Published: 18 Aug 2026 | Last updated: 18 Aug 2026. Our editorial team cross-references data from the eVisa portal (evisa.gov.mz), the Mozambican Embassy in Washington, DC (usa.embamoc.gov.mz), and the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique (mz.usembassy.gov). Immigration rules can change without notice; always verify on the eVisa portal before traveling.
To enter Mozambique in 2026, U.S. citizens must present a valid passport with six months validity and two blank pages, a printed eVisa, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation at the immigration desk. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from an endemic country. Always keep your border receipt for exit.
Meeting Mozambique visa entry requirements starts with applying for the eVisa at evisa.gov.mz at least 3 to 5 business days before departure; processing takes 3 to 5 business days and fees are non-refundable. Carry a printed PDF of your eVisa pre-approval document to show at the airport.
At the border, immigration officers will verify your documents and issue an entry stamp. Declare any cash exceeding USD 5,000 or MZN 10,000. Keep the border receipt issued at entry; you must present it with the same passport when exiting Mozambique to avoid overstay fines or detention.
Passport and Visa Requirements for Mozambique Border Entry
U.S. citizens must meet Mozambique visa entry requirements with a passport valid for 6+ months from the entry date and at least 2 blank visa pages; amendment pages are excluded. Dual nationals must use the passport linked to their eVisa throughout the journey. Citizens of SADC member states such as South Africa, Botswana, and Tanzania enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days. These Mozambique visa entry requirements are enforced under Law No. 23/2022 of December 29, which regulates the entry and stay of foreign citizens.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity | Entries | Where to Obtain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa (Tourist) | Tourism, holiday, vacation | 30, 60, or 90 days; valid 60 days from issuance | Multiple-entry | Apply at evisa.gov.mz 3 to 5 business days before departure; output is a PDF you must print; fees non-refundable; track at mnzonline.vfsevisa.com |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | Tourism, business | 30 days (extendable 30 days) | Single | Apply at evisa.gov.mz at least 48 hours before departure; tax fee 48 USD; U.S. citizens eligible |
| Visa on Arrival | Tourism | 30 days | Single (standard) | Approximately 50 USD at airports and land borders; 2-entry exception for travelers crossing into Eswatini or South Africa |
| Embassy Visa (Single Entry) | Tourism, business | 30 days | Single | 220 USD normal (10 days) / 280 USD expedited (3 days) at the Mozambican Embassy in Washington, DC; fees non-refundable |
| Embassy Visa (Multiple Entry) | Tourism, business | 90 days | Multiple | 240 USD normal (10 days) / 310 USD expedited (3 days) |
| Passport | All types | 6+ months from entry | N/A | 2 blank visa pages minimum; amendment pages not accepted |
Complete Border Arrival Checklist and Immigration Process
Carry a valid passport (6+ months, 2 blank pages), printed eVisa PDF, return ticket, hotel reservation, and proof of funds (e.g., bank statements). Carry a yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country. These documents satisfy Mozambique visa entry requirements at the port of entry.
- Keep documents ready and present your passport with printed eVisa PDF to the immigration officer for inspection.
- Officer verifies documents and may ask about your purpose of visit, length of stay, or accommodation address listed on your visa application form.
- Receive an entry stamp with the date of arrival marked in your passport.
- Keep the issued border receipt; you must show it together with the same passport when exiting Mozambique.
Portuguese is the working language at border checkpoints where Mozambique visa entry requirements are verified. Declare any cash exceeding USD 5,000 or MZN 10,000 at customs if applicable.
Health, Customs, and Traveling with Children
Mozambique visa entry requirements include health and customs rules that apply at the border regardless of visa type.
- Yellow fever certificate: Required at the border if you depart from or transit through a yellow fever endemic country. A polio vaccination certificate may also be required in certain circumstances.
- Customs declaration: Declare cash exceeding USD 5,000 or MZN 10,000 (or equivalent) upon arrival. Mozambique enforces strict rules on prohibited and restricted goods.
