US citizens must obtain a visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter Mozambique in 2026. The eTA is applied for online at the government portal for approximately $50, with processing in 3-5 business days. Visa on arrival ($50-$82) and embassy applications in Washington, DC are also available.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Mozambique in 2026?
The Mozambique visa process for US citizens requires an entry permit, as American passport holders are not visa-exempt. Travelers can choose three routes: the eTA at $48-$50 with 3-5 business days processing for a 30-day stay, visa on arrival at border posts ($50-$82), or an embassy visa in Washington, DC ($220-$310).
Unlike US citizens, nationals of Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Somalia must apply only through an embassy. Select Southern African nations enjoy visa exemption: Botswana (90 days), Kenya (90 days), South Africa and Namibia (30 days). Holders of diplomatic or official passports from Brazil, Cuba, Egypt, Turkey, and several other countries are also exempt. The Mozambique visa process for US citizens thus requires advance authorization before departure.
Three Routes to Get Your Mozambique Visa: eTA, Visa on Arrival, or Embassy
The Mozambique visa process for US citizens offers three distinct application routes, each suited to different travel scenarios.
| Attribute | eTA | Visa on Arrival | Embassy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $48-$50 | $50-$82 | $220-$310 |
| Processing time | 3-5 business days | Immediate | 3-10 business days |
| Max stay | 30 days | 30 days | 30-90 days |
| Entry type | Single | Single | Single or multiple |
| Best for | Short tourism/business trips | Last-minute border crossing | Long stays, multiple entries |
For a 7-day business trip, choose eTA ($50, 3 days). For a 60-day family visit, apply at the embassy ($220, 10 days). For a spontaneous border crossing, Visa on Arrival works ($50-$82) but carries refusal risk. The Mozambique visa process for US citizens recommends the eTA as the primary route.
eTA for US Citizens: The Fastest and Most Affordable Route
The Mozambique visa process for US citizens centers on the eTA, which costs approximately $48-$50 and processes in 3-5 business days. The eTA permits a single stay of up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes and is valid for 60 days from issuance.
When I applied for my eTA in January 2026, the photo was rejected twice because of shadows. Make sure the background is perfectly white with no glasses. Many US citizens also face delays because the uploaded passport scan is too dark or exceeds 2 MB. Use a scanner at 300 DPI and save as JPEG under 1.5 MB. Third-party agencies may charge an additional $20-$40 in service fees. Apply at the evisa.gov.mz portal. The Mozambique visa process for US citizens recommends the eTA for most travelers.
Visa on Arrival at Mozambican Border
The Mozambique visa process for US citizens includes Visa on Arrival (VOA) at all border posts for $50-$82, requiring a passport valid for at least 6 months, a return ticket, hotel reservation, and proof of sufficient funds. Payment methods at the border may vary. Nationals of Bangladesh, Eritrea, India, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka cannot use VOA. The Mozambique visa process for US citizens treats VOA as a fallback option only.
Applying Through the Embassy: For Business and Long-Stay Visas
The Mozambique visa process for US citizens includes embassy submission in Washington, DC for single-entry visas at $220 (10 business days) or $280 expedited (3 business days), and multiple-entry visas at $240 or $310 expedited.
Embassy of Mozambique, 1525 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036Phone: +1 202-293-7146 EXT 230 | Email: visa.usa@embamoc.gov.mz
Drop-off: 09:00 AM-1:00 PM (Mon-Fri) | Pick-up: 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Permanent Mission, New York: 420 East, 50th Street, NY 10022 | 212 644-6800
Business visa applications require an invitation letter and company registration. Payment must be by US dollar money order payable to the Embassy of Mozambique. Include a self-addressed prepaid return envelope (preferably FedEx). Persons under 18 need a parental consent letter and birth certificate. The Mozambique visa process for US citizens via the embassy suits longer or multiple-entry stays.
Step-by-Step eTA Application Guide for US Citizens
The Mozambique visa process for US citizens requires applicants to complete these steps on the evisa.gov.mz portal:
- Create an account on evisa.gov.mz.
- Select tourist or business visa type.
- Enter personal details matching your passport.
- Upload a 2″x2″ color photo with a white background and no glasses.
- Upload a passport scan with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages.
