Mozambique travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and the Local Travel (Sea Travel) section (piracy). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Travel Summary

• Most visits to Mozambique are trouble-free. Eight British nationals required consular assistance in Mozambique in the period 1 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (3 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (4 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (20 cases). You should be aware of the risks of violent crime, poor road safety standards and minimal health facilities. See the Crime, Road Travel and Health sections of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, especially for shipping which does not take appropriate precautions or follow agreed shipping industry best practice guidelines. See the Sea Travel section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• The tropical cyclone season in Mozambique normally runs from November to April. Coastal areas of central and northern Mozambique can be at risk. During this time, widespread flooding around river basins, especially the Zambeze, is also likely. You should monitor local media. See the Natural Disasters section of this Travel Advice and our Tropical cyclones page.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice and our Travel Insurance page.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see our Terrorism Abroad page.

Crime

Most visits to Mozambique are trouble-free. However, street crime, sometimes involving knives and firearms, is common in Maputo and is increasing in other cities and tourist destinations. Bag-snatching and pick-pocketing are also problems.

Be vigilant at all times. Avoid walking alone at night. Avoid displaying valuables or money (deposit them in a hotel safe if possible).

Remain vigilant on beaches or off shore islands, as they are not policed. Avoid isolated picnic spots.

Incidents of carjacking have been reported, particularly in Maputo. Do not pick up strangers or stop to assist (apparently) distressed motorists or pedestrians. Hijackers sometimes use these techniques to trick motorists into stopping their vehicle. If in doubt, drive directly to a police station.

Be vigilant and keep your car doors locked whilst driving.

If you are a victim of crime you should contact the local police immediately and obtain a police report.

For more general information see our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Political Situation

Mozambique Country Profile

Local Travel

All known minefields have been cleared in Mozambique’s northern provinces (Nampula, Cabo Delgado, Zambezia, Niassa) substantially reducing the threat. In the central and southern provinces (Sofala, Tete, Manica, Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo) you should be aware that mines do still exist in remote areas, away from main routes. Mine clearance programmes are underway. Seek advice from district authorities if travelling in these areas.

Zimbabwe

For those travelling to Zimbabwe, please see our Travel Advice for Zimbabwe.

Road Travel

Traffic accidents are common in Mozambique due to the condition of the roads and poor driving and vehicle standards. Always drive carefully and be aware of pedestrians using the roads.

Overland travel on public transport can be hazardous due to poor vehicle and road conditions. If you doubt a vehicle’s condition, make alternative arrangements.

Low lying areas around major rivers flood regularly during the rainy season (November - April) making many roads impassable. Check local conditions before travelling. Vehicles should be stocked with emergency supplies, including a comprehensive first aid kit, and be properly prepared for difficult conditions at all times.

Only travel by road outside Maputo and other major cities during daylight. Where possible, keep to major roads in reasonable states of repair and travel with other cars in rural areas. Fuel (petrol and diesel) is often only available in larger towns.

Delays are possible on the 'Tete Corridor' joining Zimbabwe and Malawi due to ongoing rehabilitation of the Samora Machel Bridge in Tete. The bridge is closed from 01:00 to 06:30. The work is expected to continue until late 2010.

UK driving licences are valid for up to 90 days. If you intend to stay longer you should hold a valid international driving licence or apply for a Mozambican licence, for which you must normally sit a test. It is an offence not to carry your valid driving licence with you when driving. You should be ready to present original car documentation when requested by the police.

Third party insurance cover is compulsory in Mozambique. You can purchase this at most land border crossings where there are insurance company offices.

New road safety regulations come into effect in December 2009 requiring all motorists to carry two reflective triangles and a reflective vest in their vehicle at all times. It is compulsory for all motorists to wear the reflective vest when repairing, loading or unloading a vehicle on a public highway. Not having these items in your vehicle could incur a penalty.

We receive regular reports of police officers attempting to solicit bribes from tourists, especially when driving. We recommend that you do not pay a bribe to anyone. If stopped by the police, you should ask for a clear explanation of the offence and a written fine that can be paid at a police station.

For more general information see our Driving Abroad page.

Air Travel

Before using internal or regional flights that are not with major international carriers, you should check the airline’s accreditation and see whether the airline operates in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisations' (ICAO) safety standards.

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

For more general information see Airline Security.

River and Sea Travel

Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean and has occurred as far as 1000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia. Attacks of piracy and armed robbery against vessels in and around the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin continue to affect only a very small proportion of overall shipping, but are frequent and continuing, proving successful almost exclusively against shipping which has not complied with agreed shipping industry best practice on self-defence measures, including on routing. All mariners should follow the 'Best Management Practise for the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia' (http://www.icc-ccs.org.uk), published by the International Maritime Bureau. We urge mariners to register with the Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa) for up to date advice and guidance on passage round the Horn of Africa - www.mschoa.org, and to plan their routing carefully so as to avoid placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

For further information, see our River and Sea Safety page.