- Minors under 18: Children need an unabridged birth certificate listing both parents. If traveling with one parent, carry a notarized parental consent affidavit (max 3 months old) and a statement of responsibility from the person with parental authority. These Mozambique visa entry requirements for minors apply at all ports of entry.
Land Borders, Denied Entry, and Exit Rules
At the Lebombo-Ressano Garcia crossing from South Africa, queues can last several hours, especially during holidays. Armed robberies near the border occur mainly after dark, and crossings can be restricted or closed at short notice. Reach your destination before nightfall.
Denied entry commonly results from failing to meet Mozambique visa entry requirements, such as an expired passport, missing visa, or insufficient funds. If denied, contact the U.S. Embassy in Maputo at +258-2135-2000 or Americans abroad at +1-202-501-4444 (available 24/7). Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) at step.state.gov to receive security updates. The Mozambican Embassy in Washington, DC can be reached at 202-293-7146:
1525 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036Immigration issues a border receipt at entry. Keep it and present it with the same passport when exiting. Overstay triggers fines or detention. The eVisa is valid for 60 days from issuance (Law No. 23/2022). These exit rules are part of Mozambique visa entry requirements that travelers must comply with throughout their stay.
Mozambique Visa Entry Requirements FAQ
Do I need a return ticket to enter Mozambique?
Yes. Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward or return travel to confirm you intend to leave before your visa expires. A confirmed return ticket is a mandatory document.
Can I get a refund if my Mozambique visa is denied?
No. All Mozambique visa fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application. You must pay the fee when applying for your eVisa or embassy visa, and the government will not return the funds if your request is denied.
I have dual nationality, which passport do I use for Mozambique?
Use the passport you booked your flights with and that is linked to your eVisa. Consistency between your booking, visa, and travel document is essential.
What law governs Mozambique’s visa policy?
Mozambique’s entry and visa policy for foreign citizens is governed by Law No. 23/2022 of December 29. This legal basis regulates the entry and stay of foreign citizens in the country.
How much cash do I need to declare at Mozambique customs?
Declare any cash exceeding MZN 10,000 or USD 5,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency or travelers cheques) upon arrival. Failing to do so violates customs rules.
Can I use the amendment pages in my passport for Mozambique stamps?
No. Mozambican immigration stamps are placed on visa pages. Amendment pages are excluded and not valid for official stamps. Your passport must have a minimum of two blank visa pages.
What is the transit visa exemption for Mozambique?
If your final destination is your country of origin or residence and you are transiting through Mozambique, you may not need a transit visa. However, if you need a visa for your final destination, you must present it.
Can I get a 2-entry visa on arrival in Mozambique?
A 2-entry visa on arrival may be issued to travelers crossing into Eswatini or South Africa from Mozambique. This is an exception to the standard single-entry visa on arrival, which typically costs around 50 USD and allows a 30-day stay.
How far in advance should I apply for my Mozambique eVisa?
Apply at least 3 to 5 business days before your trip. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days. Applying within this window ensures you receive your printed PDF pre-approval document in time.
What documents do non-US citizens living in the US need for a Mozambique embassy visa?
Non-US or non-Canada citizens living in the US or Canada must submit a copy of their permanent residence status when applying at the Mozambican Embassy in Washington, DC. The embassy accepts applications Monday to Friday, 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM for drop-off and 11:30 AM to 01:00 PM for pick-up.
What is the document recognition service fee at the Mozambican Embassy?
The document recognition service costs 180 USD for normal processing (10 days) or 250 USD for urgent processing (3 days). This applies to legalizing documents such as police clearance certificates required for work visa applications under Mozambique visa entry requirements.
How do I authenticate my police clearance for a Mozambique work visa?
A police clearance certificate and a clean bill of health, both valid for 3 months, are required for work visa applications. The police clearance must be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State Authentication Office (travel.state.gov, phone 202-485-8000, open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., closed on federal holidays) before submission to the embassy.
What is the group invitation requirement for a Mozambique business visa?
For group business visa applications, one invitation letter is required per visa application form. The invitation must come from a sponsoring company in Mozambique and include a copy of DIRE (the company’s registration document).