopping their vehicles. If in doubt, drive directly to a police station.
\n\nSome visitors to Mozambique report being victims of police harassment and intimidation, including robbery and requests for bribes. If a police officer threatens you or asks for a bribe, report this to the British High Commission for awareness.
\n\nThere have been kidnappings for ransom reported in Mozambique, mainly in the capital of Maputo. Kidnaps are generally for financial gain or motivated by criminality. While most victims have been Mozambicans, kidnappers may also target foreigners. Business owners are likely to be at increased risk of this activity. If you work in Mozambique, follow your employer’s security guidelines. Be vigilant at all times.
\n\nAs a foreigner, you must always have your passport with you. Police patrols and checkpoints are common, and they will not accept copies or photos.
\n\nDo not hand over your passport to anyone other than an official. Ask to see their ID if in doubt.
\n\nIt is illegal to drink alcohol on public beaches.
\n\nIf you are convicted of drug use, possession or trafficking, you can expect to get a long prison sentence and a fine.
\n\nAll known minefields in Mozambique have been cleared. In the central and southern provinces of Sofala, Tete, Manica, Gaza, Inhambane and Maputo, mines may still exist in remote areas away from main routes. Get advice from district authorities if you plan to travel in these areas.
\n\nIt is illegal to photograph government offices, airports, military establishments, residences and police or officials without special permission. If in doubt, do not take pictures.
\n\nThere are no laws against same-sex sexual activity. Attitudes in Maputo tend to be more liberal than in more remote rural areas of the country. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nMake sure you can access money in a variety of ways. Travellers’ cheques are not commonly accepted, Mastercard is not always accepted across the country. US dollars and South African rand are the main exchange currencies.
\n\nCredit cards, are increasingly accepted in the larger cities. You should tell your bank before using your card in Mozambique.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Mozambique, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Mozambique for up to 90 days. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nAfter 90 days, you must have an IDP or a Mozambican driving licence.
\n\nDrink-driving is a serious offence in Mozambique. If you are tested and found to have more than three-quarters of England’s legal limit of alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.
\n\nYou are legally required have third-party insurance, which you can buy at most land borders. Traffic police may give you an on-the-spot fine if you cannot show your licence and ownership and insurance documents.
\n\nYou must always carry 2 reflective triangles in your vehicle and wear a reflective vest when repairing, loading or unloading a vehicle. If you cannot produce the 2 triangles and 2 vests, you can get an on-the-spot fine.
\n\nPolice officers frequently stop drivers to check paperwork and sometimes try to extract bribes. If police are fining you for no clear reason, ask for a written fine you can pay at a police station.
\n\nOnly travel by road outside major cities during daylight. Where possible, keep to major roads and travel in convoy in rural areas. Fuel supplies at petrol stations throughout Mozambique can be unpredictable and inconsistent, including in major cities. Where fuel is available, queues can be long. Travellers are advised to check with tour operators in advance to ensure sufficient fuel is available for any organised travel, and to allow extra time for journeys.
\n\nTraffic accidents are common in Mozambique due to poor road conditions and low driving standards. Watch for pedestrians on the roads.
\n\nLow-lying areas around major rivers flood regularly and at short notice during the rainy season from November to April, making many roads impassable including in the capital, Maputo. Check conditions before travelling. Make sure you have emergency supplies, including a first aid kit.
\n\nOverland travel on public transport can be hazardous due to vehicles being in an unsafe condition. If you doubt a vehicle’s condition, make alternative arrangements.
\n\nThere is a significant risk of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. Pirates can attack up to 1,000 nautical miles from the Somali coast or more. The threat assessment of the combined international naval counter-piracy forces is that sailing yachts should not enter the designated high-risk area, due to the risk of hijacking.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nCyclones and floods are common during the rainy season from November to April. They often cause landslides, which result in road closures and disruption to travel and public transport.
\n\nMonitor local reports and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization and the National Meteorological Institute (in Portuguese).
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Mozambique. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to Cabo Delgado, except Palma town and the area around Pemba and Afungi, due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism and clashes between insurgents, armed vigilante groups and Mozambican security forces.
\n\nSecurity forces have set up roadblocks throughout the province.
\n\nThere are no direct flights between Palma town and Maputo and we advise against travelling there by road.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the districts of Memba and Eráti in Nampula Province due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism.
\n\nGroups with links to Islamist extremism have previously carried out attacks in the Mecula, Mavago and Marrupa districts of Niassa Province.
\n\nFCDO advise against all travel to the Mecula and Marrupa districts of Niassa Province. There have been recent lethal attacks there within Niassa Special Reserve at hunting lodges visited by international tourists. Groups with links to Islamic extremism have previously carried out attacks in the Mavago district as well, stay aware of your surroundings in this area, as the situation may change without warning.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nMozambique is currently experiencing a cholera outbreak in central and northern areas of the country. See information on cholera.
\n\nCall 848888 or 823388 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Mozambique including:
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Mozambique where some staff will speak English.
\n\nHospital facilities are of a lower standard compared to the UK, especially in the north of the country. In cases of serious illness or injury, medical evacuation to South Africa or the UK may be necessary.
\n\nMake sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nCall 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nIf the call does not connect, use the country-based numbers or contact your nearest police station or medical facility.
\n\nAmbulance: 848888 or 823388
\n\nFire: 198
\n\nPolice: 112
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nFollow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nYou can also contact FCDO online.
\n\nIf you’re in Mozambique and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Maputo.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Mozambique on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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