Mozambique offers eight distinct visa types through its eVisa system, ranging from short-term tourist visits to long-stay investment permits. Choosing the right one depends entirely on your purpose of travel, nationality, and planned length of stay. This guide breaks down every Mozambique visa type so you can apply with confidence.
Overview of Mozambique Visa Types
Mozambique’s immigration system, managed by the National Immigration Service (SENAMI), provides several pathways for foreign nationals to enter the country. The official eVisa portal (powered by VFS Global, launched February 2026) handles applications for most categories.
| Visa Type | Max Stay | Entries | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa/eTA | 30-90 days | Multiple | Vacation, sightseeing, short courses |
| Business eVisa/eTA | 30-90 days | Multiple | Meetings, conferences, trade fairs |
| Investment eVisa | 90-365 days | Multiple | Business setup, project management |
| Sport or Culture eVisa | 30 days | Single | Competitions, festivals, performances |
| Transit Visa | 7 days | Single | Connecting through Mozambique |
| Crew Visa | Varies | Multiple | Airline and cruise ship crew |
| Humanitarian Visa | Varies | Single | Emergency aid and non-profit work |
| Oil & Gas Business Visa | 90-365 days | Multiple | LNG and energy sector activities |
Visa-Exempt Entry (SADC and Bilateral Agreements)
Mozambique is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Citizens of most SADC nations can enter Mozambique for tourism without a visa for up to 90 days. This includes South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and several other regional partners.
Additionally, Mozambique has bilateral visa-waiver agreements with select countries outside Africa. Holders of diplomatic and official passports from CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) member states also enjoy visa-free entry.
If you are a SADC national, check the current exemption list before applying for any visa type — you may not need one at all.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Since May 2023, nationals of eligible countries can obtain an ETA instead of a full visa. The ETA costs $48 USD and permits a stay of up to 30 days, with the option to extend for an additional 30 days once in Mozambique.
The ETA is a lighter, faster alternative to the full eVisa. It is designed for short tourism and business trips. You apply through the same eVisa portal as all other visa types. Not all nationalities qualify for the ETA route — some must apply for a standard eVisa or embassy visa instead.
For a detailed comparison, see our guide on Mozambique eVisa vs ETA.
Tourist eVisa
The Tourist eVisa is the most common visa type for leisure travelers. It permits tourism, holiday travel, beach visits, island excursions, and short non-credit courses under 30 days.
Available durations:
- 30 days (multiple entry) — ideal for short holidays
- 60 days (multiple entry) — extended exploration
- 90 days (multiple entry) — longer stays and backpacking
Permitted activities include:
- Visiting tourist attractions, beaches, national parks, and cultural sites
- Recreational activities such as diving, fishing, and safari tours
- Attending short, non-credit courses or workshops
Not permitted: Any form of paid work, employment, business activities, or formal academic studies. If your trip involves work or business, you need a Business eVisa instead.
For full application steps, see our Mozambique tourist visa guide.
Business eVisa
The Business eVisa covers short-term professional visits including meetings, conferences, negotiations, and trade events. Like the Tourist eVisa, it comes in 30-, 60-, and 90-day variants with multiple entries.
Permitted activities include:
- Business meetings and negotiations with partners or clients
- Conferences, seminars, workshops, and training sessions
- Trade fairs, exhibitions, and promotional events
- Market research and exploring business opportunities
Not permitted: Establishing or running a business, managing projects, or conducting long-term commercial operations. For those activities, you need an Investment eVisa.
Learn more in our Mozambique business visa guide.
Investment eVisa
The Investment eVisa is designed for foreign nationals entering Mozambique to establish enterprises, manage projects, or oversee commercial investments. It requires proof of an investment project valued at $500,000 USD or more.
Available durations:
- 90 days (multiple entry) — initial assessment trips
- 180 days (multiple entry) — medium-term project setup
- 365 days (multiple entry) — ongoing business management
Permitted activities include:
- Setting up a new company, branch, or registered business entity
- Overseeing development, operations, or expansion of commercial projects
- Meeting with local partners and stakeholders
- Site assessments, feasibility studies, and operational reviews
This is the only visa type that allows you to actually establish and run a business in Mozambique. It is significantly more expensive than other eVisa categories.
Sport or Culture eVisa
This specialized visa covers athletes, performers, coaches, and support staff participating in organized events in Mozambique. It is a single-entry visa valid for 30 days.
Permitted activities include:
- Organized sports events, matches, competitions, and training sessions
- Cultural festivals, artistic showcases, music events, and theater productions
- Short-term sports camps, workshops, and coaching sessions
- Travel as a coach, coordinator, or support staff for registered delegations
Transit Visa
If you are passing through Mozambique en route to another destination and need to leave the international transit area, you may require a Transit Visa. This visa allows a stay of up to 7 days with single entry.
Transit visas are not needed if you remain in the international transit zone of the airport. However, if you need to clear immigration (for example, to collect and re-check luggage), you will need this visa or a valid eVisa.
For more details, see our Mozambique transit visa guide.
Crew Visa
The Crew Visa is available for crew members of international airlines and cruise ships entering Mozambique as part of their professional duties. It supports multiple entries and is processed through the eVisa system.
