Mozambique travel - Visa Requirements
Border Crossings: Visa Requirements, Process & Costs
Understanding Mozambique's visa requirements is essential for smooth border crossing. The rules vary significantly based on nationality and purpose of visit, and the costs can add up quickly. Here's everything you need to know.
I. Visa Requirements and Exemptions
The general rule is straightforward: non-Mozambican citizens MUST have a visa to enter Mozambique. However, significant exemptions exist based on nationality and visit purpose.
A. Visa Exemptions (No Visa Required)
1. SADC Citizens
Citizens of Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, including South Africa, are generally exempt from requiring a tourist visa for short visits. Duration: This visa-free stay is typically granted for a maximum of 30 days. Conditions: The exemption applies specifically to tourism purposes. If the stay exceeds 30 days, or is for non-touristic purposes (e.g., investment or long-term business), a formal visa must be obtained beforehand.
2. Visa-Exempt Nations (Non-SADC)
Citizens of 29 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, and most European Union states, are currently visa-exempt for tourism or business stays up to 30 days.
Stay Limitation: These travelers may stay no more than 90 days (consecutive or interrupted) in a year.
Important Condition: Travelers utilizing this exemption must not intend to reside with a citizen or resident of Mozambique during their stay. You must be staying in a hotel, guesthouse, or lodge – not moving in with friends or family.
B. Required Supporting Documents (Even for Exempt Travelers)
Even if visa-exempt, immigration officers may request supporting documentation. Being exempt from a visa doesn't mean you can show up empty-handed.
Required Documents:
- Proof of Accommodation: A confirmed hotel reservation or written invitation letter from a host is mandatory
- Proof of Funds: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the trip (e.g., bank statements)
- Return/Onward Travel: Proof of a return or onward air ticket is required (though this may be waived for self-drive land travel)
Have these documents organized and readily accessible – not buried in your luggage.
II. Visa Acquisition Process
Travelers requiring a visa have three primary options: pre-application via embassy, the e-Visa portal, or Visa on Arrival (VoA).
A. Pre-Application (Embassy/Consulate)
Recommendation: Securing the visa in advance at an embassy or consulate is the standard protocol for maximum logistical efficiency. This is the safest, most reliable option.
Relying on Visa-on-Arrival is strongly discouraged, as issuance is not guaranteed at smaller border posts.
Requirements: Standard requirements include:
- Completed application form
- Passport valid for at least six months
- At least two blank pages (or three blank pages for visa insertion)
Processing Time: Processing at embassies usually takes 3 to 10 working days.
B. Electronic Visa (e-Visa)
Platform: Non-exempt travelers can apply online through the official e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.mz).
How It Works: The e-Visa is often a pre-approval process; the traveler pays for and collects the final visa upon arrival at the border.
Processing Time (Normal): Standard processing time is typically 6 to 9 working days.
Caution – Serious Issues Reported: There have been reports of technical issues with the e-visa website. More concerning, there are reports of border staff refusing to accept the e-Visa printout, demanding travelers pay again for a paper visa at the entry point.
This is frustrating and expensive. The e-Visa system, while theoretically convenient, has proven unreliable in practice.
C. Visa on Arrival (VoA) at Land Borders
Availability: VoA is typically available at international airports and major border crossings like Lebombo/Ressano Garcia and Kosi Bay/Ponta do Ouro.
Exception: At the tourist-only border Pafuri, visas can be purchased on the Mozambican side.
Risk Warning: Relying on VoA is strongly discouraged by some sources due to the risk of denial or extreme delays, especially at smaller posts, where staff may be understaffed or non-operational.
Process at Immigration: Upon entering Mozambique, all individuals must proceed to the Immigration counter (Migração) to have their passports stamped. Travelers requiring a visa will complete the necessary forms there.
III. Visa and Border Costs
Fees associated with entry into Mozambique are payable at the embassy/consulate or at the port of entry (border crossing or airport). Payment is generally accepted via credit card or local currency, although cash (especially USD) is often necessary for VoA and smaller fees.
