Mozambique
About
| There are vast expanses of palm-fringed beaches and lagoons with safe bathing, warm waters and good fishing. The country is rich in wildlife with several excellent parks and reserves to encounter rare birds, big game and abundant marine life. It also has islands that are dotted with historical monuments. There are a number of really nice beach resorts on Mozambique's long coastline. Go diving and snorkelling with dolphins, rays and dugong (manatee) in the country's crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters. The growing number of resorts are well-equipped for these activities, and several are in excellent locations. Try the reefs of Inhambane, the Bazaruto Archipelago or Quirimbas National Park. Take a safari through some of the country's 12 different national parks and reserves. The big five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino) can all be found here, and plenty more besides. The cool mountains of the north and several national parks offer good hiking. |
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| Capital: | Maputo (MPM) |
| Currency: | Mozambique Metical (MZN) |
| Language: | Portuguese. English is spoken in tourist areas |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 258 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +2 hours (same time as South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left. South African drivers' licences are recognised in SADC countries (Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe). It is recommended that a letter of verification be obtained from the South African Department of Transport. |
| Best Time to go: | June to August |
| Best For: | Beach Relaxation |
| Plugs: | 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. South African-style three-pin (round) plugs are used in the capital and most tourist areas. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Taking photographs of soldiers and public buildings (including bridges, airports and government buildings) is prohibited by law. Identity documents should be carried at all times. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Credit cards are accepted in Maputo, but outside of the capital city cash should be used. Travellers should note that it is risky to depart from roads and paths, as there may be unexploded landmines outside the main cities. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Mozambique without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco • 750ml of spirits • A reasonable quantity of perfume (opened) |
| Prohibited Imports: | Narcotics and unauthorised firearms. |
Issuing Authorities
Mozambique High Commission
529 Edmond Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
Tel: 012 401 0300
Mozambique Consulate-General (Johannesburg)
95 Oxford Street, Saxonwold, Johannesburg
Tel: 011 327 5707
Mozambique Consulate (Cape Town)
45 Castle Street, 7th Floor
021 462 2944
Mozambique Consulate (Durban)
320 West Street, Room 520, 5th Floor
Tel: 031 304 0200
Mozambique Consulate (Mbombela)
43 Brown Street
013 752 7396
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Feb 3; Apr 7; May 1; Jun 25; Sep 7-8, 25; Oct 4; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Feb 3; Apr 7; May 1; Jun 25; Sep 7, 25; Oct 4-5; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
SA passport holders do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes.
- Travellers must have a valid passport (validity at least 30 days after the intended return date) with two blank pages in the passport.
If travelling by road:
- Third Party Insurance is compulsory for all non-Mozambican registered vehicles entering the country. These can normally be procured on the border, from official representatives of the different insurance companies.
- Gate pass must be retained and handed in to border control
- It is not advised to make use of "runners".
All other nationals should apply online for entry into Mozambique (except work visa) on the following platform: evisa.gov.mz
SA Representative
South African High Commission,
41 Avenida Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo
Tel: +258 21 243 000
E-mail: SAHCMaputo@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/maputo/
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
