In 2026, the Mozambique eVisa costs approximately $190 USD and processes online in 5 to 9 business days, while the Mozambique embassy visa costs $220 to $310 USD and takes 10 business days by mail. A third option, the eTA for US citizens, costs ~$48, permits stays up to 30 days, and requires pre-registration at least 48 hours before departure via evisa.gov.mz. For most US tourists, the Mozambique eVisa is faster, cheaper, and more convenient than the embassy visa route. This comparison was last updated on 18 August 2026; always verify current rates on evisa.gov.mz before applying.
Mozambique eVisa vs Embassy Visa – Two Application Routes Explained
US travelers can apply for a Mozambique eVisa online or via the embassy in Washington, DC. The eVisa route, operated by VFS Global on evisa.gov.mz with 256-bit SSL encryption and PCI DSS compliance, involves three steps:
- Apply Online – fill the form, upload documents, use the passport you will travel with if dual nationality.
- Pay the Fee – approximately $190 USD, non-refundable.
- Download & Print – receive the preliminary eVisa PDF by email and print it for boarding and arrival.
eTA vs eVisa: Which Do US Citizens Need?
US citizens are among 29 eTA-eligible countries. The eTA allows a 30-day maximum stay, costs ~$48, and requires pre-registration at least 48 hours before departure. An entry fee of around 10 Euros is paid upon arrival at the port of entry. Stays beyond 30 days require the Mozambique eVisa, which covers tourism and business visits up to 90 days. Citizens of countries ineligible for the eVisa system, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Somalia, must use the Mozambique embassy visa route.
How to Apply for a Mozambique Embassy Visa from the United States
The Mozambique embassy visa route requires emailing a scanned PDF (max 5 MB) to visa.usa@embamoc.gov.mz, awaiting “RECEIVED” acknowledgement, then mailing your passport, photos, and money order to
1525 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036(phone: 202-293-7146 EXT 230, consular hours Mon to Fri 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM). The Permanent Mission of Mozambique to the UN is at 420 East 50th St, New York, NY 10022 (phone: 212-644-6800).
- Scan all documents into one PDF per applicant (max 5 MB).
- Email the PDF to visa.usa@embamoc.gov.mz.
- Wait for “RECEIVED” acknowledgement from the consulate.
- Mail physical documents – printed PDF, actual passport, 2 recent passport-sized colour photos, money order payable to “Embassy of Mozambique”, prepaid return envelope (preferably FedEx).
- Processing begins after pre-approval from Immigration in Mozambique and receipt of physical documents.
- Receive passport back with visa sticker via prepaid envelope.
Work, residence, and student Mozambique embassy visas require additional documents: authorization letter from the Ministry of Labor, clean bill of health (3 months validity), work contract, Police Clearance authenticated by the US Department of State (202-485-8000, Mon to Fri 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, fees $180 normal / $250 urgent), and ALVARÁ (Business Permit). The embassy also issues Sports and Culture visas (up to 30 days, single entry), Crew visas, and Oil and Gas work visas. All Mozambique embassy visa fees are non-refundable.
Mozambique eVisa vs Embassy Visa – Fees, Processing Time, and Documents Compared
The Mozambique eVisa processing time is 5-9 business days online at ~$190; Mozambique embassy visa cost ranges from $220 to $310 with 10 business days plus physical mail.
| Feature | Mozambique eVisa (Online) | Mozambique Embassy Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application method | Online portal | Email PDF + physical mail |
| Processing time | 5-9 business days | 10 business days (3 expedited) |
| Fee | ~$190 | $220-$310 |
| Payment | Credit card online | Money order to “Embassy of Mozambique” |
| Required documents | Passport (6 months validity, 2-3 blank pages), recent passport-sized colour photo, hotel reservation, return ticket, bank statement | Same, plus notarized invitation if applicable |
| Delivery | Preliminary eVisa PDF by email | Passport stamp via prepaid envelope |
| Max stay | Up to 90 days | 30-90 days |
| Entries | Single/multiple | Single/multiple |
| Eligibility | 150+ countries | All nationalities |
| Refundability | Non-refundable | Non-refundable |
| Use-by period | N/A | 60 days from issuance |
Sources: evisa.gov.mz (Mozambique National Immigration Service), usa.embamoc.gov.mz (Embassy of Mozambique in the USA).
Which Should You Choose – eVisa or Embassy Visa?
- Choose Mozambique eTA if: 30-day stay or less, US citizen, tourism/business (~$48, register 48 hours pre-departure).
- Choose Mozambique eVisa if: tourism/business, up to 90 days, eligible nationality (~$190, 5-9 business days).
- Choose Mozambique embassy visa if: work/residence/student visa, ineligible nationality (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Nepal, Somalia per evisa.gov.mz), or document authentication via US Dept of State (202-485-8000, $180/$250).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- eVisa: mismatched info vs passport biodata, VPN during payment, low-quality photo (must be recent passport-sized colour photo).
- Embassy: mailing before “RECEIVED” acknowledgement, PDF over 5 MB, missing prepaid return envelope (FedEx), unpaid fees.
Mozambique eVisa vs Embassy Visa FAQ
Is the Mozambique eVisa faster than the embassy visa?
Yes. The eVisa processes in 5 to 9 business days (standard) or 5 to 7 working days (express); the embassy visa takes 10 business days (standard) or 3 business days (expedited). The eVisa PDF arrives by email, eliminating mail time.
How much does a Mozambique eVisa cost compared to an embassy visa?
The eVisa costs ~$190 USD; the embassy visa ranges from $220 (single entry, normal) to $310 (multiple entry, expedited). The eTA costs ~$48 for stays up to 30 days.
Can US citizens enter Mozambique without a visa?
US citizens are eligible for the eTA, permitting 30-day stays for tourism or business. Pre-register at least 48 hours before departure via evisa.gov.mz. An entry fee of ~10 Euros is paid upon arrival.
Do I need travel insurance for Mozambique?
Travel insurance is not required but is recommended. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from an endemic country.
Can I get a Mozambique visa on arrival?
No. Mozambique does not offer visa on arrival for non-exempt nationals. The eTA requires online pre-registration at least 48 hours before departure.
What documents do I need for the Mozambique eVisa?
Mozambique visa requirements for US citizens include a passport (6 months validity, 2-3 blank pages), recent passport-sized colour photo, confirmed hotel reservation or notarized invitation, return flight tickets, and recent bank statements.
How do I extend my Mozambique visa while in the country?
Apply at the National Migration Service office at least 2 to 3 weeks before expiry. Extensions generally add 30 days. Overstaying incurs daily penalties.
Is the Mozambique eVisa application available in English?
Yes, evisa.gov.mz supports English with 24/7 multilingual support. The platform uses 256-bit SSL encryption and PCI DSS compliance.
What happens if my Mozambique eVisa application is rejected?
Common reasons include mismatched info, low-quality photos, expired passports, and VPN interference. All fees are non-refundable.