Mozambique: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
Mozambique combines more than 2,500 kilometers of Indian Ocean coastline with archipelagos like Bazaruto and Quirimbas, along with a growing economy tied to natural gas in the north. The visa requirement depends on each traveler's passport: it can be processed as an e-Visa before traveling, obtained on arrival at major entry points, or not required at all for citizens of SADC member countries.
The currency is the metical (MZN) and the official language is Portuguese. There are active travel advisories for the northern province of Cabo Delgado due to a localized armed conflict; the rest of the country, including the usual tourist routes in the south and center, is not subject to those restrictions, but it's worth checking the status of the advisory before finalizing your itinerary.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: The visa requirement depends on your passport: most nationalities need a visa (which can be processed as an e-Visa before travel) or can get one on arrival at major entry points; citizens of SADC countries usually have additional facilities.
Health & travel insurance: There's malaria risk throughout the country and antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended; reliable hospital care is concentrated in Maputo, so insurance with medical evacuation coverage is key outside the capital.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Mozambique as tourists, available as an e-Visa on the official immigration portal before the trip or, at several border crossings and airports, as a visa on arrival. Citizens of SADC (Southern African Development Community) countries usually have more flexible entry conditions.
- Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months.
- Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for the stay.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with transmission risk.
Health, Hospitals, and Medical Insurance
The public healthcare system is limited outside Maputo and the main cities; travelers usually turn to private clinics, which require upfront payment or proof of insurance. Malaria is present throughout the territory, so prophylaxis and repellent are recommended.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Mozambique, with the option of medical evacuation; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote for the plan.
Transport and Currency
The currency is the metical (MZN); in some tourist areas dollars and South African rand also circulate informally, though this isn't official. Distances between tourist spots like Maputo, Vilankulo, and the Bazaruto Archipelago are long, and domestic flights or road transport are the most common options; secondary roads can be in poor condition.
When to Travel
The dry season, between May and October, is the most recommended for diving, snorkeling, and humpback whale watching along the coast. The rainy season, from November to April, also coincides with the highest risk of tropical cyclones in the south and center of the country.
Travel checklist for Mozambique
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Mozambique.
- Check the visa requirement for Mozambique based on your passport: The visa requirement depends on your passport: most nationalities need a visa (which can be processed as an e-Visa before travel) or can get one on arrival at major entry points; citizens of SADC countries usually have additional facilities.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: There's malaria risk throughout the country and antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended; reliable hospital care is concentrated in Maputo, so insurance with medical evacuation coverage is key outside the capital.
- Save Mozambique's emergency number: 119 (police) / 198 (fire department), along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Mozambican metical (MZN)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Mozambique?
It depends on your passport: most nationalities do, processed as an e-Visa or on arrival, while citizens of SADC countries usually have entry facilities.
What's the emergency number in Mozambique?
119 for police and 198 for fire department; there's no unified ambulance number nationwide, so it's best to contact a private hospital directly or your insurance's assistance line.
Is it safe to travel to Mozambique right now?
Tourist routes in the south and center have no specific restrictions; there are active travel advisories for the northern province of Cabo Delgado due to a localized armed conflict, so it's worth checking the current advisory before including that area in your itinerary.
What currency should I use in Mozambique?
The metical (MZN); carrying some cash is useful outside Maputo, where card payment is less common.
