Who Needs a Visa for Mozambique?
Whether you need a visa for Mozambique depends on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and how long you plan to stay. Mozambique’s entry system has several layers – from complete visa exemptions for neighboring countries to electronic travel authorizations, eVisas, and traditional embassy-issued visas.
Here’s the short version:
- Visa-exempt nationals (mainly SADC countries) can enter without any visa for tourism
- ETA-eligible nationals (US, UK, Canada, EU, Japan, China, and others) can enter for up to 30 days after completing an online Electronic Travel Authorisation
- All other nationalities need either an eVisa or a visa from a Mozambican embassy before traveling
The most important change in recent years is that Mozambique is moving away from visa-on-arrival processing toward mandatory pre-travel authorization. Even if your nationality technically qualifies for a visa on arrival, applying online beforehand is strongly recommended.
Passport Requirements for Mozambique
Before worrying about which visa category applies to you, make sure your passport meets Mozambique’s basic entry standards. These apply to every traveler, regardless of nationality:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport validity | At least 6 months remaining from your date of entry into Mozambique |
| Blank pages | Minimum 2 blank pages for visa stamps and entry/exit stamps |
| Passport type | Must be an original, signed passport (not a photocopy or temporary document) |
| Damaged passports | Passports that are torn, water-damaged, or have loose pages may be rejected |
If your passport doesn’t meet these requirements, you will be denied entry – even if you have a valid visa or ETA approval. Renew your passport before applying if you’re close to the 6-month threshold.
Mozambique Visa Categories
Mozambique offers several entry pathways depending on your nationality and travel plans:
| Category | Who It’s For | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | SADC nationals + select bilateral agreement countries | 30 days (90 days for some) | Free |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | 29+ visa-exempt countries (US, UK, Canada, EU, etc.) | 30 days | $48 |
| Tourist eVisa | All non-exempt nationalities (except restricted countries) | 30, 60, or 90 days | ~$100-$190 |
| Business eVisa | Business travelers from non-exempt countries | 30, 60, or 90 days | ~$100-$190 |
| Embassy Visa | Nationals of restricted countries + those preferring in-person processing | Varies | $160-$310 |
| Visa on Arrival | Most non-exempt nationalities (being phased out) | 30 days | $50 |
Visa-Exempt Countries
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Mozambique for short tourist stays. Most of these are members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC):
Up to 90 days:
– Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania
Up to 30 days:
– Angola, Cape Verde, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Holders of diplomatic or official passports from additional countries – including Brazil, China, Cuba, India, Indonesia, Portugal, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, and Turkey – may also enter without a visa under bilateral agreements.
Even if you’re visa-exempt, you may still need to register through the ETA system before traveling (see below).
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Since 2023, travelers from many visa-exempt countries must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering Mozambique. The ETA is not a visa – it’s a pre-travel registration that replaces the old system of arriving without any prior approval.
Who needs an ETA:
Nationals of these countries need an ETA for stays up to 30 days:
- Belgium, Canada, China, Cote d’Ivoire, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, and others
Key ETA requirements:
- Apply online at the official Mozambique eVisa portal
- Must be completed at least 48 hours before departure (earlier is safer)
- Cost: $48 processing fee
- Valid for 30 days, with a possible 30-day extension at immigration offices inside Mozambique
- You’ll also need to pay a separate visa-on-arrival government fee at the port of entry
If your stay exceeds 30 days, you must apply for a full eVisa instead of traveling under the ETA system.
Mozambique eVisa Requirements
If your nationality doesn’t qualify for visa-free entry or ETA, you’ll need to apply for a Mozambique eVisa. The eVisa system launched in December 2022 and covers tourist, business, sports, and other visa types.
eVisa requirements:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
- Digital passport photo
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Completed online application at evisa.gov.mz
- Payment of applicable fees
eVisa costs (paid in Mozambican meticais):
| Duration | Approximate Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| 30 days | ~$100 |
| 60 days | ~$200 |
| 90 days | ~$300 |
Processing typically takes 5-10 working days for standard applications. Rush processing (3-5 days) and super-rush processing (1-3 days) are available for additional fees.
Countries that cannot use the eVisa system:
Nationals of the following countries cannot apply for an eVisa and must apply through a Mozambican embassy instead:
- Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia
Embassy Visa Requirements
If you need to apply through a Mozambican embassy – either because your nationality requires it or because you prefer in-person processing – here’s what you’ll need:
General documents required:
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months with 2+ blank pages
- Completed visa application form (signed)
- Two passport-size color photographs (white background)
- Proof of accommodation in Mozambique
- Copy of flight itinerary
- Self-addressed return envelope with prepaid shipping label (if applying by mail)
Additional documents by visa type:
- Tourist visa: Confirmed hotel and flight reservations
- Visit visa: Signed invitation letter from host in Mozambique + copy of their ID or residence permit
- Business visa: Letter from your company or inviting company in Mozambique + hotel and flight reservations
- Work visa: Authorization from Ministry of Labor, clean health certificate, police clearance, work contract, and employer’s Mozambican ID
Embassy fees (Mozambique Embassy in Washington, DC):
| Visa Type | Normal Processing (10 days) | Expedited Processing (3 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry (30 days) | $220 USD | $280 USD |
| Multiple entry (90 days) | $240 USD | $310 USD |
Payment is by money order only, payable to the Embassy of Mozambique. Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of approval or denial. The visa must be used within 60 days of issuance.
