Mozambique entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
US passport holders can enter Mozambique without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This applies to tourism and business visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid only for the length of your stay in Mozambique. Airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mozambique | Immigration officers at Maputo International Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to funds. The exact amount isn't published, but having at least $500 USD equivalent is a safe bet. | Recommended |
Passport Validity is Critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Mozambique. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding even if you have a ticket.
No Visa Needed for 30 Days
US citizens can stay up to 30 days without a visa for tourism or business. This is a straightforward entry — just show your passport and return ticket. No application or fee required.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare Documents Before Travel
Print or save digital copies of your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Have them easily accessible on your phone or in a folder.
2
Arrive at Mozambique Immigration
At Maputo International Airport (MPM) or other entry points, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in for up to 30 days.
3
Receive Entry Stamp
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and allowed stay. Verify the stamp says 30 days or less. Keep the stamp visible in your passport.
4
Exit Mozambique
Before your 30 days expire, leave the country. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans. If you need more time, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office in Maputo before your stay ends.
Download Mozambique Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (varies by embassy)
For longer stays; apply at Mozambican embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$80 USD
Requires invitation letter from Mozambican company.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (plus processing fees)
For US citizens with a job offer in Mozambique. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in a recognized Mozambican educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For US citizens investing a minimum amount (typically $50,000+) in a Mozambican business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not available for visa-free entry; must leave and re-enter. | Varies |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced but exact rates are not publicly listed; avoid overstaying. | Varies |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Mozambique
No transit visa needed
US citizens transiting through Mozambique airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa may be required.
Transit hubsMaputo International Airport (MPM) · Beira Airport (BEW) · Nampula Airport (APL)
Health & vaccines for Mozambique
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban areas.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Maputo
Serviço Nacional de Migração (SENAMI) - Maputo
Av. 24 de Julho, Maputo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Beira
SENAMI - Beira
Av. Eduardo Mondlane, Beira
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for central Mozambique.
Practical information for US travellers
Country basics
CapitalMaputo
LanguagePortuguese
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyMozambican metical (MZN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 63.67 MZN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,F,MTypes C (Europlug), F (Schuko), and M (South African type)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave before 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a proper visa before travel or leave and re-enter.
Overstaying can result in fines (around 500-1000 MZN per day) and potential difficulties when leaving. In serious cases, it could affect future visa applications. Always leave on time.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. US citizens traveling directly from the US do not need it. Check current health requirements before travel.
Yes, you can enter by land at official border crossings like Ressano Garcia (from South Africa) or others. The same visa-free rules apply — 30 days. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for US citizens. Just show up with your passport and documents.
The local currency is the Mozambican metical (MZN). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are available in cities. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants.
If you are transiting through Mozambique (e.g., changing planes at Maputo airport) and staying airside, you generally do not need a visa. But if you need to leave the airport, you'll need the visa-free entry or a visa. Confirm with your airline.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.