Moazambique

Professional Immigration Services for Mozambique Travel

If you're planning to explore Mozambique's pristine coastlines along the Indian Ocean, conduct business in Maputo's growing economic hub, or pursue educational opportunities in this emerging Southeast African nation, understanding visa requirements is your crucial first step toward a successful journey.

Navigating Mozambique's Visa Framework

Mozambique maintains a structured visa policy that welcomes international visitors while ensuring proper documentation compliance. Whether you're drawn to the country's renowned diving sites in Tofo, expanding business ventures in Beira, or participating in development projects, most travelers require advance visa planning.

Key Traveler Categories Requiring Visas:

• Tourism and leisure visitors
• Business professionals and investors
• Students and researchers
• Transit passengers

Our comprehensive guidance transforms complex immigration processes into clear, actionable strategies tailored to your specific travel objectives in this culturally rich nation where Portuguese heritage meets vibrant African traditions.

Most travelers require a visa to enter Mozambique, with limited visa-free access granted to specific countries and regions. Your nationality determines whether you can enter without prior authorization or need to obtain a visa before arrival.

Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of the following countries can enter Mozambique without a visa:

• SADC Member States: South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe (30 days)
• Other African Nations: Kenya (30 days)

Visa Required Countries

All other nationalities, including United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, European Union countries, and Asian nations, must obtain a visa before traveling to Mozambique.

Passport Requirements

Regardless of visa status, all travelers must present:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date
• Minimum of 2 blank pages for entry/exit stamps
• Return or onward travel ticket

Transit Passengers

Transit passengers remaining in the international transit area and departing within 24 hours typically do not require a visa. However, those leaving the airport or staying longer need appropriate documentation.

Verification

Always verify current requirements through the official Mozambican embassy or consulate in your country, as visa policies can change. Requirements may vary based on your specific travel purpose, including tourism, business, or diplomatic missions.

Mozambique offers various visa categories designed to accommodate different travel purposes, from short-term tourism to long-term business ventures. Understanding the specific requirements and conditions for each visa type ensures a smooth application process and compliance with immigration regulations.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Short-term tourist visas are valid for 30 days and ideal for leisure travel, family visits, and cultural exploration. Long-term tourist visas extend up to 90 days, perfect for extended holidays or multiple-destination trips within the region.

Business Visa Categories

Business visas cater to various commercial activities:

• Single-entry business visas for conferences and meetings
• Multiple-entry business visas for ongoing commercial relationships
• Investment visas for substantial business ventures

Employment and Work Visas

Work visas require employment contracts and labor authorization from Mozambican authorities. Processing typically takes 15-30 business days, with validity tied to contract duration. Temporary work visas accommodate short-term assignments and consulting projects.

Student and Academic Visas

Student visas require enrollment confirmation from recognized educational institutions. Validity aligns with academic program duration, with extension possibilities for continued studies or research activities.

Transit and Special Categories

Transit visas allow 7-day stopovers for travelers continuing to third countries. Diplomatic and official visas serve government representatives, while family reunion visas facilitate visits to Mozambican residents or citizens.

Most visa types offer both single-entry and multiple-entry options, with fees varying accordingly. Extension applications must be submitted before current visa expiration to maintain legal status.

Processing Times by Visa Type

Tourist visas typically process within 5-7 business days for standard applications, while business visas require 10-15 business days. Work permits demand extended processing of 30-45 days, and student visas generally take 15-20 business days. Peak season processing (December-February) may add 3-5 additional days to standard timeframes.

Visa Fees and Cost Structure

• Tourist visa (30 days): $50-65 USD
• Business visa (30 days): $100-120 USD
• Work permit: $200-300 USD
• Transit visa: $25-35 USD
• Expedited processing surcharge: Additional $25-50

Application Locations and Methods

Applications accepted at Mozambican embassies, consulates, and authorized visa centers worldwide. Online e-visa portal available for tourist and business categories with 72-hour processing. Payment methods include bank transfers, money orders, and cash payments at diplomatic missions.

Essential Documentation Requirements

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Recent passport photograph (35mm x 45mm)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)
• Proof of accommodation and return flights
• Bank statements showing sufficient funds

Key Processing Tips

Submit applications during off-peak months (March-November) for faster processing. Incomplete documentation causes delays of 7-14 days. Visa validity ranges from 30 days to 5 years depending on category, with extension possibilities through local immigration offices.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose, duration, and nationality. Tourist visas typically allow 30-day stays, while business visas may extend to 90 days. Consult official embassy guidelines to confirm eligibility requirements for your specific situation.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation

Gather essential documents systematically:

• Valid passport with minimum 6-month validity
• Completed application form with accurate information
• Recent passport-sized photographs meeting specifications
• Supporting documents specific to visa category
• Ensure all documents are translated into Portuguese if originally in other languages

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

Access official application portals or obtain paper forms from designated submission centers. Double-check all information for accuracy before submission, as errors frequently cause processing delays or rejections.

Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment

Book appointments through official embassy or consulate systems. Arrive punctually with organized documentation. Some locations accept walk-in submissions, but appointments guarantee service availability.

Step 5: Submit Application and Pay Fees

Pay required fees using accepted payment methods, typically cash or bank transfers. Retain receipt confirmation for tracking purposes. Fee structures vary by visa type and processing speed preferences.

Step 6: Biometric Data Collection

Provide fingerprints and digital photographs if required. This step occurs during application submission and cannot be completed separately.

Step 7: Track and Collect Your Visa

Monitor application status through official tracking systems. Standard processing takes 5-10 business days. Collect approved visas personally or through authorized representatives with proper documentation.