The Mozambique eVisa port of entry process involves three sequential checkpoints: immigration, biometrics, and customs. Total time: 10-20 minutes at Maputo Airport (MPM). Present a printed pre-authorisation letter with barcode, a passport with more than 6 months validity and two blank pages, and answer officer questions about your visit. After immigration, choose the green or red customs channel; declare currency above $5,000 USD equivalent. The Mozambique eVisa port of entry process concludes when you exit the arrivals hall. Last updated: 18 August 2026. Independently researched; not sponsored by any visa agency.
Before You Arrive: Documents & Preparation
Carry a printed eVisa pre-authorisation letter, passport with more than 6 months validity, return ticket, accommodation proof, and (if required) a yellow fever certificate. Each document is checked at a specific station during the Mozambique eVisa port of entry process: immigration, health, or fee counter. Print your approved eVisa PDF before departure. Your passport needs more than 6 months validity and at least two blank pages. eVisa details must exactly match your passport; dual nationals must use the passport they will travel with. The Mozambique eVisa port of entry process also requires proof of sufficient funds.
| Document | Station Checked | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Printed eVisa/ETA pre-authorisation letter (PDF) | Immigration counter | Approved via evisa.gov.mz; multiple-entry, 60-day validity; print copy required for boarding and arrival |
| Passport | Immigration counter & biometric station | More than 6 months validity; at least two blank pages |
| Return ticket | Immigration counter | Confirmed return ticket required |
| Accommodation proof | Immigration counter | Hotel booking or host address |
| Proof of sufficient funds | Immigration counter | Bank statement required |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate | Health screening checkpoint | Required if arriving from or transiting a Yellow Fever risk country |
| ETA fee | Dedicated fee counter post-arrival | 650 MZN (~$10 USD); payable in local or recognized foreign currency |
Step-by-Step Immigration Counter Process
The Mozambique eVisa port of entry process at immigration follows 7 steps: lane selection, document verification, officer questions, biometric capture, and passport stamping. Takes 10-20 minutes per traveler at Maputo Airport (MPM).
- Lane selection: Look for signage marked “e-Visa” or “Visto Electrónico” to join the correct queue; regular visa lanes process slower.
- Approach counter: Present your passport (more than 6 months validity, at least two blank pages) and printed eVisa pre-authorisation letter with barcode.
- Document verification: Your eVisa details must exactly match your passport. Per Law No. 23/2022, the Mozambique eVisa immigration checkpoint process requires the pre-authorisation letter to be printed and presented at the counter.
- Officer questions: State your purpose of visit; show accommodation proof, return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds.
- Biometric capture: Two index fingerprints scanned on a flatbed pad plus a digital facial photograph; remove glasses and rings beforehand. Duration: 10-15 seconds.
- Passport stamping: The officer applies an entry stamp or visa sticker, confirming legal entry.
- Proceed to customs: Collect baggage and continue to the red or green customs channel.
The Mozambique eVisa port of entry process requires ETA holders to pay the 650 MZN (~$10 USD) fee at a dedicated counter post-arrival before exiting.
Biometric Scanning Procedure at the Counter
The Mozambique eVisa port of entry process requires every traveler to undergo biometric capture: two index fingerprints on a flatbed scanner plus a digital facial photograph. Remove glasses and rings before scanning.
Place your left and right index fingers flat on the pad, then look into the camera for 2-3 seconds. Dry your hands to prevent rejection. Children are exempt from fingerprinting but must present for the photo. Data is transmitted to Mozambique’s SFRM database as part of the Mozambique eVisa entry formalities.
Customs Clearance & Duty-Free Allowances
The Mozambique eVisa port of entry process routes every traveler through a two-channel customs system. Green channel: nothing to declare. Red channel: currency above $5,000 USD or goods exceeding duty-free limits (1 L spirits, 2 L wine, 200 cigarettes, gifts up to $200 USD).
Complete a customs declaration form itemizing all amounts if using the red channel. The Mozambique eVisa border control process prohibits narcotics, firearms, and CITES-listed wildlife products. Restricted items requiring inspection include fresh food, plants, and seeds. Misusing the green channel triggers full inspection, fines, and confiscation. The Mozambique eVisa port of entry process at major airports such as Maputo (MPM) and Beira (BEW) features English-speaking officers; smaller land border posts like Ressano Garcia operate primarily in Portuguese.
