Maputo Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Maputo, the dynamic capital of Mozambique, welcomes visitors with a straightforward immigration process at its main gateway, Maputo International Airport (MPM). Entry requirements are primarily based on nationality, with many travelers requiring a visa obtained in advance or upon arrival. Upon landing, travelers proceed through passport control where their visa (if required) and passport validity are checked, followed by baggage claim and customs. It is essential to have all necessary documents, including proof of onward travel and sufficient funds, readily available. Travelers should be aware that entry regulations can change, and the final decision rests with the immigration officer at the border. While the process is generally efficient, lines can be long during peak travel seasons. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining and several blank pages. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of transmission. It's advisable to have hotel booking confirmations and contact details for your stay in Maputo, as these may be requested.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Mozambique's visa policy requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa to enter. However, citizens of certain neighboring countries enjoy visa-free access, and an eVisa system is available for many nationalities.

Visa-Free Entry

Typically 30 to 90 days, depending on nationality.

Nationalities exempt from visa requirements for short stays.

Includes

Botswana Malawi Mauritius South Africa Swaziland (Eswatini) Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe

The allowed stay duration varies. For example, South African and Tanzanian citizens can stay for 30 days, while Malawians can stay for 90 days. Always confirm the exact duration with official sources.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

30 days, single entry.

Nationals from many countries can apply for a tourist eVisa online before travel.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia Germany France Portugal Spain Italy Netherlands Japan China

How to Apply: Apply online via the official Mozambique eVisa portal. Processing typically takes 5-7 business days, but apply well in advance. The approved eVisa must be printed and presented upon arrival.
Cost: Approximately $50 - $100 USD, depending on processing speed.

The eVisa is for tourism and business. You must enter through designated ports, including Maputo International Airport. The system is the recommended method for most travelers.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type (tourist visas are typically 30 days).

Nationals not eligible for visa-free entry or the eVisa must apply for a traditional visa at a Mozambican embassy or consulate.

How to Apply: Apply in person at a Mozambican diplomatic mission. Requirements usually include a completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, proof of funds, and the visa fee.

This process can be lengthy. Some nationalities can also obtain a visa on arrival at Maputo International Airport, but this is not guaranteed and can involve long queues. Pre-arranged visas or eVisas are strongly recommended.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Maputo International Airport (MPM), follow signs for 'Arrivals' and 'Immigration'.

1. Primary Inspection

Present your passport, completed entry/disembarkation card (if provided on the plane), and your visa (eVisa printout or visa sticker) to the immigration officer. Your fingerprints may be scanned.

2. Baggage Reclaim

After passport control, proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your checked luggage.

3. Customs Inspection

Proceed through the green 'Nothing to Declare' or red 'Goods to Declare' channel. Your luggage may be scanned or inspected by customs officials.

4. Final Exit

After clearing customs, you exit into the main arrivals hall.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and have at least two blank visa pages.

Visa

eVisa printout, visa on arrival approval slip, or visa sticker in passport, as required by your nationality.

Proof of Onward/Return Travel

A confirmed flight ticket exiting Mozambique.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from a host.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Recent bank statements or cash equivalent to cover your stay may be requested.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents (passport, visa, hotel & flight printouts) organized and easily accessible in your hand luggage.

Fill out the entry/disembarkation card neatly and completely while on the plane to save time.

Be polite and answer immigration questions clearly and concisely.

If you obtained a visa on arrival, have the exact USD cash for the fee ready.

Keep the entry stamp portion of your disembarkation card safe, as you may need to present it upon departure.

Customs & Duty-Free

Mozambique has standard customs regulations. Declare all items above your duty-free allowance and any restricted goods.

Alcohol

2 liters of wine and 1 liter of spirits per adult.

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Tobacco

400 cigarettes, 500 grams of tobacco, or 50 cigars per adult.

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Currency

Must declare if carrying more than USD 10,000 (or equivalent) in cash or negotiable instruments.

Both upon entry and exit. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and new goods up to a value of USD 100.

Items for commercial purposes or above this value are subject to duties and taxes.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs
Counterfeit currency and goods
Obscene or immoral materials
Unlicensed firearms and ammunition
Protected wildlife products (ivory, rhino horn, etc.) without CITES permits

Restricted Items

Medication - Bring a doctor's prescription and keep in original packaging.
Plants, seeds, and agricultural products - Require phytosanitary certificates.
Pets - Require import permits and veterinary health certificates.
Drones - Require prior authorization from the Mozambican Civil Aviation Institute (IACM).
Communications equipment (e.g., satellite phones, radio transmitters) - May require special permission.

Health Requirements

Health requirements focus on preventing the importation of infectious diseases. Malaria is a risk throughout Mozambique, including Maputo.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 1 year and over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, etc.)
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Cholera (for travelers to high-risk areas)
Rabies (for extended stays/animal handlers)
Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all travelers.

Health Insurance

Not mandatory for entry, but complete travel health insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, is highly recommended. Public healthcare facilities are limited, and private clinics in Maputo require payment upfront.

Current Health Requirements: As of October 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry into Mozambique. This is subject to change; check the latest travel advisories from the Mozambique Ministry of Health or WHO before departure.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Maputo before you travel.

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov for US, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for UK) for contact details and registration information.

Immigration Authority

Serviço Nacional de Migração (SENAMI) - National Migration Service

Official source for visa and immigration regulations. The eVisa portal is https://evisa.gov.mz/

Emergency

119

Police, ambulance, fire. For police, you can also dial 112. English may not be widely spoken by operators.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors (under 18) traveling to Mozambique may be subject to additional documentation to combat child trafficking. It is advisable to carry: the child's passport, unabridged birth certificate (showing parents' details), and if traveling with one parent or without parents, an affidavit of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian, certified by a notary public. Requirements can be strictly enforced.

Traveling with Pets

Pets (dogs and cats) require an import permit from the Mozambican Ministry of Agriculture. They must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before travel), an international veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of travel, and may require a rabies titer test. Pets are subject to inspection upon arrival.

Extended Stays

To stay longer than your visa allows, you must apply for a visa extension at a Serviço Nacional de Migração (SENAMI) office in Mozambique before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed. For long-term stays (work, study, residency), you must apply for the appropriate residence visa from a Mozambican embassy abroad or through SENAMI within the country under specific conditions.

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