Safety and security

Political stability/unrest

Any Irish citizens already in Mozambique are advised not to travel to the province of Cabo Delgado, due to a series of armed attacks on local civilians and security forces since October 2017. These attacks have resulted in the loss of life and destruction of property, including the burning of vehicles and homes. In particular you are advised to avoid travelling to the districts of Mocímboa da Praia, Macomia, Palma, Nangade, Quissanga, Mueda, Ibo, Meluco, Ancuabe, Chiure, Metuge and Muidumbe, including islands off the coast.

In September 2022, attacks spread to Erati and Memba districts in northern Nampula province. Citizens are advised against all travel to these areas.

If you decide to travel to Cabo Delgado please be aware that there is an increased security presence on the ground, and you should follow the advice of local authorities. You should also closely monitor national, local and social media for any updates. 

You are advised to remain vigilant if traveling by road in Sofala province due to several armed attacks on vehicular traffic since August 2019. These attacks have targeted both civilians and members of the security forces. In particular, you are advised to avoid non-essential travel on the EN1 between the towns of Inchope and Gorongosa, and on the EN6 between Tica and Inchope.

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism in southern Mozambique, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign visitors.

Please also consider our travel advice in relation to the ongoing violent insurgency in Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique.

Crime

If you are a victim of crime you should contact the local police immediately and get a police report. You can contact us at the Irish Embassy in Maputo if you need help.

You should avoid walking on Avenida Friedrich Engels in Maputo City.

Mozambique does not have as serious a crime problem as a number of other countries in the region. However, it is a poor country with a high cost of living and those who are obviously better off may become targets. Street crime, such as pickpocketing or robbery with threats of violence, is a reality in Mozambique and, as anywhere, the risks increase after dark.

You are advised to exercise particular caution in city centre areas due to reported rises in petty crime, including pick-pocketing and theft of car-parts from parked vehicles. Driving on Avenida Acordos de Lusaka (Maputo) at night-time is not recommended, due to reports of car-jackings.

If you are visiting this country, take local advice on areas to avoid and follow these basic, common-sense precautions: 

• Do not carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place
• It is important to carry your passport at all times in Mozambique, but leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafes, train and bus stations
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible

Petty crime

Street crime, such as pickpocketing or robbery with threats of violence, is a reality in Mozambique and, as anywhere, the risks increase after dark.

Car crime, including car-jacking, has been on the increase. Keep your car doors locked when driving and try to be aware if you are being followed. Park your car in safe, open places. If somebody offers to watch your car for you, do not react negatively. Be friendly and give the person some money when you return to your car. The appropriate price varies but would usually be around 10 meticais (about €0.15).

Gratuitous violence is not a feature of crime in Mozambique so if you are mugged or your car is hijacked, you should remain calm, offer no resistance and hand over your possessions without question.

Driving

Car crime has been on the increase. Keep your car doors locked when driving. Park your car in safe, open, well-lit places. If somebody offers to watch your car for you, don’t react negatively. Be friendly and give the person some money when you return to your car. The appropriate price varies but would usually be around 10 meticais (about €0.15).

If you are planning to drive in Mozambique, be extremely careful. Conditions are poor once you get off the major roads so make sure that you and your vehicle are capable of handling a road before setting off. There is inadequate lighting, even in urban areas, and vehicles are often badly maintained and driving standards are erratic. Be prepared for other road users to behave in unpredictable ways, including overtaking on blind bends and driving at night without lights.

Due to recent incidents, we recommend you get local advice before travelling on the EN1 road in Sofala province.

If you want to drive:

• Bring your full Irish driving licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance. We also recommend you bring an International Driving Permit
• You must carry original identification documents and vehicle documents at all times (notarised copies are not acceptable) and you may be asked to produce them by the authorities. Always make sure that your documents are returned to you
• Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you are stopped at traffic lights and always drive with the windows closed

Hiring a vehicle

If you are hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security.

If you are allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Kidnapping

Whilst violent crime does occur at times, most visits to Mozambique are trouble-free. There has been a recent significant increase in cases of criminal kidnappings so extra care should be taken.

Cases of kidnapping take place primarily in larger cities, especially Maputo and Matola. Individuals perceived as wealthy, including foreigners, tend to be preferred targets. Be extremely vigilant at all times, avoid displaying signs of affluence, consider regularly modifying your patterns of travel, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Public transport

Take note of the condition of the vehicle before you decide to use public transport and make other arrangements if you have any concerns.

Lost/stolen passport

If your passport is stolen, make a police report immediately. You should also inform the local immigration authorities and show them a copy of your police report. If you contact the Irish Embassy, they can arrange a replacement passport.

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Personal identification

Carry original identity documents with you at all times (notarised copies are not acceptable). You may be asked to produce these by the authorities. Always make sure your documents are returned to you.

LGBT

Homosexuality in Mozambique is not illegal but social attitudes, particularly outside larger cities, are less tolerant.

Mozambique is a relatively tolerant society where consensual same-sex relations are not criminalised and there is increasing space in public conversation regarding LGBT+ issues. There remains, however, some societal stigmatisation and room for progress in terms of full equal treatment, such as in the registration of LGBT+ groups. 

