Mozambique travel Health and Vaccinations
Health & Safety: Vaccinations and Health Checks
The sources emphasize that health risks (alongside crime, civil unrest, and terrorism) are a cause for concern and that travelers must undertake comprehensive preparation. Requirements are primarily divided into mandatory vaccination certificates (yellow fever), recommended vaccinations, and the need for malaria prophylaxis.
Health preparation isn't optional – it's essential for safe travel in Mozambique.
1. Mandatory Vaccination Certificates: Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccination is the only immunization whose proof may be legally required upon entry to Mozambique.
When It's Required
A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (or "yellow vaccination book") is required if travelers are arriving from a country or transiting through a country listed as a transmission risk (endemic area) for yellow fever.
Transit Rule: The requirement applies even if transit time in a risk country exceeds 12 hours.
Mozambique's Status
Mozambique itself is considered not a yellow fever risk area.
The South Africa Question
South Africa is generally not classified as a country with active yellow fever transmission risk. Theoretically, the certificate is therefore not required for direct travel from South Africa (e.g., via Kosi Bay) to Mozambique.
The Discretion Risk
Despite the official regulation, the sources point out that Mozambican border officials have the authority to demand the vaccination certificate from any traveler at their discretion.
This creates uncertainty. You may technically not need it, but an official may still demand it.
Consequence of Non-Compliance
If travelers cannot present a valid certificate at the border, vaccination will be administered at the port of entry at the traveler's own expense. One source cites the cost of border vaccination at 1,350 Meticais (approximately R377).
That's an expensive, time-consuming, and medically suboptimal way to get vaccinated – under pressure, at a border post, with no choice.
List of Risk Countries
Sources cite countries from which a yellow fever certificate is required upon entry, including Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Our Recommendation
Given the discretionary nature of enforcement, consider getting the yellow fever vaccination even if traveling directly from South Africa. The peace of mind is worth it, and the vaccination is valid for life.
4. Malaria Prophylaxis and Risk
Malaria represents the single greatest specific health risk in Mozambique.
High Risk: Take It Seriously
Mozambique presents a malaria risk, and taking malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended generally. This applies particularly during the summer months of December to March when mosquito populations peak.
Geographic Variation: Not All Areas Are Equal
Risk varies dramatically by location:
Lowest Risk: Maputo City has a very low malaria prevalence rate of only 1%.
Low Risk (South): The southern region, including Maputo Province, shows rates of 1% to 20%, and accommodations in this corridor (e.g., Ponta Malongane) are considered a low-risk zone.
Highest Risk (North): Prevalence is extremely high in rural and northern areas. For example, prevalence in Cabo Delgado Province is 57.3% – meaning more than half the population has malaria.
Urban vs. Rural: Children in urban areas have a lower infection risk than children in rural areas. The same principle applies to travelers.
Personal Decision with Medical Consultation
Some sources point out that the decision for prophylaxis is a personal decision to be made in consultation with a doctor, especially regarding side effects and when staying in low-risk areas.
If you're spending a weekend in Ponta do Ouro (low risk), the calculation differs from spending two weeks in rural Cabo Delgado (extreme risk). Discuss your specific itinerary with your doctor.
Medications
Recommended prophylaxis for chloroquine-resistant Mozambique includes Atovaquone/Proguanil or Doxycycline. Mefloquine is another option.
Insect Protection: Non-Negotiable
Regardless of prophylaxis, comprehensive measures to avoid mosquito bites are required, as no prophylaxis is 100% effective.
Essential Measures:
- Insect sprays (e.g., Peaceful Sleep, Citronella, Tabard)
- Mosquito nets (especially when sleeping)
- Wearing light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants after sunset
- Using air conditioning/fans to keep mosquitoes away
Think of prophylaxis as your backup, not your primary defense. Avoiding bites is the first line of protection.
5. General Health Issues
Medical Care and Costs in Mozambique
Healthcare infrastructure in Mozambique is weak, and medication availability is variable. Medical facilities, even in Maputo, are often rudimentary and typically require cash payment in advance.
Don't expect the quality of care you'd find in South African private hospitals. Facilities are basic, supplies are limited, and payment is upfront.
Medical Evacuation
Due to limited local medical care, comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation (frequently to South Africa) is essential.
A serious medical emergency in rural Mozambique may require helicopter evacuation to Nelspruit or Johannesburg. Without proper insurance, this can cost hundreds of thousands of rand.
Drinking Water
It is strongly recommended to drink bottled water. In southern, more developed areas, tap water may be safe, but bottled or purified water is advised as a precaution. The water in Malongane comes from a spring that locals drink from, suggesting relative safety, but visitors should still exercise caution.
Health Preparation Checklist
6-8 weeks before travel:
✓ Consult travel medicine doctor
✓ Begin vaccination series if needed
✓ Obtain malaria prophylaxis prescription
✓ Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage
2-4 weeks before travel:
✓ Complete vaccination series
✓ Fill malaria prophylaxis prescription
✓ Purchase insect repellent and mosquito nets
✓ Verify insurance coverage details
1 week before travel:
✓ Begin malaria prophylaxis (if prescribed to start before arrival)
✓ Pack all medications in carry-on luggage
✓ Make copies of vaccination certificates
✓ Review insurance emergency contact numbers
At border:
✓ Have yellow fever certificate accessible (even if theoretically not required)
✓ Be prepared for potential health screening
The Bottom Line: Prevention Is Everything
Healthcare in Mozambique is limited, and prevention is far better than treatment. The combination of vaccination, malaria prophylaxis, insect protection, safe water practices, and comprehensive insurance creates multiple layers of protection.
The good news: With proper preparation, most health risks are manageable.
The bad news: Without proper preparation, a preventable illness can turn a dream holiday into a nightmare – or worse.
Take health preparation seriously. Consult with a travel medicine specialist, not just your regular GP. Get vaccinated. Take your prophylaxis. Use insect repellent religiously. Drink bottled water. Buy proper insurance.
Your health is not something to gamble with in a country with limited medical infrastructure.