Mozambique Visa & Entry Requirements: The Complete 2026 Guide

Everything you need to know about entering Mozambique — visa types, who needs one, how to apply, and the new e-visa system.

Do You Need a Visa?

Yes — almost all nationalities need a visa to enter Mozambique. The good news: Mozambique introduced an e-visa system in 2023, and visas on arrival are available at major airports.

Visa-Free Entry (30 days)

Citizens of SADC countries do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days:

• South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Eswatini, Lesotho, Angola, Namibia, Mauritius, Seychelles, DRC, and others

Visa on Arrival (VoA)

Available at Maputo, Beira, and Nampula airports and major land borders:

• Cost: ~$50 USD (single entry, 30 days)
• Bring: 2 passport photos, proof of accommodation, return ticket
• Wait time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Risk: Queues can be long; e-visa is recommended

E-Visa (Recommended)

Mozambique's e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.mz) allows online application before travel:

• Processing time: 5–10 business days
• Cost: ~$50 USD (single entry), ~$90 USD (multiple entry)
• Validity: 30 or 60 days
• Payment: Credit card
• Upload: Passport bio page, passport photo, proof of accommodation, return ticket

Embassy Visa

Apply at a Mozambican embassy or consulate in your country. Processing time: 5–15 business days. Required documents vary by embassy.

Visa Types

| Type | Duration | Best For | |---|---|---| | Tourist Visa (Single Entry) | 30 days | Standard holiday | | Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry) | 60 days | Multi-country trip | | Business Visa | 30 days | Business meetings | | Work Visa | Varies | Employment (requires work permit) | | Student Visa | 1 year | Study at Mozambican institutions | | Transit Visa | 7 days | Passing through |

Entry Requirements

Documents Needed

1. Passport — valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry, with at least 2 blank pages
2. Visa — e-visa printout, visa on arrival documents, or visa-free passport
3. Return/onward ticket — proof you're leaving
4. Proof of accommodation — hotel reservation or letter of invitation
5. Yellow fever certificate — required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (check the WHO list)
6. Proof of sufficient funds — sometimes requested

At the Airport

• Immigration: Present passport, visa, return ticket
• Customs declaration: Complete on arrival
• Duty-free allowance: 200 cigarettes, 1 litre spirits, reasonable personal items
• Currency declaration: If carrying more than $5,000 USD equivalent

Entering by Land

Mozambique shares borders with six countries. Major land border crossings:

| Border Post | Countries | Notes | |---|---|---| | Ressano Garcia | South Africa ↔ Mozambique | busiest crossing, long queues | | Komatipoort/Lebombo | South Africa ↔ Mozambique | same as Ressano Garcia | | Namaacha | Eswatini ↔ Mozambique | quieter | | Zobue | Malawi ↔ Mozambique | Tete Province | | Negomano | Tanzania ↔ Mozambique | remote, check accessibility | | Machipanda | Zimbabwe ↔ Mozambique | Manica Province |

Land Border Tips

• Visa on arrival is available at most major borders — but bring USD cash and photos
• Vehicle insurance: Required if driving your own car — buy at the border
• Third-party insurance: Mandatory (~500 MT)
• Queues: Can be very long at Ressano Garcia — arrive early morning
• Stamp: Ensure your passport is stamped with the correct entry date

Extending Your Visa

Tourist visas can be extended once for an additional 30 days:

1. Go to the Migration Service (Serviço de Migração) in Maputo, Beira, or Nampula
2. Bring: Passport, current visa, proof of funds, proof of accommodation
3. Fee: ~$50 USD
4. Processing: 1–5 business days
5. Apply before your current visa expires — overstaying incurs fines ($100+/day)

Overstaying

• Fine: ~$100–300 USD per day of overstay
• Possible deportation: For significant overstays
• Future entry: May be denied
• Don't risk it — extend or leave on time

By Nationality

United States

• Visa required: Yes
• Best option: E-visa or visa on arrival
• Cost: ~$50 USD
• Yellow fever: Not required if flying directly from US

United Kingdom / EU

• Visa required: Yes
• Best option: E-visa or visa on arrival
• Cost: ~$50 USD

Canada / Australia / New Zealand

• Visa required: Yes
• Best option: E-visa or visa on arrival
• Cost: ~$50 USD

South Africa (SADC)

• Visa required: No (30 days visa-free)
• Yellow fever: Not required

Brazil / Portugal

• Visa required: Yes (e-visa or VoA)
• Special note: Portuguese and Brazilian citizens may have streamlined processes

E-Visa Step-by-Step

1. Go to evisa.gov.mz
2. Create account with email
3. Fill application form — personal details, travel dates, accommodation
4. Upload documents:
   • Passport bio page (scanned)
   • Passport photo (JPEG)
   • Hotel reservation or letter of invitation
   • Return flight ticket
5. Pay by credit card (~$50 USD)
6. Receive e-visa by email (PDF)
7. Print the e-visa and carry with your passport

Tip: Apply at least 2 weeks before travel. The system can be slow during peak season.

Common Problems & Solutions

| Problem | Solution | |---|---| | E-visa not arriving | Check spam; contact evisa@migracao.gov.mz | | Passport < 6 months validity | Renew before travel — you will be refused entry | | No return ticket | Buy a cheap fully-refundable ticket | | No proof of accommodation | Book a refundable hotel for first night | | Visa on arrival queue too long | Use e-visa to skip the queue | | Wrong visa type | Tourist visas cannot be converted to work visas in-country |

Airports of Entry

| Airport | Code | City | International | |---|---|---|---| | Maputo International | MPM | Maputo | Yes (full service) | | Beira International | BEW | Beira | Yes (limited) | | Nampula (Nacala) | APL | Nampula | Yes (limited) | | Pemba | POL | Pemba | Yes (limited) | | Vilanculos | VNX | Vilanculos | Yes (regional) | | Inhambane | INH | Inhambane | Yes (regional) |

Direct International Flights

• Maputo: From Johannesburg, Lisbon, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Doha, Istanbul
• Beira: From Johannesburg
• Nampula: From Johannesburg, Nairobi
• Pemba: From Johannesburg

Quick Checklist

• [ ] Passport valid 6+ months, 2+ blank pages
• [ ] E-visa approved (or plan for VoA)
• [ ] Return ticket booked
• [ ] Accommodation booked for first night
• [ ] Yellow fever certificate (if required)
• [ ] Travel insurance purchased
• [ ] USD cash (post-2009, crisp bills)
• [ ] Printed copies of all documents

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