Mozambique offers visa exemptions to citizens of select countries, allowing entry without a traditional visa application. Understanding whether your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry – or falls under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) waiver program – can save you time and money at the border. This guide covers every visa-exempt country, the different exemption categories, and what you need to know before you travel.
What Does “Visa Exempt” Mean for Mozambique?
Being visa exempt means you can enter Mozambique without applying for a visa in advance. However, “visa exempt” in Mozambique comes in two distinct forms:
- Full visa exemption – Citizens of certain African nations can enter Mozambique with no visa and no pre-registration. They simply present a valid passport at the border.
- ETA waiver program – Citizens of 29 designated countries can enter without a visa but must pay a reduced entry fee (11 USD) at the border. This replaced the previous eVisa requirement for these nationalities.
Both categories allow you to skip the full visa application process, but the requirements and fees differ. Read on to find out which category applies to your nationality.
Countries With Full Visa Exemption (Ordinary Passports)
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Mozambique on an ordinary passport. No pre-registration, no entry fee, and no online application is required.
3-Month Stay
| Country | Region | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | Southern Africa | 3 months |
| Kenya | East Africa | 3 months |
| Rwanda | East Africa | 3 months |
| Tanzania | East Africa | 3 months |
These four nations enjoy the most generous visa-free access to Mozambique, with a stay of up to 90 days without any visa or registration.
30-Day Stay
| Country | Region | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Angola | Southern Africa | 30 days |
| Cape Verde | West Africa | 30 days |
| Eswatini | Southern Africa | 30 days |
| Lesotho | Southern Africa | 30 days |
| Malawi | Southern Africa | 30 days |
| Mauritius | East Africa | 30 days |
| Namibia | Southern Africa | 30 days |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | Central Africa | 30 days |
| Seychelles | East Africa | 30 days |
| South Africa | Southern Africa | 30 days |
| Uganda | East Africa | 30 days |
| Zambia | Southern Africa | 30 days |
| Zimbabwe | Southern Africa | 30 days |
Most of these countries are members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which promotes free movement among member states. Uganda was the most recent addition to the visa-exempt list, added in September 2025.
Total: 17 Countries With Full Visa Exemption
These 17 nationalities can enter Mozambique with just a valid passport – no visa, no ETA, no entry fee. Simply clear immigration with your passport and proof of onward travel.
The 29-Country ETA Waiver Program
Since mid-2023, Mozambique has operated a visa waiver program for citizens of 29 countries. Under this program, you do not need to apply for an eVisa in advance. Instead, you pay a reduced entry fee of 11 USD (or 10 EUR / 200 ZAR) at the border.
Eligible Countries
| Country | Region |
|---|---|
| Belgium | Europe |
| Canada | North America |
| China | Asia |
| Denmark | Europe |
| Finland | Europe |
| France | Europe |
| Germany | Europe |
| Ghana | West Africa |
| Indonesia | Asia |
| Ireland | Europe |
| Israel | Middle East |
| Italy | Europe |
| Ivory Coast | West Africa |
| Japan | Asia |
| Netherlands | Europe |
| Norway | Europe |
| Portugal | Europe |
| Russia | Europe/Asia |
| Saudi Arabia | Middle East |
| Senegal | West Africa |
| Singapore | Asia |
| South Korea | Asia |
| Spain | Europe |
| Sweden | Europe |
| Switzerland | Europe |
| Ukraine | Europe |
| United Arab Emirates | Middle East |
| United Kingdom | Europe |
| United States | North America |
Key Details of the Waiver Program
- Fee: 11 USD / 10 EUR / 200 ZAR (cash only at most border posts)
- Stay duration: Up to 30 days from date of first entry
- Extension: An additional 30 days can be requested at a local immigration office or through the eVisa website
- Multiple entry: You can enter multiple times within the 30-day validity period
- No pre-application required: Unlike the eVisa, you do not need to apply online before traveling
Important: While the official eVisa portal (evisa.gov.mz) remains available, travelers from these 29 countries report that the waiver program at the border is cheaper (11 USD vs. 97+ USD for an eVisa) and more straightforward. Some customs officials may not yet be fully familiar with eVisa confirmations, making the border waiver a smoother experience.
Diplomatic and Official Passport Exemptions
Beyond the ordinary passport exemptions above, holders of diplomatic, official, service, or special passports from additional countries can enter Mozambique without a visa. These bilateral agreements cover:
- Brazil (diplomatic passports)
- China (diplomatic and official)
- Cuba (diplomatic)
- Guinea-Bissau (diplomatic)
- India (diplomatic and official)
- Indonesia (diplomatic and official)
- Portugal (diplomatic)
- Russia (diplomatic and official)
- São Tomé and Príncipe (diplomatic)
- South Korea (diplomatic and official)
- Thailand (diplomatic and official)
- Turkey (diplomatic and official)
- Vietnam (diplomatic and official)
Many of these exemptions are tied to the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) agreements or bilateral diplomatic treaties. If you hold a diplomatic passport from one of these nations, you do not need a visa for official travel to Mozambique.
What If Your Country Is Not Exempt?
If your nationality does not appear on any of the lists above, you have two options:
Option 1: Visa on Arrival
Citizens of most other countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Mozambique’s major airports and some land borders.
- Cost: 50 USD (cash preferred)
- Stay: Up to 30 days
- Requirements: Passport valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and proof of funds
- Available at: Maputo, Vilankulo, Inhambane, Beira, Nampula, Pemba airports and select land borders
Option 2: eVisa (Electronic Visa)
Apply online through the official portal at evisa.gov.mz before your trip.
- Tourist eVisa (60 days): ~545 USD
- Tourist eVisa (90 days): ~749 USD
- Processing time: 7-10 working days (standard), 5-7 days (rush), 3-5 days (super rush)
Note: Citizens of Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Somalia cannot apply for an eVisa and must apply at a Mozambican embassy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Mozambique?
No. US citizens are part of the 29-country ETA waiver program. You can enter Mozambique without a visa and pay just 11 USD at the border. No pre-application is needed.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Mozambique?
No. UK citizens are included in the ETA waiver program. You pay 11 USD at the border for a 30-day stay, with the option to extend for another 30 days.
Is Mozambique visa free for Indian citizens?
Indian citizens with ordinary passports are not visa-exempt and must apply for an eVisa or obtain a visa on arrival. However, Indian diplomatic and official passport holders can enter without a visa under bilateral agreements.
Can I extend my stay if I entered visa-free?
If you entered under the full visa exemption (African nations), you may be able to extend your stay by visiting a local immigration office. For the 29-country waiver program, a 30-day extension is available upon request through the eVisa website or at a local immigration office.
Is the visa waiver the same as the eVisa?
No. The visa waiver is a separate program introduced in 2023 that allows citizens of 29 countries to enter Mozambique for just 11 USD at the border. The eVisa is an online application that costs significantly more (97+ USD). Citizens of waiver-eligible countries typically find the border waiver cheaper and easier.
Which African countries are visa-free for Mozambique?
17 African nations enjoy full visa exemption: Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
What documents do visa-exempt travelers need?
Even if you are visa-exempt, you still need:
– A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date
– At least 2 blank passport pages
– Proof of onward travel (return or onward ticket)
– Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter)
– Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
When was Uganda added to the visa-exempt list?
Uganda was added to Mozambique’s visa-exempt list in September 2025, becoming the most recent country to receive full visa-free access.
