Practical information Mozambique

Yes, a visa is required for most European nationalities. Two options: the e-visa, which you can apply for online on the official portal before departure, or the visa on arrival at Maputo, Vilanculos, Inhambane, and Pemba international airports, valid for tourism. Budget approximately 50 USD for 30 days, payable in cash (dollars preferred). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date and have two blank pages. For arrivals by land from South Africa (Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border post), visa on arrival is also possible but queues can be lengthy. We recommend the e-visa to save time.

No vaccines are mandatory upon entry, except yellow fever if you are arriving from an endemic country (transit included). The following are strongly recommended: up-to-date DTP, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and depending on your profile, rabies and meningitis. Malaria is present year-round across the entire territory, including on the coast and in the islands: preventive treatment (Malarone or doxycycline) is advised, to be validated with your doctor or an international vaccination centre. Also remember to pack DEET-based mosquito repellent, wear long clothing in the evenings, and use a mosquito net in rural areas. Bilharzia exists in certain inland fresh waters.

Budget an average of 150 to 250 euros per day and per person excluding international flights, in mid-range comfort with an English-speaking guide and 4x4. The lodges in the Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos push the price up to 400-700 euros per night with full board. Domestic flights Maputo-Pemba or Maputo-Vilanculos cost 200-350 euros one way. A meal at a good restaurant in Maputo runs around 15-25 euros, a scuba dive 40-60 euros, a day of safari at Gorongosa about 80 euros. Plan to carry cash in meticais for markets, tips (5-10%) and small towns where ATMs are scarce.

The dry season, from May to October, remains the most favorable: mild temperatures (20-28°C on the coast), minimal rainfall, optimal visibility for diving and passable roads. July-August are the coolest months, perfect for combining a safari at Gorongosa and southern beaches. From November to March, it's austral summer, hot and humid, with a cyclonic risk between January and March, especially in the center. This period, however, concentrates the passages of whale sharks and manta rays at Tofo. April and November remain pleasant transition months. Our team adjusts the itinerary according to the chosen month, as certain northern tracks become impassable during the wet season.

The country stretches 2,700 km from north to south, making domestic flights essential to connect Maputo to Beira, Pemba or Vilanculos. LAM and Airlink operate the main cities with nearly daily connections. On the southern coast, the EN1 national road is paved and allows travel between Maputo, Inhambane and Vilanculos. Beyond that, the tracks deteriorate and a 4x4 becomes necessary, particularly for Gorongosa, Niassa Reserve or inland areas. Transfers to the islands are made by speedboat or small charter plane. We organize transportation with English-speaking drivers so you can avoid local driving.

The tourist zones in the south (Maputo, Inhambane, Tofo, Vilanculos, Bazaruto) and centre (Gorongosa, Beira) are generally safe, with standard precautions: avoid walking out at night in town, keep your documents secure, don't display valuables. Cabo Delgado province in the north has faced security tensions since 2017: certain areas remain advised against by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pemba and the south of the Quirimbas archipelago are accessible depending on how the situation evolves, which our team in Maputo monitors daily. We adapt itineraries and inform you transparently before any confirmation.