Last updated: 18 August 2026. Checked against SENAMI communications and Law No. 23/2022 of December 29.
Overstaying a Mozambique eVisa triggers three penalties under Law No. 23/2022 of December 29: a daily fine, deportation, and an entry ban. Penalties begin the day after your authorized stay expires, as Mozambique does not provide a grace period. Whether you hold a 90-day multiple-entry eVisa or a 30-day border-issued visa, understanding the distinction between visa validity and authorized stay is critical to preventing an immigration violation.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only. Immigration regulations may change without notice. Always verify current requirements with SENAMI (Serviço Nacional de Migração) or the Embassy of Mozambique before travel.
Exact Overstay Fine Amounts in Mozambique (2026)
A Mozambique eVisa overstay penalty accrues daily under Law No. 23/2022 of December 29, which regulates the entry and stay of foreign citizens. Mozambique does not provide an overstay grace period; fines begin the day after the authorized stay expires.
The calculation depends on your visa type: a multiple-entry eVisa permits up to 90 days, while a border-issued visa allows 30 days. Overstay is counted from the date indicated on the entry stamp, not the visa validity window.
| Overstay Duration | Fine (MZN) | Fine (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | ~320 MZN | ~$5 |
| 3 days | ~960 MZN | ~$15 |
| 7 days | ~2,240 MZN | ~$35 |
| 14 days | ~4,480 MZN | ~$70 |
| 30 days | ~9,600 MZN | ~$150 |
One unverified traveler report from the Mozambique4all Facebook group cited a total Mozambique eVisa overstay penalty of ~$1,700 paid at Maputo airport, indicating that actual costs may vary. For the full text of Law No. 23/2022, consult the Mozambique government’s eVisa portal at evisa.gov.mz.
Deportation, Payment, and Appeal: Overstay Resolution in Mozambique
SENAMI (Serviço Nacional de Migração) detects overstays at departure checkpoints, issues penalty notices, confiscates passports, and activates an entry ban of at least one year. A Mozambique eVisa overstay penalty triggers the following procedure:
- Overstay detected at departure checkpoint, land border, or immigration raid.
- Immigration officer issues a penalty notice under Law No. 23/2022.
- Passport confiscated temporarily; traveler may be held at immigration office.
- Deportation order issued; traveler placed on next available flight.
- Traveler pays fine in cash USD or MZN at airport.
- Entry ban activated in SENAMI database.
Can You Be Detained or Jailed for Overstaying?
Standard overstay is an administrative violation (fine + deportation); imprisonment of 2 to 8 years under Law No. 23/2022 applies to criminal offenses like illegal entry or trafficking, not routine Mozambique eVisa overstay. Administrative detention pending deportation is possible if caught in-country.
How to Pay Your Overstay Fine at the Airport
If your Mozambique eVisa overstay is detected at departure, pay the fine at the airport immigration desk. Cash in USD or MZN is preferred. Request and keep the receipt, as it may be required for future eVisa applications or appeals.
Voluntary Departure vs. Forced Deportation
Contact SENAMI proactively for voluntary departure, which can reduce the Mozambique eVisa overstay penalty and potentially avoid blacklisting. Prepare cash for fine payment and request all documentation. Do not wait for forced deportation.
Can You Contest or Appeal a Penalty?
Appeals are handled case-by-case through SENAMI. You may submit a written appeal within 30 days of the penalty notice. Medical emergencies or flight cancellations may serve as mitigating circumstances. U.S. citizens can seek assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Maputo at +(258) 21-49-2797.
Mozambique Overstay Blacklist: Entry Ban Duration, Checks, and Reinstatement
A Mozambique eVisa overstay triggers an automatic flag in the SENAMI immigration database and an entry ban of at least one year. Blacklist duration tiers:
- 1 to 30 days overstay: likely 1-year ban
- 30+ days overstay: possible 2 to 5-year ban
- Extended overstay with aggravating factors: potential permanent ban
How to Check If You Are Blacklisted
No online tool exists; contact SENAMI directly or the Embassy of Mozambique in Washington DC at (202) 293-7146 (visa info hours: 3 to 5 p.m.). U.S. citizens may also contact the U.S. Embassy in Maputo at +(258) 21-49-2797.
