Sub Saharan Africa

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• Most visits to Mozambique are trouble-free. See General - Consular Assistance statistics.
  
  
• Due to frequent heavy rain in mid-January 2012, there is a risk of localised flooding in southern and central Mozambique, especially along the coast between Beira and Quelimane. Monitor local reports and check your routes before travelling.
  
  
• There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, especially for shipping which does not take appropriate precautions or follow agreed shipping industry best practice guidelines. See the Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sea Travel.
  
  
• Due to safety concerns, all Mozambican airlines are banned from flying into the EU with the exception of the LAM route between Lisbon and Maputo. You should avoid flying with Mozambican certified carriers subject to the EU ban. See Safety and Security – Local Travel – Air Travel.
  
  
• We recommend you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the General - Insurance section of this Travel Advice.

Safety and Security - Terrorism
There is an underlying threat from terrorism.  Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime
Most visits to Mozambique are trouble-free. However street crime, sometimes involving knives and firearms, is common in Maputo and is increasing in other cities and tourist destinations. Bag-snatching and pick-pocketing are also problems.

Be vigilant at all times. Beaches or offshore islands are not policed. Avoid walking alone at night. Avoid displaying valuables or money (deposit them in a hotel safe if possible).

There has been a recent increase in reports of carjacking, particularly in Maputo. Keep your car doors locked whilst driving. Pay particular care when arriving at or leaving residential properties after dark.

Do not pick up strangers or stop to assist (apparently) distressed motorists or pedestrians.  Hijackers sometimes use these techniques to trick motorists into stopping their vehicle. If in doubt, drive directly to a police station.

If you are a victim of crime you should contact the local police immediately and obtain a police report. If your passport is stolen you should also inform the local immigration authorities and show them a copy of your police report. Contact the British High Commission to arrange a replacement passport (see below).

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Demonstrations
Demonstrations can begin quickly and change location without notice. Monitor the local media for latest information and avoid all demonstrations and protests.

Safety and Security - Local Travel
All known minefields have been cleared in Mozambique’s northern provinces (Nampula, Cabo Delgado, Zambezia, Niassa) substantially reducing the threat.  In the central and southern provinces (Sofala, Tete, Manica, Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo) you should be aware that mines do still exist in remote areas, away from main routes.  Mine clearance programmes are under way.  Seek advice from district authorities if travelling in these areas.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel
Traffic accidents are common in Mozambique due to the condition of the roads and poor driving and vehicle standards. Always drive carefully and be aware of pedestrians using the roads.

Overland travel on public transport can be hazardous due to poor vehicle and road conditions. If you doubt a vehicle’s condition, make alternative arrangements.

Low lying areas around major rivers flood regularly during the rainy season (November - April) making many roads impassable.  Check local conditions before travelling.  Vehicles should be stocked with emergency supplies, including a comprehensive first aid kit, and be properly prepared for difficult conditions at all times.  

Only travel by road outside Maputo and other major cities during daylight. Where possible, keep to major roads in a reasonable state of repair and travel with other cars in rural areas. Fuel (petrol and diesel) is often only available in larger towns.

UK driving licences are valid for up to 90 days.  If you intend to stay longer you should hold a valid international driving licence or apply for a Mozambican licence, for which you must normally sit a test.  It is an offence not to carry your valid driving licence with you when driving. Be ready to present original car documentation when requested by the police.

Third party insurance cover is compulsory in Mozambique.  You can purchase this at most land border crossings where there are insurance company offices.

Road safety regulations require all motorists to carry two reflective triangles and a reflective vest in their vehicle at all times.  It is compulsory for all motorists to wear the reflective vest when repairing, loading or unloading a vehicle on a public highway.  Not having these items in your vehicle could incur a penalty.

We receive regular reports of police officers attempting to solicit bribes from tourists, especially when driving.  We recommend that you do not pay a bribe to anyone.  If stopped by the police, ask for a clear explanation of the offence and a written fine that can be paid at a police station.

See our Driving Abroad page.
 
Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel
Since 21 April 2011, the European Commission has an operating ban on all air carriers certified in Mozambique.  The only exception to this ban is the LAM route between Lisbon and Maputo which uses aircraft supplied and operated by a Portuguese airline.  The ban follows an audit of Mozambique carried out by ICAO in January 2010.  The EU ban was imposed because the Mozambican regulatory authority was unable to verify that these airlines comply with international safety standards.  More information can be obtained on the following website: http://air-ban.europa.eu.

You should avoid flying with Mozambican certified carriers subject to the EU operating ban.  If you have a flight booked with an airline from Mozambique and it is part of a journey that commenced in the EU, you should consult your travel agency.  You should also consult your travel insurance provider.

British Government employees are advised to use carriers that are not subject to an operating ban or restrictions with the EU unless this is unavoidable.

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

For more general information see Airline Security. 

Safety and Security - Local Travel - River and Sea Travel

Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean and has occurred as far as 1000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia.  See our Piracy in the Indian Ocean page.

During the monsoon seasons we advise against all but essential travel by yacht and leisure craft on the high seas (more than 12 nautical miles from shore) in the Mozambican Channel north of 15°S.

