US citizens don’t need a traditional visa for Mozambique in 2026 but must obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for stays up to 30 days. The eTA costs approximately $48 USD, takes approximately 5 business days to process, and is valid for single entry. Since February 11, 2026, the eTA system operates on the evisa.gov.mz portal, managed by VFS Global. US passport holders are visa-exempt for short tourist and business trips. For stays exceeding 30 days, a full eVisa costs approximately $190 USD and covers 30 to 90 days.
eTA vs eVisa: What US and Canadian Citizens Need in 2026
US and Canadian citizens are visa-exempt but must obtain a Mozambique eTA for US citizens, not a traditional eVisa, for stays up to 30 days since February 2026. A full eVisa (~$190) is required only for stays exceeding 30 days or non-tourist purposes. The Mozambique eTA is a pre-travel authorization, not a visa. The platform relaunched on February 11, 2026 at evisa.gov.mz, operated by VFS Global. The eTA applies to citizens of 29 visa-exempt countries, including the US, UK, and Canada. Visa on Arrival (~$10) technically remains available at major entry points, but the Mozambique eTA for US citizens is now mandatory. Airlines including TAP Portugal and TAAG deny boarding to passengers without eTA proof.
What Changed in February 2026?
The Mozambique eTA was first introduced in May 2025 for 29 visa-exempt countries but suspended about 10 days later due to technical issues. It relaunched on February 11, 2026 at the First National Conference on Digital Transformation in Maputo, operated by VFS Global under contract with Mozambique’s Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation (MCTD), led by Minister Américo Muchanga.
Mozambique eTA Requirements for US and Canadian Citizens
The Mozambique eTA for US citizens requires a valid passport, 2×2-inch photo, hotel reservation, flight itinerary, and proof of financial means.
- Valid passport: scanned bio page, valid at least 6 months beyond stay, with 2-3 blank pages (amendment pages do not count)
- Digital passport-style photo: 2″×2″ (51×51 mm), color, front view, white background, no glasses
- Proof of accommodation: confirmed hotel reservation showing applicant’s name
- Flight itinerary: confirmed round-trip or onward ticket
- Proof of financial means: bank statements from the last 3 months showing applicant’s name and balances
- Mode of transportation: flight number, vessel name, or vehicle identification
If you hold dual citizenship, use the passport you will travel with. Travelers under 18 need a notarized parental consent letter in Portuguese and a birth certificate. The Mozambique eTA does not require travel insurance, but the CDC recommends malaria prophylaxis for Mozambique. For criminal record admissibility questions, contact the Embassy of Mozambique in Washington D.C. at usa.embamoc.gov.mz.
How to Apply for a Mozambique eTA Online
The Mozambique eTA application takes 15-30 minutes if documents are ready. Apply at evisa.gov.mz: register with email OTP, complete the form, upload documents (max 5 MB each, PDF/Image), pay by Visa/Mastercard (~$48 USD, non-refundable), and download the Mozambique eTA for US citizens PDF.
- Create an account at evisa.gov.mz using your email and verify with a one-time password (OTP).
- Fill the application form with personal and passport data, then upload documents in PDF or image format, max 5 MB per file. The portal offers an integrated photo editor for your 2″×2″ biometric photo.
- Pay the ~$48 USD fee using a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
- Receive the confirmation email with the approved Mozambique eTA for US citizens as a PDF attachment.
If your application is rejected, you have a 5-calendar-day window from the rejection email to correct and resubmit your documents. After this deadline, a new application with a new fee payment is required. According to evisa.gov.mz (accessed August 2026), processing may extend to 10-15 business days during peak season (December to February).
Mozambique eTA Costs and Processing Time for US Citizens
The Mozambique eTA for US citizens costs ~$48 USD for a single-entry 30-day stay; the full Mozambique eVisa costs ~$190 USD for 30 to 90 days. Standard eTA processing takes ~5 business days; eVisa takes 6 to 9 business days. Apply 3 to 4 weeks before departure.
| Document | Fee (USD) | Validity | Entry | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eTA | ~$48 | 30 days from issue | Single | ~5 business days |
| Tourist eVisa | ~$190 | 30 to 90 days | Single | 6 to 9 business days |
| Transit eVisa | ~$69 | Up to 60 days | Single | 6 to 9 business days |
| Visa on Arrival | ~$10 | – | Single | On arrival (not recommended) |
Don’t overpay: third-party agents like Atlas Visa charge $125+ service fees on top of government fees (30-day eVisa: $225 total; 60-day: $275; 90-day: $625). Apply directly at evisa.gov.mz to avoid extra costs.