Effect on Future eVisa Applications
A prior Mozambique eVisa overstay flag may appear in the SENAMI database during future application reviews. VFS Global manages the eVisa portal at evisa.gov.mz, but SENAMI retains sovereign authority over all final visa decisions. Keep all previous fine payment receipts to prove resolution of the immigration violation. Reinstatement of an entry ban requires a formal appeal to SENAMI.
How to Avoid an Overstay: Visa Extension and Stamp Reading
Mozambique eVisa holders can avoid an overstay penalty by applying for a visa extension at a SENAMI (Serviço Nacional de Migração) office two to three weeks before expiry to add up to 30 days legally.
- Extension: File at a SENAMI office within Mozambique; maximum additional stay of 30 days; submit 2 to 3 weeks before expiry.
- Documents required: Passport with 6+ months validity and 3 blank pages, passport photos, proof of financial means (~$100 to 150 USD per day), proof of accommodation.
- Entry stamp: The stamp reads Autorizado a permanecer pelo período de [number of days]. This authorized stay period differs from eVisa validity, which is the 2-month entry window from date of issuance. Confusing the two is the most common cause of a Mozambique eVisa overstay.
- Track your eVisa: Check application status at mnzonline.vfsevisa.com.
Mozambique eVisa Overstay Penalty FAQ
How much is the Mozambique eVisa overstay fine per day in 2026?
Mozambique charges a cumulative daily fine under Law No. 23/2022; an unverified traveler report from Maputo airport cited ~$1,700 total.
Is there a grace period after my Mozambique visa expires?
No. Mozambique does not provide an overstay grace period. Penalties begin the day after your authorized stay expires. Check your entry stamp for Autorizado a permanecer to confirm your maximum allowed days.
Can you pay the Mozambique overstay fine at the airport?
Yes. Cash in USD or MZN is preferred at the departure checkpoint. Keep the receipt for future eVisa applications or appeals.
How long is the Mozambique overstay entry ban?
A short overstay of 1 to 30 days typically results in a 1-year entry ban. Extended overstays of 30+ days can lead to a 2 to 5-year ban, or potentially permanent with aggravating factors.
Can you go to jail for overstaying a Mozambique visa?
Standard overstay is an administrative violation (fine + deportation); imprisonment (2 to 8 years) applies to illegal entry, not routine Mozambique eVisa overstay. Administrative detention is possible.
How do I extend my Mozambique eVisa to avoid overstaying?
Apply at a SENAMI office at least 2 to 3 weeks before expiry for up to 30 additional days. Bring passport, photos, proof of accommodation, and financial proof of ~$100 to $150 per day.
Does a Mozambique overstay affect future eVisa applications?
Yes. A prior overstay flag may appear in the SENAMI database during future reviews. VFS Global manages the portal, but SENAMI makes final visa decisions. Keep all fine payment receipts.
What is the passport validity requirement for Mozambique?
Minimum 6 months validity from date of entry, with at least 3 blank pages for visa and entry/exit stamps. Failing to meet these requirements may result in border denial.
How do I check if I am blacklisted by Mozambique immigration?
No online tool exists; contact SENAMI directly or the Embassy of Mozambique in Washington DC at (202) 293-7146. U.S. citizens may also contact the U.S. Embassy in Maputo at +(258) 21-49-2797.
What should I do if I have already overstayed my Mozambique visa?
Contact SENAMI proactively for voluntary departure to reduce the Mozambique eVisa overstay penalty and potentially avoid blacklisting. Prepare cash in USD or MZN and request a receipt.
Can you appeal a Mozambique overstay fine?
Yes. You may submit a written appeal to SENAMI within 30 days of the penalty notice. Medical emergencies or flight cancellations may serve as mitigating circumstances. U.S. citizens can seek assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Maputo.
How do Mozambique overstay penalties compare to South Africa or Tanzania?
Mozambique imposes a daily fine plus deportation and a minimum 1-year entry ban. South Africa and Tanzania also fine per day, but ban durations and deportation triggers differ; always check local rules before regional travel.