In 2026, the Mozambique visa for South Africans is not required for short tourist or business visits. Under the SADC visa exemption agreement, ordinary passport holders enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Diplomatic and service passport holders receive 90 days of visa-free access.
Stays over 30 days or non-tourist/business purposes require a Mozambique eVisa. Apply at evisa.gov.mz in three steps: submit the online form, pay the fee, and download the PDF to present at boarding and arrival. Alternatively, South Africans can apply through the Mozambique Embassy in Washington, D.C., where fees range from $220 to $310.
The Mozambique eTA applies to visa-exempt nationals, including South Africans, for 30-day tourist or business stays. Passport must be valid for 6+ months beyond entry with 2-3 blank pages. A yellow fever certificate is required only for travelers from endemic countries.
Visa Exemption & eTA vs eVisa for South Africans
Under the SADC agreement, ordinary South African passport holders enter Mozambique visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or business. Diplomatic and service passport holders receive 90 days.
SADC Visa Exemption Rules
| Country | Passport Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | All types | 90 Days |
| Tanzania | All types | 90 Days |
| Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Eswatini, Zambia, Zimbabwe | All types | 30 Days |
| South Africa (Ordinary) | Ordinary | 30 Days |
| South Africa (Diplomatic/Service) | Diplomatic/Service | 90 Days |
Visa on Arrival vs. Visa-Free Entry
South Africans qualify for visa-free entry, not visa on arrival. Visa on arrival is available at Mozambique borders and airports for non-exempt nationalities. South Africans simply present their passport at the port of entry with no fee or formalities.
SADC Resident Permits – What About Non-Citizens?
Non-citizen South African residents do not benefit from the SADC visa exemption. Only passport holders (citizens) of SADC member states qualify for visa-free entry to Mozambique.
Mozambique vs. South Africa – Reverse Visa Rules
Mozambican passport holders enter South Africa visa-free for up to 30 days. Their passport must be valid for at least one month beyond the intended stay.
eTA vs eVisa Comparison
| Feature | eTA | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 30 days | Up to 90 days |
| Purpose | Tourist / Business | All visa types |
| Eligibility | Visa-exempt countries | All nationalities |
| Processing | Not publicly listed | 3-10 business days (embassy) |
| Fee | Not publicly listed | $220-$310 (embassy) |
| Where to Apply | evisa.gov.mz | evisa.gov.mz or embassy |
Passport Requirements & eVisa Application Process
A South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date, with 2-3 blank pages for immigration stamps. The eVisa application is completed through the eVisa portal in three steps:
- Apply Online – fill out the application, provide details, and upload documents (max 5 MB per file). The form is available in Portuguese and English.
- Pay the Fee – complete secure payment on the platform. Accepted payment methods are not publicly listed at the time of writing.
- Download & Print – check email for the preliminary eVisa, download the PDF, print it, and present it at boarding and arrival in Mozambique.
Dual Nationality – Which Passport Should You Use?
Dual nationals must use the passport they will travel with throughout the entire journey, as confirmed by evisa.gov.mz.
Traveling with Children to Mozambique
Children under 18 need a parental travel consent letter and birth certificate. South African children remain subject to SA parental consent requirements. Foreign children transiting through South Africa no longer need consent if traveling with one parent, effective since June 2015.
Required Documents for eVisa
- Passport scan (photo page)
- Passport-format photograph
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation)
- Return flight itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Business travelers: invitation letter
- Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from endemic countries)
Max file size: 5 MB per document.
Visa Application via Mozambique Embassy in the USA
South Africans applying via the Embassy of the Republic of Mozambique in Washington, D.C. must pay by money order in US dollars payable to “Embassy of Mozambique.” Fees are non-refundable, and the visa must be used within 60 days from issuance. Include a self-addressed, pre-paid return envelope with tracking (FedEx preferred). Document recognition services: $180 (normal, 10 days) or $250 (urgent, 3 days).
