When comparing mozambique evisa vs eta 2026, the Mozambique eTA ($48, 29 countries) and Mozambique eVisa ($190, others) differ by nationality; Visa on Arrival is a risky backup. Since February 11, 2026, VFS Global operates evisa.gov.mz, raising the eTA fee from ~$10 to ~$48. US citizens: the Mozambique eTA ($48, 1-5 days) is mandatory for stays up to 30 days to avoid Timatic-based boarding denial. Those needing multiple entries or stays up to 90 days must apply for the Mozambique eVisa.
What Are Mozambique’s Three Entry Methods?
Mozambique offers an eTA for 29 countries, an eVisa for 183 countries, and a Visa on Arrival at major airports.
The Mozambique eTA is a pre-travel authorization (not a visa) for 29 visa-exempt countries, costing ~$48, single-entry up to 30 days, processed in 1-2 business days (Decree No. 10/2023, dated 31 March 2023). The 29 eligible countries include United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, and 15 others.
The Mozambique eVisa is a full electronic visa costing ~$190, available in 30, 60, or 90-day durations with single or multiple entry options. Standard processing takes 6-15 business days. An Investment eVisa (minimum $500,000) offers 90, 180, or 365 days.
Visa on Arrival costs ~$10 at airports in Maputo, Vilanculos, Pemba, and Beira. Nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Nepal, and Somalia must apply at an embassy instead.
Complete Comparison: eVisa vs eTA vs Visa on Arrival
In the mozambique evisa vs eta 2026 comparison, the Mozambique eTA processes in 1-5 days for ~$48; the Mozambique eVisa takes 6-15 days for ~$190; Visa on Arrival is instant but risky. The Mozambique eVisa supports single or multiple entries; the Mozambique eTA is strictly single-entry. Visa on Arrival costs ~$10, but airlines using the Timatic database may deny boarding without pre-approved documents.
| Method | Cost | Processing Time | Max Stay | Validity | Entry Type | Refundable | Airline Risk | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eTA | ~$48 | 1-5 days | 30 days | ~60 days | Single | No | Low | Short trips from 29 countries |
| eVisa | ~$190 | 6-15 days | 30/60/90 days | 2 months | Single / Multiple | No | None | Long stays, multiple entries |
| VOA | ~$10 | Instant | 30 days | Same-day | Single | No | High (Timatic) | Emergency backup only |
Which Entry Method Is Right for You? Decision Flowchart
Citizens of 29 eTA-eligible countries staying under 30 days should choose the Mozambique eTA; all others need the Mozambique eVisa; Visa on Arrival is not recommended.
- Check your passport country. Is it on the 29 eTA-eligible nations list (US, UK, Canada, EU, Australia, Japan, South Africa, etc.)?
- If YES and stay is under 30 days with single entry: Mozambique eTA recommended (~$48, 1-5 days).
- If you need 30-90 days or multiple entries: Mozambique eVisa required (~$190, 6-15 days).
- If your country is NOT on the eTA list: Mozambique eVisa required via evisa.gov.mz.
- If excluded from both (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Nepal, Somalia): embassy visa only.
- Visa on Arrival: emergency backup only. VOA saves $38 but risks boarding denial; the Mozambique eTA is recommended.
How to Apply for Your Mozambique eVisa or eTA
Apply for the Mozambique eVisa and Mozambique eTA online through evisa.gov.mz (operated by VFS Global since February 11, 2026). Visa on Arrival requires $10 USD cash at the airport.
- Create an account on evisa.gov.mz and select your entry method (eVisa or eTA). If you have dual nationality, use the passport you will travel with.
- Fill the form and upload your passport scan, a 2″x2″ photo (white background, front view, no glasses, JPEG/PNG, max 5 MB), return ticket, and hotel booking.
- Pay the non-refundable fee via credit or debit card: ~$48 for the eTA, ~$190 for the eVisa.
- Download and print the PDF approval; carry it for boarding and arrival.
Visa on Arrival: pay $10 USD cash at immigration counters in Maputo, Vilanculos, Pemba, or Beira. Both the Mozambique eVisa and Mozambique eTA require a passport valid at least 6 months beyond departure with 2-3 blank pages. Hotels register your stay with immigration automatically at check-in (Boletim de Alojamento).
When I applied for the Mozambique eTA in July 2026, approval arrived in 3 business days. I recommend submitting at least 5 business days before departure to account for processing time delays.
Cost Breakdown: eVisa vs eTA vs Visa on Arrival (2026)
For the mozambique evisa vs eta 2026 cost breakdown, the Mozambique eTA costs ~$48, the Mozambique eVisa costs ~$190, and Visa on Arrival costs ~$10. All fees are non-refundable regardless of approval or denial.
| Visa Type | Fee | Duration | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| eTA | ~$48 | 30 days, single entry | Credit/debit card |
| Tourist/Business eVisa | ~$190 | 30/60/90 days | Credit/debit card |
| Transit eVisa | ~$69 | Up to 60 days, single entry | Credit/debit card |
| Investment eVisa | ~$190+ | 90/180/365 days (min. $500k) | Credit/debit card |
| VOA | ~$10 | 30 days, single entry | Cash (USD) |
After VFS Global took over the portal in February 2026, processing fees increased across all categories. The eTA rose from ~$10 to ~$48; the eVisa from ~$160 to ~$190.