Outside the monsoon season the risk in this area is reduced; however you should remain vigilant at all times and stay reasonably close to the shore.

See our River and Sea Safety page.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Mozambique Country Profile

It is a legal requirement to carry original identity documents at all times and present them upon request to the authorities.  Police patrols and checkpoints are common. Do not hand over your passport to anyone other than an official for inspection. Ask to see an official’s ID if in doubt. Ensure your documents are returned to you.

Photography of government offices, airports, military establishments, residences and the police or officials is illegal without special permission from the Ministry of Information.  If in doubt, do not take pictures. Laws are enforced.

Drug use, possession and trafficking are offences. Punishments can include long jail terms and heavy fines.

Some UK criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to British nationals overseas.  British nationals who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in the UK.

See our Your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas
UK citizens require a visa for entry to Mozambique. You can purchase a single entry border visa at major border crossings and international airports (valid for 30 days, non-renewable). The border visa costs 2085 Meticais (also payable in US Dollars or South African Rand). Ensure you have sufficient cash as credit cards are not accepted.

Some travellers have reported problems with this service (visas unavailable or taking a long time to be issued) and it is subject to change, often with no notice. Travellers have also faced problems in purchasing consecutive tourist visas at the border where they have not spent at least four days out of the country. If in doubt, you should contact the Mozambican immigration authorities.

Apply for a visa at your nearest Mozambican Embassy or High Commission, where all types of visa are available, prior to your journey and well in advance of your planned visit.  Ensure that you have the correct visa for the purpose and length of your visit and obtain a clear explanation of the visa's validity and what it allows you to do. (High Commission of the Republic of Mozambique, 21 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6EL, tel: + 44 (0)20 7383 3800; fax: + 44 (0)20 7383 3801; website: http://www.mozambiquehighcommission.org.uk.

You will receive a heavy fine for every day you overstay your visa or if you have the wrong type of visa for your time in Mozambique.

Always go through immigration procedures when entering Mozambique. You will face a heavy fine if you enter the country illegally.

Entry Requirements - Yellow Fever Certificate
All travellers entering Mozambique who have been to any country where Yellow Fever is known to exist (as listed by the World Health Organisation) must present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on arrival.  If you cannot present a valid certificate on entry you may need to be vaccinated at your expense (approximately US$55).

Entry Requirements - Border Formalities
It can take a long time to clear border formalities at the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia land crossing with South Africa, especially during holiday periods and if you are travelling on public transport. Allow adequate time to arrive at your destination before nightfall.
 
Entry Requirements - Passport Validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Mozambique. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date your visa for Mozambique was issued. You will also need to have at least two blank pages remaining in your passport on arriving in Mozambique.

Hospital facilities are generally poor in Mozambique, 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.

Water-borne diseases caused by unsanitary conditions, including cholera, are common throughout Mozambique, particularly during the rainy season. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Mozambique you should seek immediate medical attention.

Malaria and other insect-borne diseases are prevalent throughout the year in Mozambique. We recommend you take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 1,200,000 adults aged 15 or over in Mozambique were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 11.5% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. Exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

Seek medical advice before travelling to Mozambique and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See our Travel Health page and UK Department of Health.

During the rainy season (November to April) widespread flooding around river basins, especially the Zambezi is likely. Monitor local reports and check your routes before travelling.

Due to frequent heavy rain in mid-January 2012, there is a risk of localised flooding in southern and central Mozambique, especially along the coast between Beira and Quelimane. Monitor local reports and check your routes before travelling.

The coastal areas of central Mozambique have a risk of cyclones during the rainy season, which normally runs from November to April. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre. See our Tropical Cyclones page.

General - Insurance
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling, including provision for medical evacuation by air ambulance. Check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Replacement passports
The British High Commission in Maputo does not issue passports. You must send your application directly to the British High Commission in Pretoria. It can take up to six weeks for standard applications to be processed. In an emergency, the British High Commission in Maputo may be able to issue you with an Emergency Passport.

Full details of passport services for British nationals resident in or visiting Mozambique are available on the British High Commission's website ukinmozambique.fco.gov.uk (see the Contact Details section of this Travel Advice).

General - Consular Registration
If you are resident in or visiting Mozambique you should make your whereabouts known to the British High Commission by registering with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics
Most visits to Mozambique are trouble-free. Five British nationals required consular assistance in Mozambique in the period 1 April 2010 - 31 March 2011 for the following types of incident: one death; and one arrest. You should be aware of the risks of violent crime, poor road safety standards and minimal health facilities. See Crime, Road Travel and Health.

General - Money
Ensure you can access money in a variety of ways.  Avoid withdrawing cash from ATM machines at night. Travellers' cheques are not commonly accepted and are often difficult and expensive to change. US Dollars and South African Rand are the main exchange currencies. Credit cards are increasingly accepted in the larger cities. You should tell your bank before using your card in Mozambique.

There have been recent incidents of police searching passengers (especially at Maputo airport) to ensure they are not entering or exiting the country with more than 500 Meticais. To avoid any potential difficulties, you should ensure you are not carrying more than this amount in Meticais.