Mandatory Border Fees (Applicable to All Travelers)
In addition to any visa fees, the following costs are required for clearance at the Mozambican border. These apply even to visa-exempt travelers.
Immigration Processing Fee:
Travelers must pay a nominal processing fee per person:
- R17.50 per South African passport
- Equivalent to 650 Mozambican Meticais (approx. $9 USD) for visa-exempt citizens
Stamping Fee:
A separate stamping fee of US$2 may be charged at land borders, but this is often waived if a visa is purchased at the border. A fee of R20 for passport stamping was observed at Kosi Bay border.
Road Tax / Road Access Fee:
A road tax must be paid, estimated between R60.00 and R270.00 per vehicle, depending on size. One source lists a road tax cost of MTn 26.50 (with ZAR not accepted).
Vehicle Declaration Form Fee:
Approximately R50.00 per vehicle.
Temporary Import Permit (TIP) Fee:
The mandatory TIP for vehicles costs between R10.00 and R20.00 per vehicle/trailer.
Third-Party Vehicle Insurance:
This mandatory insurance costs approximately R140–R150 per car for a 30-day policy (e.g., Hollard).
Total Border Crossing Cost Example
For a South African family of four in one vehicle (no visa required):
- Immigration processing: 4 × R17.50 = R70
- Passport stamping: R20 (may be waived)
- Road tax: ~R150 (vehicle-dependent)
- Vehicle declaration: R50
- TIP: R15
- Third-party insurance: R150
Total: Approximately R455–R475 (excluding stamping fee if waived)
For a non-SADC traveler requiring VoA, add $95–$220 USD per person to the above.
Currency and Payment Tips
What to Bring:
- Local currency (Meticais) for smaller fees
- US Dollars in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20)
- South African Rand is sometimes accepted but at poor exchange rates
Critical Warning: Officials may not provide change. If you pay a R50 fee with a R200 note, don't expect R150 back. Carry exact change or small denominations.
Fees are generally payable at the immigration or duty counter. Some border posts accept credit cards, but don't rely on it – bring cash.
Strategic Recommendations
For SADC Citizens (Including South Africans)
Good News: You don't need a visa for tourism stays up to 30 days.
Action Items:
- Prepare proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation)
- Bring proof of funds (bank statement, credit card)
- Budget approximately R450–R500 per vehicle for border fees
- Carry cash in small denominations
For Non-SADC, Visa-Exempt Citizens
Good News: You don't need a visa for tourism/business stays up to 30 days.
Action Items:
- Prepare all supporting documents (accommodation proof, return ticket, funds)
- Budget approximately R450–R500 for vehicle fees plus $9 USD per person
- Ensure you're staying in commercial accommodation, not with residents
- Track your 90-day annual limit
For Travelers Requiring Visas
Best Option: Apply at embassy/consulate 3–10 working days before travel
Second Option: Apply via e-Visa portal 6–9 working days before travel (but be prepared for border staff to potentially reject it and demand payment again)
Risky Option: Visa on Arrival (budget $95–$220 USD per person, accept risk of denial at smaller posts)
Action Items:
- Start visa process early
- Bring significantly more cash than you think you'll need
- Have all supporting documents ready
- Consider expedited processing if time is tight
The Bottom Line: Budget More Than You Expect
Visa and border fees for Mozambique can add up quickly, especially for families or groups. The combination of visa costs (for non-exempt travelers), immigration processing fees, vehicle fees, and mandatory insurance means you should budget:
Minimum (SADC family of 4, one vehicle): R450–R500
Typical (Non-SADC couple, one vehicle): R700–R900 + $20–$40 USD
Maximum (Non-SADC family requiring VoA): R1,000+ plus $400–$900 USD
Bring more cash than you think you'll need, in multiple currencies, in small denominations. The border is not the place to discover you're short on funds with no ATM in sight.
Plan ahead, budget appropriately, and carry cash.