Planning a trip to Mozambique? By reading this, you’ll learn everything about the tourist visa journey—from choosing the right visa type to extending your stay, avoiding fines, and understanding special exemptions. Let’s get you prepared.
Visa Types Available for Mozambique
Mozambique offers several visa categories to suit different needs:
- Tourist Visa
- Business Visa
- Transit Visa
- Study Visa
- Work Visa
- Diplomatic & Official Visa
You’ll most often need the Tourist Visa for leisure. Other categories follow similar procedures but may require extra documentation.
Who Needs a Mozambique Tourist eVisa?
Almost every foreign national except citizens of the following countries must apply for an eVisa before arrival:
- South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe (SADC citizens enjoy exemptions—see below)
- All other nationalities: eVisa or traditional visa via embassy
If you’re from one of the exempt SADC nations, you can enter visa-free for up to 30 days according to the Southern African Development Community visa exemption policy.
What Documents You Must Submit
To secure your tourist visa, prepare:
- Valid passport (≥6 months validity, at least two blank pages)
- Completed online application form
- Recent passport-style photo
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter)
- Return or onward travel ticket
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory if arriving from an endemic area) as outlined by the World Health Organization’s yellow fever guidelines
You may also need proof of sufficient funds and travel insurance.
Step-by-Step Application Process and Fees
Follow these steps for the eVisa:
- Go to the official portal and register an account at the Mozambique eVisa application system.
- Complete the questionnaire and upload your documents.
- Pay the non-refundable fee (starts at USD 80).
- Wait for approval (standard processing: 7–10 business days).
- Download and print your eVisa.
Benefits of applying online include instant tracking and fewer embassy visits. Common mistakes to avoid include uploading the wrong file format or missing signatures.
Embassy Applications & Visa on Arrival
If you prefer in-person processing:
- Contact the nearest Mozambican embassy or consulate for forms, fees, and office hours.
- Some nationalities can get a Visa on Arrival at Maputo, Beira, and Nacala airports but should confirm eligibility in advance: restrictions may apply for passengers arriving by land borders.
How Long You Can Stay—and Extending Your Visa
A standard tourist visa grants 30 days in-country. You can extend once for another 30 days by applying at the Immigration Office in Maputo or provincial centers. Requirements include:
- Valid passport
- Original visa
- Extension application form
- Extension fee (approx. USD 15)
Overstaying without an approved extension may lead to fines, detention, or deportation. The U.S. State Department warns “overstay penalties can include removal and future entry bans” in its Mozambique country travel advisory.
Special Exemptions for SADC Citizens
If you hold a passport from any of these Southern African Development Community countries, you enter visa-free for up to 30 days:
• Angola
• Botswana
• Malawi
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• (and more)
Always carry proof of nationality and return tickets.
Entry Requirements by Air, Land, or Sea
Air Travelers:
– Present your eVisa or visa approval letter at check-in.
– Show yellow fever certificate if needed.
Land Border Crossings:
– Not all borders issue visas on arrival—check the IATA Travel Centre visa requirement list first.
– Processing may take longer; carry extra photos and cash for fees.
Sea Ports:
– Passenger ships dock at Maputo and Nacala; shore processing is similar to airports.
Expedited and Urgent Processing
Need a quicker turnaround? Some visa services offer rush processing:
• 3–5 business days (surcharge applies)
• 24-hour emergency service in select embassies
Confirm availability and fees with your visa provider before applying.
A Brief Look at Policy Shifts & Tourism Impact
Mozambique relaxed its visa rules in 2017, introducing the eVisa to attract more visitors. As a result, international arrivals rose from 1.4 million in 2016 to 2.2 million in 2019 according to the World Bank’s international arrivals data. This growth highlights how simplified entry procedures can encourage regional travel and economic benefits.
Your Next Step: Ready to Arrive
Now that you know what’s required—from selecting your visa type to understanding extensions and special exemptions—you’re set to finalize your documents and land on Mozambique’s sunny shores. Safe travels!