Mozambique Tourist Visa

Mozambique, situated along the Indian Ocean in Southern Africa, attracts thousands of visitors each year with its beaches, islands, and rich cultural heritage. Foreign nationals travelling for leisure must hold a Mozambique Tourist Visa, unless exempt. This visa is designed exclusively for tourism and private visits. It does not allow any form of business activity, professional training, or employment.

Eligibility

The Tourist Visa is available to individuals entering Mozambique for leisure or personal reasons. It applies to those who intend to explore tourist attractions, enjoy holidays, or visit family and friends. Applicants must demonstrate that their travel purpose is recreational and not linked to commercial or work-related activities. Those intending to attend meetings, seminars, or provide services must apply for a Business Visa or Work Permit instead.

Common Use Cases

• Holiday travel to Mozambique’s coastal and inland destinations.
• Visiting family members or friends residing in Mozambique.
• Exploring cultural, historical, or eco-tourism sites across the country.

Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival

Depending on nationality, some travellers are either exempt from a visa requirement or can obtain a visa on arrival at ports of entry:

• Visa Exempt: Citizens of South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia can enter Mozambique without a visa for short tourist visits.
• Visa on Arrival: Available to citizens of countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, India, and China. These visas are typically valid for 30 days and issued directly at international airports and border crossings upon payment of the fee.

Travellers from countries not eligible for visa exemption or visa on arrival must apply for a tourist visa in advance at a Mozambican Embassy or Consulate. Requirements may vary between diplomatic missions.

Duration of Stay

The Mozambique Tourist Visa permits stays of up to 30 days per entry, with a cumulative limit of 90 days in a calendar year. The visa cannot be used for employment or business-related purposes and is strictly limited to tourism and private visits.

Last updated: 01/09/2025

Applicants must prepare a complete set of supporting documents to ensure a smooth visa application process. The requirements can vary slightly depending on whether the visa is obtained in advance at a Mozambican Embassy or Consulate or upon arrival, but the following are generally requested:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, with at least two blank pages available for visa endorsement.
• Completed Application Form: Available from the Mozambican mission or at the port of entry for visa on arrival applicants.
• Passport-Size Photographs: Two recent colour photographs that meet standard passport specifications.
• Proof of Travel Arrangements: A confirmed return flight ticket or evidence of onward travel out of Mozambique.
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from a host in Mozambique.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements or other evidence demonstrating the applicant can cover living expenses during the stay.
• Yellow Fever Certificate: Required only if the traveller has recently transited through or arrived from a yellow fever endemic country.

Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s nationality or the specific mission where the application is lodged. For travellers applying on arrival, requirements are simplified but proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and sufficient funds are still expected.

The time required to obtain a Mozambique Tourist Visa depends on the method of application and the applicant’s nationality:

• Visa on Arrival: Issued immediately at international airports and designated border crossings upon submission of the required documents and payment of the fee.
• Embassy or Consulate Application: Processing is generally completed within 1 to 3 working days. Some missions, such as the Mozambican Consulate in Johannesburg, may issue the visa on the same day if the application is submitted early in the morning.

During peak travel periods, applications lodged at embassies or consulates may take slightly longer. Applicants are advised to check the current timelines with the relevant Mozambican diplomatic mission before applying.

The cost of a Mozambique Tourist Visa varies depending on the applicant’s nationality, the issuing authority, and whether the visa is obtained in advance or on arrival:

• Visa on Arrival: The standard fee is approximately USD 50 for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 30 days.
• Embassy or Consulate Application: Fees typically range between USD 50 and USD 70. Some missions may charge additional service or administrative fees, and exchange rate differences can affect the final amount payable.

Travellers should confirm the exact fee with the relevant Mozambican Embassy or Consulate before applying, as costs can differ depending on local policies. Payment for a visa on arrival is generally accepted in cash and in USD; applicants are advised to carry the correct amount to avoid delays at the border.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Determine whether you are eligible for visa exemption, visa on arrival, or if you must apply in advance through a Mozambican Embassy or Consulate. South African and certain SADC nationals are exempt, while many other nationalities may obtain the visa on arrival.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Gather all required documents, including a valid passport, passport-size photographs, proof of accommodation, proof of travel arrangements, and evidence of sufficient funds. Applicants arriving from yellow fever endemic countries must also provide a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Depending on eligibility, submit your visa application either:

• On Arrival: Present documents at the airport or border post and pay the required fee in USD.
• At an Embassy or Consulate: Lodge the completed application form with supporting documents at the Mozambican mission in your country of residence.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

Fees are usually around USD 50, payable in cash at the port of entry or by the accepted method at the consulate. Exact costs may vary by mission or exchange rate.

Step 5: Receive the Visa

For visa on arrival, the endorsement is issued immediately in your passport. Embassy or consular applications typically take 1 to 3 working days, with some missions offering same-day service.

Step 6: Enter Mozambique

Upon receiving the visa, travellers may enter Mozambique for tourism. Each entry allows a stay of up to 30 days, with a maximum of 90 days permitted per calendar year. Overstaying the visa may result in fines or future entry restrictions.