Mozambique is entering a new era of travel accessibility, inviting the world to experience its pristine coastline and revitalised wilderness with unprecedented ease. The Government of Mozambique has officially launched its state-of-the-art digital e-Visa and Electronic Travel Authorisation portal.
This guide provides a technical and practical walkthrough for international tourists and investors navigating this modern gateway.
The Digital Transformation of Mozambique’s Borders
The new platform, accessible at evisa.gov.mz, represents a strategic partnership between the National Migration Service and VFS Global. In this arrangement, VFS Global manages the administrative and non-judgmental aspects of the application process, while the Government of Mozambique retains its sovereign authority over all final visa decisions.
The portal was launched to achieve several core modernisation goals:
- Border Modernisation: Aligning Mozambique with global digital entry standards through automated data extraction and real-time monitoring.
- Efficiency and Transparency: Reducing administrative bottlenecks and providing applicants with clear, trackable processing milestones.
- Economic Support: Facilitating the Visit Mozambique initiative to boost both high-end tourism and foreign direct investment.
- Secure Infrastructure: The platform is built on cloud-based architecture utilising 256-bit SSL encryption and PCI DSS compliance to ensure the highest level of cybersecurity for user data and financial transactions.
Eligibility and Supported Visa Categories
The digital system is now the primary entry channel for travellers from 183 countries. Depending on your nationality and purpose of travel, you will fall into one of the following three categories:
Visa-Exempt Countries & the eTA
Citizens of 29 countries qualify for a 30-day visa waiver but must obtain a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation at least 48 hours before departure.
These countries are: Belgium, Canada, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom, and the United States.
The e-Visa
Travelers from countries not included in the waiver list must apply for a full e-Visa. It is important to note that the digital document received via email is a Preliminary e-Visa.
This document serves as an authorisation to travel and as an expression of intent to enter; the final visa is issued and stamped at the border upon arrival.
Portal Exclusions
Nationals from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Nepal and Somalia are currently ineligible to use the digital portal and must submit their applications in person at a Mozambican embassy or mission.
Supported Visa Types
The portal supports a unified application process for various stays, with validities that can reach up to 2 years.
| Visa Category | Primary Purpose |
| Tourist | Leisure, vacation, and cultural visits. |
| Business | Meetings, negotiations, and conferences. |
| Business (Oil & Gas) | Activities specifically with registered Oil & Gas entities. |
| Crew Transhipment | International airline or cruise ship crew members. |
| Sports & Culture | Participation in competitions or cultural demonstrations. |
| Humanitarian Assistance | Non-profit work during declared emergencies. |
| Investment | Investors with projects valued at $500,000+ registered with the Investment Promotion Centre (IPC). |
The Application Process
The digital application is a streamlined four-step sequence designed for efficiency. The portal is fully responsive, allowing applicants to complete the process easily on mobile, tablet, or desktop devices.
- Visit the Portal: Navigate to evisa.gov.mz.
- Submit Documentation: Complete the digital forms and upload the required files. The system features an integrated photo editor and automated data extraction to assist you.
- Secure Payment: Pay the non-refundable fees via the secure international gateway.
- Receive Preliminary Authorisation: You will receive your Preliminary e-Visa or eTA via email. You must print this PDF to present during boarding and at your port of entry.
Mandatory Documentation Checklist
To ensure a successful application, prepare the following items:
- Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity and a minimum of three blank pages.
- Digital Photo: A recent passport-sized colour photo (use the portal’s integrated editor for correct sizing).
- Accommodation Proof: Confirmed hotel reservations or a notarised invitation letter from a host.
- Travel Itinerary: Confirmed return or onward flight tickets.
- Financial Proof: Recent bank statements demonstrating sufficient means of subsistence.
Fee Structure and Payment
Fees are processed in USD via an international gateway.
- eTA Fee: Approximately $48.
- e-Visa Fee: Approximately $190.
All fees are non-refundable as they cover the administrative processing of the case. Your bank may apply additional currency conversion fees.
Processing Timelines and Entry Experience
The new system eliminates the need for physical embassy visits for most travellers, significantly shortening logistical timelines.
- Standard e-Visa Processing: Typically takes 5 to 9 business days.
- eTA Processing: Applicants should apply at least 48 hours before departure.
Because your data is pre-verified and fees are paid online, the processing time at the immigration counter is drastically reduced, allowing for a smoother entry into the country.
Expert Tips and Avoiding Common Mistakes
To avoid delays or rejections, applicants should ensure that all uploaded files meet the system’s specific file size and extension requirements and turn off VPNs or pop‑up blockers if payment issues occur. The system offers 24/7 multilingual customer support for persistent technical problems.
Applicants with dual nationality must apply using the same passport they intend to use for travel and ensure that all information matches the passport biodata page exactly.
Those seeking to extend their stay must visit a National Migration Service office within Mozambique, where extensions are generally granted for an additional 30 days. It is also important to ensure that authorisations do not expire. Applicants should therefore apply for extensions at least 2 to 3 weeks before their current visa expires to avoid daily overstay penalties.
What to Expect and How to Prepare
In operational terms, the launch of the digital entry platform formalises a more structured and predictable arrivals process for those travelling to Mozambique. Applicants now have a single, centralised system through which they can submit documents, track progress, and receive pre-authorisation before departure, reducing uncertainty at both the application and border stages.
Prospective visitors should treat the portal as the first stage of compliance rather than a guarantee of admission, ensuring that all documentation is accurate, consistent, and submitted within recommended timeframes. When used correctly, the platform functions as intended: a facilitation tool that shortens processing times while maintaining state oversight.
Written by Gerhard Rautenbach, Business Development Manager, Cape Town
