Update routine vaccines; get hepatitis A and typhoid. Consider hepatitis B and rabies for longer or rural stays. Yellow fever vaccine/certificate required only if arriving from a yellow fever country. Take malaria prophylaxis and visit a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before travel.
What Vaccinations Do I Need for Mozambique?
Before traveling to Mozambique, make sure routine vaccinations are current (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, varicella, influenza). Travel-specific vaccines commonly recommended: hepatitis A (for virtually all travellers), typhoid (if you’ll eat local food or visit rural areas), and hepatitis B (for longer stays, medical procedures, or sexual exposure). Yellow fever vaccine is required only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk — otherwise it may be recommended for some itineraries. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is advised for long-term visitors, children, remote travel or those likely to have animal contact. Oral cholera vaccine and COVID-19 boosters are situational — check for local outbreaks and entry rules.
Malaria is endemic (risk varies by region and season); there is no vaccine widely available for travellers, so take chemoprophylaxis (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine as advised) and strict mosquito-avoidance measures. Get travel vaccinations and personalized advice at a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure (yellow fever requires at least 10 days before travel). Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Pregnant or immunocompromised travellers should consult their clinician; live vaccines may be contraindicated.
Related FAQs
Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter Mozambique? If you transited from or are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission, Mozambique may require a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Travellers from non-endemic countries are usually not required to show one, but check current entry rules before travel.
Do I need malaria pills for Mozambique? Yes — malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) is present. Choose prophylaxis based on region and medical history (atovaquone–proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Combine with insect precautions (nets, repellents, long sleeves).
Is the rabies vaccine necessary? Not for short urban stays with minimal animal contact, but recommended for long stays, rural travel, adventure trips, or if you’ll work with animals. Pre-exposure vaccine simplifies post-exposure treatment in Mozambique.
How far in advance should I get vaccines? Ideally see a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure. Yellow fever needs to be given at least 10 days prior. Some multi-dose schedules (rabies, hepatitis B) require earlier planning.