Visa on Arrival vs eTA: Why You Shouldn’t Risk VOA in 2026
Visa on Arrival exists at Mozambique airports (~$10) but the Mozambique eTA for US citizens is now mandatory. TAP Portugal and TAAG deny boarding without eTA proof.
VOA is technically available at Maputo, Vilanculos, Pemba, and Beira airports plus key land borders for $10 (650 MZN). Since February 2026, the Mozambique eTA is mandatory. TAP Portugal and TAAG actively verify eTA before boarding. American Airlines and United Airlines may show conflicting Timatic database entries. Regardless of what Timatic says, always carry a printed eTA confirmation. Denied boarding costs (rebooking, emergency processing, lost hotel reservations) can exceed $1,500, far more than the ~$48 eTA fee.
Mozambique eTA: US vs Canadian vs UK Citizens (2026 Comparison)
The Mozambique eTA for US citizens, Canadians, and UK nationals costs ~$48 for a 30-day single-entry stay across all passport types.
| Nationality | Passport Type | Max Stay | eTA Fee | eVisa Fee | Processing | VOA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | All types | 30 days (eTA) / up to 90 days (eVisa) | ~$48 | ~$190 | eTA: ~5 days; eVisa: 6-9 days | Yes (~$10) but eTA mandatory |
| Canada | All types | 30 days (eTA) / up to 90 days (eVisa) | ~$48 | ~$190 | eTA: ~5 days; eVisa: 6-9 days | Yes (~$10) but eTA mandatory |
| United Kingdom | All types | 30 days (eTA) / up to 90 days (eVisa) | ~$48 | ~$190 | eTA: ~5 days; eVisa: 6-9 days | Yes (~$10) but eTA mandatory |
Australian citizens should verify eligibility on evisa.gov.mz. The Mozambique eTA applies identically to all 29 visa-exempt nationalities.
Mozambique eVisa for US Citizens 2026: FAQ
Do US citizens need a visa for Mozambique in 2026?
No, US citizens are visa-exempt for tourist and business stays up to 30 days. Since February 2026, they must obtain an eTA before departure. The eTA is a pre-travel authorization, not a visa.
How long can US citizens stay in Mozambique without a full visa?
Up to 30 days with an eTA. To stay longer, apply for an extension at the National Migration Office before the initial period expires. Beyond 90 days per calendar year, a full eVisa is required.
What is the Mozambique eTA fee for US citizens in 2026?
Approximately $48 USD for the eTA (single-entry, up to 30 days). The full eVisa costs approximately $190 USD for 30 to 90 days.
How long does it take to get a Mozambique eTA?
Standard eTA processing takes approximately 5 business days. The full eVisa takes 6 to 9 business days. Apply at least 48 hours before departure; 3 to 4 weeks ahead is recommended, especially during peak season (December to February).
Can I extend my stay in Mozambique beyond 30 days?
Yes. Apply at the provincial Direcção Nacional De Migração (National Migration Office) inside Mozambique before your initial 30-day period expires. You will need your valid passport, proof of accommodation, and evidence of financial means. The maximum total stay per calendar year is 90 days.
What if my Mozambique eTA application is rejected?
You have 5 calendar days from the rejection email to correct and resubmit your documents. If the 5-day window passes, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again.
Do I need travel insurance for Mozambique?
Travel insurance is not required for the Mozambique eTA or eVisa application. However, it is strongly recommended. The CDC advises malaria prophylaxis and routine vaccinations for Mozambique. Consider comprehensive travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Can US citizens with dual citizenship apply for the Mozambique eTA?
Yes. Use the passport you will travel with. Ensure your eTA is linked to the correct passport, as mismatched documents between your application and travel passport can result in denied entry.
What documents do I need when traveling to Mozambique with children under 18?
Travelers with minors need a notarized parental consent letter (in Portuguese), the child’s birth certificate, and proof of relationship. Single parents should carry a signed consent letter from the absent parent.
Can I get a Mozambique visa on arrival as a US citizen?
Visa on Arrival is technically available at major entry points for approximately $10 (650 MZN). However, since February 2026, the eTA is mandatory. Airlines including TAP Portugal and TAAG have denied boarding to passengers without eTA proof. Always obtain your eTA before flying.
Last updated: August 18, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Government of Mozambique or VFS Global. Always verify requirements on the evisa.gov.mz portal or the US State Department Mozambique travel page.