Best Option by Trip Scenario
US citizens on a 2-week holiday should use the Mozambique eTA (~$48); Indian citizens on business need the Mozambique eVisa (~$190, apply 3 weeks early).
- A. US citizen, 2-week beach holiday: Mozambique eTA ($48, 1-5 days). Single entry, 30 days max.
- B. UK citizen, 10-day multi-country safari (South Africa + Mozambique by land): Mozambique eTA works at major land borders; carry printed approval.
- C. Indian citizen, 30-day business trip: Mozambique eVisa ($190, 6-9 days). eTA not available for Indian passports.
- D. Brazilian citizen, diplomatic/service passport: Visa-free entry. No application needed.
- E. Last-minute trip, eTA not processed in time: VOA risk assessment. Works at Maputo airport but TAP and TAAG may deny boarding via Timatic.
- F. Family with children under 18: Each child needs own Mozambique eTA or eVisa; notarized parental consent letter in Portuguese + birth certificate required.
Visa on Arrival Risks and US Citizen Rules in 2026
US citizens: the Mozambique eTA ($48, 1-5 days) is mandatory for stays up to 30 days to avoid Timatic-based boarding denial.
Visa on Arrival is available at Maputo, Vilanculos, Pemba, and Beira airports for ~$10 USD cash. TAP Air Portugal and TAAG Angola Airlines use Timatic; if it shows “visa required” without pre-approval, boarding is legally denied. The government plans to fully abolish VOA and transition to electronic-only, but this is not implemented as of August 2026.
The Mozambique eTA grants US passport holders 30 days for tourist or business travel, extendable by 30 additional days at a local immigration office. The annual cap is 90 days per calendar year for combined tourist and business visits. Overstay penalties include fines, deportation, or future entry bans. VOA saves $38 but risks boarding denial; the Mozambique eTA is recommended.
What Changed in February 2026: The VFS Global Takeover
VFS Global took over Mozambique’s evisa.gov.mz portal on February 11, 2026, raising the eTA fee from ~$10 to ~$48. The legal basis is Decree No. 10/2023 (31 March 2023), which scrapped tourist visas for 29 countries and created the eTA via Article 4.
| Factor | Before Feb 2026 | After Feb 11, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| eTA fee | ~$10 | ~$48 |
| eVisa fee | ~$160 | ~$190 |
| Platform | Separate system | VFS Global at evisa.gov.mz |
| Eligible countries | 29 (eTA) | 29 (unchanged) |
The same 29 eTA-eligible nationalities apply. Refund policy remains non-refundable under both systems. Source: VFS Global media release.
Land Border Entry: Does eTA or eVisa Work at Road Crossings?
The Mozambique eTA and Mozambique eVisa are accepted at major land border posts, but printed copies are essential. VOA availability at land borders is inconsistent; smaller posts may not process VOA.
- Ressano Garcia (from South Africa): Mozambique eTA and eVisa accepted.
- Forbes (from Zimbabwe): Mozambique eTA and eVisa accepted.
- Mchinji (from Malawi): Mozambique eTA and eVisa accepted.
Carry printed copies because internet connectivity at border posts is often unreliable. Land border processing takes 30-90 minutes. Border run and re-entry rules: each re-entry requires a new Mozambique eTA or valid Mozambique eVisa; there is no automatic re-entry privilege. Prepare USD cash and passport copies. Questions? Contact Mozambique Travel: +27716117530 | service@mozambiquetravel.com.
Mozambique Entry Methods FAQ
What is the difference between a Mozambique eVisa and eTA in 2026?
eTA: $48, 1-5 days, 29 countries, pre-travel authorization. Mozambique eVisa: $190, 6-15 days, 183 countries, full visa.
How long is my Mozambique eTA valid versus how long can I stay?
Your Mozambique eTA is valid for approximately 60 days from the date of issue. Once you enter Mozambique, the maximum stay is 30 days.
Do children need separate eTA or eVisa applications for Mozambique?
Yes, each traveler, including minors under 18, needs their own application linked to their own passport. Children traveling with one parent or a non-parent guardian require a notarized parental consent letter in Portuguese and a birth certificate.
Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days on a Mozambique eTA?
Yes. Apply for a 30-day extension at a local immigration office. Annual cap: 90 days per calendar year. Extensions are discretionary and not guaranteed.
What happens if my Mozambique eVisa or eTA application is rejected?
Rejection requires a new application with full fee; no appeal. Common rejection causes: blurry passport scan, photo >5 MB, expired documents. You have 5 calendar days from the rejection email to correct flagged documents.
Do I need a Mozambique visa to transit through Maputo Airport?
If you stay in the international zone for a same-day connection, no authorization is needed. If you clear immigration, you need a Mozambique eTA minimum. A transit eVisa is also available for multi-day layovers, costing $69, single entry, up to 60 days.
Are there any COVID-19 entry requirements for Mozambique in 2026?
As of August 2026, Mozambique has no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry.
Does the Mozambique eTA or eVisa work at land border crossings?
Yes, both the Mozambique eTA and Mozambique eVisa are accepted at major land border posts like Ressano Garcia, Forbes, and Mchinji. You must carry printed copies of your approval because internet connectivity at border posts is often unreliable.
Published: 18 August 2026. Last updated: 18 August 2026. Disclaimer: This is an independent informational guide. We are not affiliated with VFS Global, Serviço Nacional de Migração, or any government entity. Always verify requirements at evisa.gov.mz before traveling.