Local laws and customs

It is a legal requirement to carry original identity documents at all times and present them, upon request, to the authorities. Police patrols and checkpoints are common. Do not hand over your passport to anyone other than an official for inspection. Ask to see an official’s ID if in doubt. Ensure your documents are returned to you.

Photography of government offices, airports, military establishments, residences and the police or officials is illegal without special permission from the Ministry of Information. If in doubt, do not take pictures. Laws are enforced.

Drug use, possession and trafficking are offences. Punishments can include long jail terms and heavy fines.

Some UK criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to British nationals overseas. British nationals who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in the UK.

For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your trip page.

Entry requirements

Visas

UK citizens require a visa for entry to Mozambique. You can purchase a single entry tourist visas at major border crossings and international airports (valid for 30 days, non-renewable). Some travellers have reported problems with this service (visas unavailable or taking a long time to be issued) and it is subject to change, often with no notice. Travellers have also faced problems in purchasing consecutive tourist visas at the border where they have not spent at least 4 days out of the country. If in doubt, you should contact the Mozambican immigration authorities.

We recommend that you apply for a visa at your nearest Mozambican Embassy or High Commission, where all types of visa are available, prior to your journey and well in advance of your planned visit. You should ensure that you have the correct visa for the purpose and length of your visit and obtain a clear explanation of the visa's validity and what it allows you to do. (High Commission of the Republic of Mozambique, 21 Fitzroy Square, London, W1T 6EL, Tel: + 44 (0)20 7383 3800; fax: + 44 (0)20 7383 3801; website: http://www.mozambiquehighcommission.org.uk; e-mail: mozalon@compuserve.com).

You will receive a heavy fine for every day you overstay your visa or if you have the wrong type of visa for your time in Mozambique.

Always go through immigration procedures when entering Mozambique. You will face a heavy fine if you enter the country illegally.

Yellow Fever Certificate

All travellers entering Mozambique who have been to any country where Yellow Fever is known to exist (as listed by the World Health Organisation) must present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on arrival. If you cannot present a valid certificate on entry you may need to be vaccinated at your expense (approximately US$55).

Border Formalities

It can take a long time to clear border formalities at the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia land crossing with South Africa, especially during holiday periods and if you are travelling on public transport. You should allow adequate time to arrive at your destination before nightfall.

Passport Validity

The passports of all visitors wishing to enter Mozambique (and South Africa) must be valid for a minimum of six months. You will also need to have at least two blank pages remaining in your passport.

Health

Hospital facilities are generally poor in Mozambique, especially in the north of the country. In cases of serious illness or injury, medical evacuation to South Africa or the UK may be necessary.

Water-borne diseases caused by unsanitary conditions, including cholera, are common throughout Mozambique, particularly during the rainy season. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Mozambique you should seek immediate medical attention.

Malaria and other insect-borne diseases are prevalent throughout the year in Mozambique. We recommend you to take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 1,400,000 adults aged 15 or over in Mozambique were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 12.5% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Mozambique and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see our Travel Health, Swine Flu and the UK Department of Health pages. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.

Natural disasters

During the rainy season (November to April) widespread flooding around river basins, especially the Zambezi, is likely. Monitor local reports and check your routes before travelling.

The coastal areas of central and northern Mozambique have a risk of cyclones during the rainy season, which normally runs from November to April. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre. For more general information see our Tropical cyclones page.

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling, including provision for medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

Replacement passports

The British High Commission in Maputo does not issue full passports. However, it will accept completed applications and send them to the British High Commission in Pretoria, where passports for British nationals resident in or visiting Mozambique are issued. The new passport will be sent back to the British High Commission in Maputo for collection.

It can take up to four weeks for standard applications to be processed. Full details of passport services for British nationals resident in or visiting Mozambique are available on the British High Commission's website ukinmozambique.fco.gov.uk (see the Contact Details section of this Travel Advice).

Registration

If you are resident in or visiting Mozambique you should make your whereabouts known to the British High Commission by registering with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE.

Money

Ensure you can access money in a variety of ways. Avoid withdrawing cash from ATM machines at night. Travellers' cheques are not commonly accepted and are often difficult and expensive to change. US Dollars and South African Rand are the main exchange currencies. Credit cards are increasingly accepted in the larger cities. You should tell your bank before using your card in Mozambique.