Mozambique - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: It is a legal requirement to carry identity documents or notarised copies of documents at all times and to present them if stopped at a police checkpoint.

Severe punishments are imposed for smuggling and drug taking, which is illegal.

It is illegal to photograph airports, government offices, military establishments, residences and the police or officials without permission from the Ministry of Information.
For business meetings prior appointments are recommended. January is best avoided for business trips, as it is the main holiday month. Business is usually conducted in Portuguese, but translation facilities are available in Maputo. Office hours are Mon–Thur 0730–1230 and 1400–1730, Fri 0730–1230 and 1400–1700.

Immigration and customs: Passports must be valid for six months and those planning to travel on to South Africa should ensure they have two pages free in their passport.

Visas are required by all and should be obtained before visiting the country. Tourist visas bought at the border are not accepted. Heavy fines are imposed on those overstaying their visa.

The land-crossing with South Africa – the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border – can be very busy during holiday periods.

It is prohibited to import or export the local currency, and foreign exchange must be through commercial banks. The import of firearms requires a permit.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by those arriving from an infected area.

Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the left. An international driving permit is recommended and car hire is available in Maputo and Beira (payment must be in a hard currency). Visitors must keep their licences on them at all times. Tarred roads connect Maputo with Beira, and Beira with Tete. Fuel is only available in major towns and all vehicles should be stocked with emergency supplies. Speed limits are usually 40–50kph in towns and 120kph on the open road.

Regular bus services cover most of the country. In more rural areas, converted passenger trucks, known as chapas, are also available. Domestic flights link Maputo with Beira, Nampula, Pemba, Quelimane, Vilanculos and Tete. Flights must be booked well in advance. An air taxi service is also available.

There are three unconnected rail networks, and services are infrequent.

Travel health: It is recommended to take out adequate health insurance that will cover transport and treatment in South Africa.

Polio, tetanus, typhoid, cholera and Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended. In addition, malaria is endemic and presents a serious health risk, and prophylaxis is strongly advised. Visitors should also bring insect repellent and suitable clothing to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Bilharzia is present.
Drinking bottled water is advised.

Money: Credit cards are becoming progressively more accepted in Maputo and some of the larger cities, though it is advisable that visitors check with their bank before using their credit card in Mozambique. Money can be obtained from some ATMs using Visa credit or debit cards. US dollars and South African rand should also be taken, as they are widely accepted; travellers cheques are difficult and expensive to exchange. Banking hours are Mon–Fri 0730–1530.
There were 954,433 tourist arrivals in 2005.