Public behaviour

The use, possession and trafficking of illicit drugs are treated very seriously and punishments can include long jail terms and heavy fines.

Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Female travellers

Abuse against women is relatively common in Mozambique including practices such as forced marriage, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), sexual assault, and or domestic violence. Please take all necessary precautions to insure your safety. 

Photography

There are restrictions on the right to photograph government offices, airports, military establishments, residences and the police or officials.

Natural disasters and climate

The Mozambican climate has a dry season that runs from about April to October, and a rainy season, that runs approximately from late October to April, although there are variations from year to year. We advise you to monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation.

Serious flooding can happen during the rainy season. Pay attention to news reports and weather forecasts.

Coastal regions can be affected by cyclones during the rainy season, with very high winds and major rainfall.

In 2023, Tropical Storm Freddy made landfall twice in Mozambique, causing significant damage and loss of life. Three cyclones (Ana, Batserai and Gombe) hit Mozambique in early 2022, causing substantial damage, particularly in the provinces of Nampula and Zambezia.

Dry and rainy seasons

The Mozambican climate has a dry season that runs from about April to October, and a rainy season, that runs approximately from late October to April, although there are variations from year to year.

Flooding

Serious flooding can happen around river basins during the rainy season. Pay attention to news reports and weather forecasts.

Cyclones

Coastal regions can be affected by cyclones during the rainy season (late October to April), with very high winds and major rainfall. These may lead to widespread damage to infrastructure as well as disruption to basic services including communications, power and water supplies. Again, you should pay attention to news reports and weather forecasts, including online forecasts.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish passport holders travelling to Mozambique for tourism or business purposes are visa exempt. Travellers must pay the equivalent of 650 Meticais (approx. €10), provide proof of accommodation and (for those travelling by air) a return ticket, to present to the immigration officer at the port of entry. Travellers are advised to keep receipt of this payment for the duration of their stay to present at the port of exit.Travellers availing of the visa exemption can stay for a period of 30 days, with the possibility to extend up to a maximum of 90 days (consecutive or interrupted) in one year.

Travellers are eligible for tourist visas only if they do not intend to reside with a citizen or resident of Mozambique during their stay in the country.  Travellers intending to reside with a citizen or resident of Mozambique during their stay in the country should obtain a visitor visa (approx. €50 to be paid on arrival). Pre-approval for visitor visas can be obtained via the e-visa platform under the “Border Visa” section.

Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Mozambique and have three or more blank pages.

If travelling for non-tourism or non-business purposes, or if staying for a period of over 30 days, Irish nationals require a visa to enter Mozambique. Visas can be obtained from your nearest Embassy or Consulate of Mozambique prior to travel, or via the e-visa portal online system.

If you overstay your visa you will be fined for each day you were in Mozambique illegally.

Money

The currency of Mozambique is the metical (MZN).

You should ensure that you can access money in a variety of ways. Travellers’ cheques are not commonly accepted.

You should ensure that currency exchanges be done at authorised locations. The import or export of local currency is prohibited.

Euro, U.S. dollars and South African rand can be exchanged easily in banks or exchange bureaus. Credit cards are widely accepted in Maputo, but rarely accepted elsewhere.

You should tell your bank before using your card in Mozambique.

Health

You should ensure that you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.

There are a number of serious health risks in Mozambique and medical facilities outside Maputo are generally poor. In cases of serious illness or injury, medical evacuation to South Africa or elsewhere may be necessary.  

Make sure you check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see what vaccinations or other preventative measures (e.g. anti-malarial medication) you need before travelling to Mozambique.

If you have been in a country where yellow fever is endemic, you must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Mozambique. The World Health Organisation maintains a list of such countries, which are mainly in Africa and Latin America. If you do not hold a valid certificate, the authorities are entitled to insist on vaccination at your own expense before you enter the country.

Malaria is endemic throughout the country, including in Maputo. Before travelling, ask your doctor about suitable anti-malarial medication. And after arrival, take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using bed nets and repellents, and wearing closed shoes, long sleeves and trousers.

Cholera and other diseases caused by unsanitary conditions are common throughout Mozambique, particularly during the rainy season (approximately late October - April). You should drink bottled or boiled and filtered water and eat only where food has been thoroughly cooked and basic hygiene precautions have been taken.

Mozambique has a high HIV and AIDS infection rate. You should take appropriate precautions to limit the risk of transmission through blood or sexual contact. If you suspect that you have been exposed to possible infection, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Travellers who test positive for COVID-19 whilst in Mozambique must self-isolate in a hotel or private accommodation. Those who do not have symptoms must self-isolate until advised otherwise by a doctor, after testing negative, or for 7 days. Those showing symptoms must self-isolate for 7 days after developing symptoms. 

Vaccination certificate

A yellow fever vaccination certification is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and travellers having transited more than 12 hours through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Although Mozambique is not regarded as a yellow fever country, Ethiopia is. Many Irish citizens travelling to Mozambique do so via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines. It is therefore possible that immigration officials in Mozambique will ask for proof that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever. Failure to have proof of such a vaccination may cause problems at immigration in Mozambique. We recommend for those travelling this route to have made sure to have proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

For reference, please see the World Health Organisation’s list of countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.