Humanitarian Assistance Visa
This visa is issued to individuals invited by the Mozambican government or recognized organizations to provide non-profit humanitarian work during declared emergencies. It is a specialized category that requires an official invitation.
Business (Oil & Gas) Visa
Mozambique’s growing LNG sector has a dedicated visa category for professionals entering the country for oil and gas business activities. This visa supports multiple entries and can be issued for 90 to 365 days, depending on the scope of the project.
This category covers workers and contractors involved in the Rovuma Basin and other major energy projects. Some nationalities excluded from the standard eVisa may still obtain this visa if they hold a pre-approval letter from SENAMI headquarters in Maputo.
Embassy Visa (For Restricted Nationalities)
Not all nationalities can use the eVisa system. Citizens of certain countries must apply for a visa in person at the nearest Mozambican embassy or consulate. This is the traditional application route and typically requires:
- A completed visa application form
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with 2-3 blank pages
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of accommodation and return travel
- Invitation letter (for business visas)
If you are unsure whether your nationality qualifies for the eVisa, check the eligibility list on the official portal before starting your application.
How to Choose the Right Visa Type
Your visa type should match the primary purpose of your trip. Applying with the wrong category can result in rejection or issues at the border.
| If Your Trip Involves… | Apply For |
|---|---|
| Vacation, beaches, sightseeing | Tourist eVisa |
| Meetings, conferences, trade fairs | Business eVisa |
| Starting or managing a business ($500K+ investment) | Investment eVisa |
| Sports competitions or cultural events | Sport or Culture eVisa |
| Passing through to another country | Transit Visa |
| Airline or cruise ship crew duties | Crew Visa |
| Emergency humanitarian work | Humanitarian Visa |
| Oil and gas sector employment | Business (Oil & Gas) Visa |
Important: You generally cannot change your visa type after arriving in Mozambique. If you entered on a Tourist eVisa but need to conduct business, you would need to exit and reapply for the correct type.
Can You Extend a Mozambique Visa?
Yes, visa extensions are possible in some cases. You can apply at the Immigration Service (SENAMI) office in Mozambique before your current visa expires. Extensions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and require supporting documentation.
For the ETA, a 30-day extension is available beyond the initial 30-day stay. For eVisas, extension terms vary by visa type. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, or a ban on future entry.
Fees by Visa Type
Visa fees vary by category and duration. Here is a general overview:
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ETA | $48 | Fixed fee for eligible nationalities |
| Visa on Arrival | $50 | Being phased out in favor of eVisa |
| Tourist eVisa (30 days) | ~$100 | Via eVisa portal |
| Tourist eVisa (60 days) | ~$200 | Via eVisa portal |
| Tourist eVisa (90 days) | ~$300 | Via eVisa portal |
| Business eVisa | ~$100-$300 | Same range as tourist |
| Investment eVisa | Higher | Varies by duration |
For the latest fee breakdown, see our Mozambique visa fees guide.
How to Apply for Any Mozambique Visa Type
The application process is the same for most eVisa categories:
- Visit evisa.gov.mz and create an account
- Select your visa type and fill in personal details
- Upload required documents (passport scan, photo, supporting documents)
- Pay the fee online
- Wait for processing (typically 5-7 business days)
- Download and print your approved eVisa
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our how to apply guide.
FAQs About Mozambique Visa Types
What is the difference between a Mozambique eVisa and an ETA?
The ETA is a lighter, cheaper option ($48) for short stays of up to 30 days, available to select nationalities. The eVisa is a full visa that covers more categories and longer stays (up to 90 days for tourists and business travelers). Both are applied for through the same portal.
Can I work in Mozambique on a Tourist eVisa?
No. The Tourist eVisa strictly prohibits any form of paid work, employment, or business activity. You need a Business eVisa for professional meetings or an Investment eVisa for establishing a business.
How long does it take to get a Mozambique eVisa?
Processing typically takes 5-7 business days after submission. Some applications may take longer if additional documentation is required. It is recommended to apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date.
Can I change my visa type after arriving in Mozambique?
Generally, no. You cannot switch from a Tourist eVisa to a Business eVisa while in the country. You would need to exit Mozambique and submit a new application for the correct visa type.
Which nationalities cannot use the eVisa system?
Citizens of certain countries are excluded from the eVisa and must apply at a Mozambican embassy. The list is updated periodically — check the official portal at evisa.gov.mz for the current eligibility list.
Do I need a visa if I am just transiting through Mozambique?
If you stay in the international transit area of the airport, you do not need a visa. If you need to clear immigration, you will need a Transit Visa (up to 7 days) or a valid eVisa.
What is the Investment eVisa and who qualifies?
The Investment eVisa is for foreign nationals investing $500,000 USD or more in Mozambique. It allows stays of up to 365 days and permits establishing companies, managing projects, and conducting site assessments.
Can I extend my eVisa while in Mozambique?
Yes, extensions are possible at SENAMI offices on a case-by-case basis. The ETA specifically allows a 30-day extension. Overstaying without an extension results in fines and potential entry bans.