Practical Tips: Hours, Peak Times & Queue Hacks
Maputo Airport (MPM) immigration operates 24/7. The Mozambique eVisa border crossing protocol varies by entry point: land borders have limited hours. Ressano Garcia 06:00-22:00, Kosi Bay 08:00-16:00 (4×4 vehicle required on the Mozambican side), Machipanda 06:00-20:00. Avoid Friday afternoons and holiday weekends when queues exceed 30 minutes.
| Border Crossing | Operating Hours | Peak Times | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maputo Airport (MPM) | 24/7 | Fri afternoons, holiday weekends | Major hub; dedicated eVisa lane |
| Beira Airport (BEW) | 24/7 | Holiday weekends | Central region entry point |
| Ressano Garcia (land) | 06:00-22:00 | Fri afternoons | Primary South Africa crossing; long queues common |
| Kosi Bay (land) | 08:00-16:00 | Weekends | 4×4 required; connects to Ponta do Ouro |
| Machipanda (land) | 06:00-20:00 | Holiday weekends | Connects Zimbabwe to Manica Province |
The Mozambique eVisa port of entry process at land borders can exceed 30 minutes during peak periods. Sit near the front of the plane, pre-fill your customs form during the flight, and carry exact change for the ETA fee (650 MZN) to reduce processing time and streamline the Mozambique eVisa port of entry process.
FAQ: Mozambique eVisa Port of Entry Process
Do I need a visa to enter Mozambique upon arrival in 2026?
No visa on arrival for US citizens. The Mozambique eVisa port of entry process requires an eVisa or ETA approved at least 48 hours before departure via evisa.gov.mz. Visa-exempt travelers (29 countries) may enter without a visa for up to 30 days. The eVisa must be used within 60 days from issuance.
What documents do I present at the Mozambique immigration counter with an eVisa?
Printed eVisa pre-authorisation letter with barcode, passport valid for more than 6 months with two blank pages, confirmed return ticket, accommodation proof, proof of sufficient funds, and yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country.
How do biometric scans work at Mozambique airport immigration?
The Mozambique eVisa port of entry process collects two index fingerprints on a flatbed scanner plus a digital facial photograph. Takes approximately 10-15 seconds. Remove rings and glasses before scanning. Children may be exempt from fingerprinting.
What is the customs declaration process at Mozambique ports of entry?
Choose the green channel (nothing to declare) or the red channel for currency above $5,000 USD or goods exceeding duty-free limits. The Mozambique eVisa port of entry process requires a completed customs declaration form for red channel use.
Are there separate lanes for eVisa holders at Mozambique border crossings?
Most major airports (Maputo MPM, Beira BEW) have dedicated eVisa/ETA lines. Look for “e-Visa” or “Visto Electrónico” signage. At smaller land borders, eVisa holders may use the same lanes as other travelers.
How long does the immigration and customs process take at Mozambique airports?
The Mozambique eVisa entry clearance workflow typically takes 10-20 minutes at Maputo (MPM); 15-45 minutes during peak periods. The customs green channel adds approximately 2-5 minutes.
What can I bring into Mozambique duty-free?
Up to 1 liter spirits, 2 liters wine, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco, and gifts up to approximately $200 USD. Currency above $5,000 USD equivalent must be declared.
Do Mozambique immigration officers speak English?
Most officers at major airports (Maputo, Beira) speak conversational English. At smaller land border posts like Ressano Garcia, Portuguese is dominant.
What happens if I am denied entry at the Mozambique border?
You may be placed on the next flight out at your own expense. Common reasons: expired eVisa (must be used within 60 days), insufficient passport validity, missing return ticket, or mismatched details. Contact the Embassy of Mozambique in Washington D.C.: 1525 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036; phone 202-293-7146 (ext. 230); email visa.usa@embamoc.gov.mz. Visa fees are non-refundable.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Mozambique?
Only if arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. The certificate is valid for life. Carry it with your passport at the health screening checkpoint.