Visa on Arrival
Mozambique still offers visa on arrival at 44 border posts, including major airports. However, this option is being phased out in favor of the eVisa and ETA systems.
Visa on arrival details:
- Cost: $50 USD (significantly cheaper than an eVisa)
- Valid for: 30 days
- Entry type: Single entry (though some travelers report it’s valid for 2 entries if visiting Eswatini or South Africa and returning within the 30-day validity)
- Available at: All major airports and 44 land/sea border posts
Requirements at the border:
- Passport valid for 6 months
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Proof of purpose of visit (accommodation booking or invitation)
Important: Visa on arrival is not available to citizens of Bangladesh, Eritrea, India, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka. These nationalities must obtain a visa before departure.
While visa on arrival remains technically available, we strongly recommend applying for an eVisa or ETA before you travel. Processing at the border can involve long queues, and during peak travel periods, you risk delays that could affect onward connections.
Documents You Need at the Border
Regardless of whether you enter with an ETA, eVisa, embassy visa, or visa on arrival, immigration officials may request additional documents when you arrive. Carry both physical and digital copies of everything:
- Valid passport (original, not a copy)
- Printed or digital visa/ETA approval
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation or host’s address with invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay (bank statements or cash)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from an endemic country)
- For minors: unabridged birth certificate and parental consent letter
Keep the receipt or stamp you receive at the border – you may need to show it when exiting Mozambique.
Special Requirements
Traveling with Minors (Under 18)
If you’re entering Mozambique with children under 18, you must present:
- An unabridged birth certificate listing both parents’ names
- If the child is traveling with only one parent: a notarized parental consent affidavit (no older than 3 months)
- If the child is traveling without either parent: notarized consent from both parents
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Travelers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This applies both at the embassy/visa application stage and at the border. Check whether your transit countries require this certificate as well.
Customs Declarations
You must declare:
- 10,000 Mozambican meticais or more in cash
- Foreign currency or traveler’s cheques worth $5,000 USD or more
Mozambique Visa Requirements by Nationality
Here’s a quick reference for some of the most common nationalities visiting Mozambique:
| Nationality | Entry Method | Duration | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | ETA + eVisa option | 30 days (ETA), up to 90 (eVisa) | $48 (ETA), $100-$190 (eVisa) |
| United Kingdom | ETA + eVisa option | 30 days (ETA), up to 90 (eVisa) | $48 (ETA), $100-$190 (eVisa) |
| Canada | ETA + eVisa option | 30 days (ETA), up to 90 (eVisa) | $48 (ETA), $100-$190 (eVisa) |
| South Africa | Visa exempt (SADC) | 30 days | Free |
| India | eVisa or Embassy | 30-90 days | $100-$310 |
| Pakistan | Embassy only | Varies | $160-$310 |
| Germany | ETA + eVisa option | 30 days (ETA), up to 90 (eVisa) | $48 (ETA), $100-$190 (eVisa) |
| Brazil | Visa exempt (diplomatic) / eVisa | 30-90 days | Free – $190 |
| China | ETA + eVisa option | 30 days (ETA), up to 90 (eVisa) | $48 (ETA), $100-$190 (eVisa) |
| Australia | eVisa | 30-90 days | $100-$190 |
For detailed country-specific guides, see our pages on Mozambique visa for US citizens, UK citizens, and Indian citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Mozambique?
US citizens do not need a traditional visa for tourism or business stays of up to 30 days. However, they must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at least 48 hours before departure through the official portal at evisa.gov.mz. The ETA costs $48. For longer stays, US citizens need to apply for a full eVisa.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Mozambique?
Yes, visa on arrival is still available at 44 border posts for most nationalities at a cost of $50 USD. However, it’s being phased out in favor of pre-travel eVisa and ETA systems. We recommend applying online before your trip to avoid delays at the border. Citizens of Bangladesh, Eritrea, India, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka cannot get a visa on arrival and must apply in advance.
How much is the Mozambique visa fee?
The fee depends on your entry method. An ETA costs $48. A tourist eVisa costs approximately $100 for 30 days, $200 for 60 days, or $300 for 90 days. Embassy-issued visas range from $220 (single entry, normal processing) to $310 (multiple entry, expedited). Visa on arrival costs $50 at the border.
How long does it take to get a Mozambique visa?
An ETA can be approved within days (apply at least 48 hours before departure). Standard eVisa processing takes 5-10 working days. Rush processing (3-5 days) and super-rush processing (1-3 days) are available for additional fees. Embassy visas take 3-10 business days depending on whether you choose expedited processing.
What documents do I need to enter Mozambique?
Every traveler needs a passport valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages, proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and their visa or ETA approval. You may also need proof of sufficient funds and a yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country.
Can I extend my stay in Mozambique beyond 30 days?
Yes, visa-exempt and ETA travelers can usually request one 30-day extension at immigration offices inside Mozambique. You’ll need a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and evidence of funds. Apply before your initial period expires – overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