Address: 1525 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036 | Phone: 202-293-7146 ext. 230 | Email: visa.usa@embamoc.gov.mz | Drop-off: Mon-Fri 09:00-13:00 | Pick-up: Mon-Fri 11:30-13:00
Visa Fees, Processing Times & Types for 2026
Embassy visas range from $220 to $310 with 3 to 10 business days processing, while eVisa portal fees remain not publicly available at the time of writing. A 2025 source (ibn.co.za) cited tourist and business visas at USD 50 to 100. Mozambique offers tourist visas (max 90 days), business visas (max 90 days), and investment visas requiring a minimum of US$500,000 with two-year validity.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Max Duration | Embassy Fee (Normal) | Embassy Fee (Expedited) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Tourism, holiday | 90 days | $220 (single entry, 10 business days) | $280 (single entry, 3 business days) |
| Business | Business, meetings, conferences | 90 days | $240 (multiple entry, 10 business days) | $310 (multiple entry, 3 business days) |
| Investment | Invest in a project | 2 years (renewable) | Min. investment US$500,000; IPC approval required | |
Investment Visa – Detailed Requirements
The Mozambique investment visa requires a minimum of US$500,000, approval from the Investment Promotion Centre (IPC), and grants two-year validity, renewable in two-year periods.
Work Permits & Foreign Employment Quotas
Short-term work permits allow 180 days per calendar year for mining, oil and gas, or 90 days for other sectors, renewable twice for 30 days each. Long-term permits: up to two years, renewable. Foreign employment quotas: 10% (small companies), 8% (medium), 5% (large). Long-term residents must obtain a DIRE (Documento de Identificação e Residência para Estrangeiros).
Consular Services for South Africans in Maputo
The Mozambique visa section in Maputo assists South African citizens. Phone: +258 21 243 000. Emergency line for SA citizens only: +258 84 304 4600. Hours: 08H30-12H30 daily, no Friday submissions. Turnaround: 5-10 working days.
Health, Border Crossings & Overstay Rules
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from endemic countries. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended, as Mozambique has a hot, tropical climate with a rainy season from October to March (ibn.co.za, 2025). COVID-19 entry policies for 2026 are not publicly listed at the time of writing. Travel insurance is recommended.
South Africans crossing at Ressano Garcia (Mozambique) / Lebombo (South Africa) must adhere to the same 30-day visa-free rules that apply at airports. The Mozambique Sea Rescue Association (84 10 111) operates in the Inhambane area for coastal travelers.
Extending Your Visa & Overstay Penalties
Short-term work permits can be renewed twice for 30 days each (maximum 90 days total) at a local immigration office. Tourist visa extensions must be arranged before the current visa expires. No grace period exists after expiry; overstaying can result in fines, detention, or deportation. South African citizens who overstay may face bans on future entry to Mozambique.
FAQ: Mozambique Visa for South Africans
Can South Africans enter Mozambique without a visa in 2026?
Yes. South African ordinary passport holders enter Mozambique visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or business under the SADC exemption. Diplomatic and service passport holders receive 90 days. Longer stays require a Mozambique eVisa or embassy visa.
How much does a Mozambique eVisa cost for South African citizens?
The eVisa portal at evisa.gov.mz does not publicly list fees. For comparison, the Mozambique Embassy in Washington, D.C. charges $220-$310. A 2025 source (ibn.co.za) cited tourist and business visas at USD 50-100.
What documents do I need to apply for a Mozambique eVisa from South Africa?
Required documents: passport scan, passport-format photo, proof of accommodation, return flight itinerary, proof of sufficient funds, and for business travelers, an invitation letter. Max file size: 5 MB. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries.
Is there a visa on arrival option for South Africans going to Mozambique?
South Africans do not need a visa on arrival because they qualify for visa-free entry under the SADC agreement for up to 30 days. Visa on arrival is available at Mozambique borders for non-exempt nationalities only.
How long does it take to get a Mozambique eVisa processed?
The eVisa portal does not publish processing times. For comparison, embassy visa processing takes 10 business days for normal service and 3 business days for expedited service. Apply well in advance of your Mozambique trip.
What is the difference between an eTA and an eVisa for Mozambique?
The Mozambique eTA applies to visa-exempt nationals, including South Africans, for 30-day tourist or business stays. The eVisa is required for stays exceeding 30 days, non-tourism purposes, or nationals not eligible for the eTA exemption.
Can I extend my Mozambique tourist visa while already in the country?
Tourist visa extensions must be arranged at a local immigration office inside Mozambique before the current visa expires. Short-term work permits can be renewed twice for 30 days each, totaling a maximum of 90 days per calendar year.
What happens if I overstay my Mozambique visa?
Mozambique does not publish an overstay penalty schedule or grace period. Consequences can include fines, detention, and deportation. South African citizens who overstay may face bans on future entry to Mozambique. Apply for an extension before expiry.
Last updated: February 2026. Sources: evisa.gov.mz, usa.embamoc.gov.mz, ibn.co.za (2025), dirco1. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa rules may change without notice. Always verify current requirements with the eVisa portal or the nearest Mozambique embassy before traveling.