Mozambique

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.  

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

You can travel without a visa to Mozambique for tourism or business for up to 30 days but the Mozambican authorities request you apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at least 48 hours before departure. You can apply through the Mozambique eVisa official portal.

On arrival, you must be able to show border control a written invitation from your host, or a confirmed reservation for accommodation, and a return or onward air ticket.

Keep the receipt provided upon arrival at the border, as you may need to show it when exiting Mozambique.

Entering Mozambique by land crossing

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.

Land border crossings into neighbouring countries can be restricted, blocked or closed at short notice.

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.

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.

Emergency services in Mozambique

Call 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

If the call does not connect, use the country-based numbers or contact your nearest police station or medical facility.

Ambulance: 848888 or 823388

Fire: 198

Police: 112

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact 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.

Refunds and changes to travel

For 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.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Mozambique
• dealing with a death in Mozambique
• being arrested or imprisoned in Mozambique
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Mozambique and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Maputo.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The 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.