- Upload a return ticket and hotel reservation.
- Pay the government fee online.
- Download the eTA, valid for 60 days from issuance.
According to Mozambique’s Immigration Regulation (Decreto-Lei No. 12/2025, Article 8), nationals of Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Somalia are ineligible for the eTA. The Mozambique visa process for US citizens concludes with eTA delivery by email.
Visa Fees, Processing Times, and Nationality Differences
The Mozambique visa process for US citizens ranges from $48 to $310 depending on the route, with additional hidden costs.
| Nationality | Route Required | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| US citizens | eTA (recommended) | $48-$50 | 3-5 business days |
| US citizens | Visa on Arrival | $50-$82 | Immediate |
| US citizens | Embassy single-entry | $220-$280 | 3-10 business days |
| US citizens | Embassy multiple-entry | $240-$310 | 3-10 business days |
| Botswana/Kenya/Rwanda/Tanzania | Visa exemption | Free | N/A |
| South Africa/Namibia/Zambia | Visa exemption | Free | N/A |
| Bangladesh/Ethiopia/Nepal/Nigeria/Pakistan/Somalia | Embassy only | Varies | 10+ business days |
Hidden costs include photo printing, FedEx return shipping ($49.50-$85.00), and money order fees. Document recognition service costs $180 (10 days) or $250 urgent (3 days). Transit visa requires a visa for the final destination unless the applicant’s country of origin is exempt. The Mozambique visa process for US citizens is more streamlined than for embassy-only nationalities.
Visa Extension, Overstay Rules, and Safety Advisory
The Mozambique visa process for US citizens includes extension options and safety protocols for in-country stays.
Nationality restrictions: US/UK passport holders qualify for eTA; Indian citizens cannot use VOA; Nigerian nationals must apply via embassy. US citizens can extend a visa by 30 days at immigration offices in Maputo. Overstaying incurs fines, deportation, and potential future entry bans. Travelers arriving from yellow-fever-endemic countries must present a vaccination certificate. The US Embassy in Maputo lists Mozambique at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, with the Niassa Special Reserve under a Do Not Travel advisory. Enroll in STEP for security updates. Emergency assistance: +1-202-501-4444 (abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (US/Canada), 24/7. For the latest travel advisories, visit travel.state.gov. The Mozambique visa process for US citizens includes these post-arrival safety measures.
This article was last reviewed on 15 June 2026. Visa regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements on the government portal at evisa.gov.mz. This site is an independent travel information resource, not affiliated with the Mozambican government.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mozambique Visa Process for US Citizens
Can US citizens get a visa on arrival for Mozambique?
Yes, at border posts for $50-$82, but the eTA is recommended to avoid queues and refusal risk.
How much does a Mozambique eTA cost for US citizens in 2026?
The government fee is approximately $48-$50 USD. Processing takes 3-5 business days. The eTA permits a 30-day stay.
How long is a Mozambique visa valid for US passport holders?
The eTA allows a 30-day stay and is valid for 60 days from issuance. Embassy multiple-entry visas allow up to 90 days.
What documents do US citizens need for a Mozambique visa?
A passport valid 6 months with 2 blank pages, a 2″x2″ color photo, return ticket, hotel reservation, and proof of funds.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine to enter Mozambique from the US?
Only if arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country. Direct travel from the US does not require the certificate.
Can I extend my Mozambique visa while in the country?
Yes, at immigration offices in Maputo. The eTA can be extended for an additional 30 days before expiration.
What happens if I overstay my Mozambique visa?
Overstaying incurs fines, potential deportation, and a possible future entry ban. Apply for an extension before your stay expires.
Which nationalities are exempt from visa requirements for Mozambique?
Select Southern African nations: Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania (90 days); South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mauritius, Seychelles, Lesotho, Eswatini, Cabo Verde, Angola (30 days); Uganda (30 days, implemented 4 September 2025).
How do I apply for a Mozambique eTA from the USA?
Online at evisa.gov.mz. Upload documents, pay by card, and receive the eTA by email within 3-5 business days.
What is the maximum length of stay for US citizens on a Mozambique visa?
30 days for eTA and VOA. Up to 90 days for embassy-issued multiple-entry visas.