Situated on the east coast of Africa, this tropical paradise is blessed with 2500 kilometres of spectacular coastline. With its idyllic beaches fringed with palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters brimming with a dazzling array of marine life, this enchanting African nation is an ideal adventure holiday destination, with an abundance of activities on offer such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and world-renowned scuba diving. Mozambique’s two major centres, Maputo and Inhambane, offer an exotic kaleidoscope of art, music and delicious local food as well as a lively nightlife scene. Spend your days immersing yourself in the fascinating local culture, marvelling at the impressive colonial architecture and interacting with the fabulously friendly local inhabitants. Those seeking a more remote getaway can head for the isolated beaches of Benguerra Island; the historic Portuguese and Muslim architecture of Mozambique Island; or the outstanding wildlife of Gorongosa National Park. However, you choose to spend your time in this exceptionally scenic destination you are likely to leave with a heavy heart and a burning desire to return time and time again.
Entry Requirements
USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland
A valid passport and 30 day visa is required to enter Mozambique
(Obtainable on arrival)
Asia, Europe & South America
A valid passport and 30 day visa is required to enter Mozambique
(Obtainable on arrival)
South Africa
A visa is not required for stays of up to 30 days
For more information, visit:
www.mozambiquehc.org.uk or www.visitmozambique.net/uk/mocambique
A 30 day visa for business or tourist purposes can be obtained on arrival. However it is strongly recommended that visitors apply for visas in advance to alleviate time delays. Visitors must have all tickets and documents necessary for return or onward journeys, as well as sufficient funds for their duration of stay. Any visitor who has been to a country where yellow fever exists must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival, or face vaccination at a cost. South Africa is not considered a yellow fever risk area.
Banking and Currency
Currency
The unit of curency in Mozambique is the Metical (M) which is divided into 100 centavos. South African Rand and US$ are also widely accepted.
Banking
Local banks have branches in cities that are generally open on weekdays from 07h45 to 12h00. ATMs are spreading across the country, but travellers cheques are difficult and expensive to exchange.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Public transport is not recommended within Mozambique, however there are reliable bus shuttles to the north and international/local planes.
There are scheduled flights into Maputo and Vilankulo. Flights are generally routed via Johannesburg in South Africa. There are a variety of smaller airstrips for smaller charter flights (to the islands, etc).
Driving is on the left in Mozambique. You need to make sure that you are carrying ID, your drivers licence, the car registration papers and your insurance details. It is also obligatory to carry a warning triangle and I would also recommend a high viz vest. The wearing of seat belts is compulsory.
The roads are generally not in good repair. Many of the main roads have an awful lot of potholes and some are very deep.
Health and Medical Information
Visitors require a yellow fever certificate if travelling from infected areas. Malaria precautions should be taken throughout the year. Consult your doctor before travelling. Untreated water should be considered unsafe to drink. If travelling to remote areas, comprehensive medical insurance is essential to ensure speedy evacuation.
Safety Notices
Local information should be sought before going off-road outside provincial capitals. In the cities, petty crime does occur so visitors are advised to be alert in public places and to keep valuables out of sight, as in most cities around the world. On the islands this is not the case. Overland travel after dark is not recommended due to the condition of some of the roads. Once again on the islands this is not applicable. For self drive guests, police checkpoints are common, although should not cause concern and many roads can become impassable in the rainy season (November to April).
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, if washed
Ice: No
Meat: Yes, if cooked thoroughly
Street food: Yes, from reputable vendors
Local cuisine:
Mozambican cuisine is a delicious blend of African, Portuguese, and Arab influences. Seafood is a staple, especially prawns, served with piri-piri sauce. Coconut, lime, and spices enrich dishes like Matapa, a stew made with cassava leaves and nuts. Corn porridge (Xima) is a common side.
Drinks: Notable local drinks include Laurentina and 2M beers, and Tipo Tinto rum.
Tipping: 10% is customary in restaurants.
Climate and Weather
The climate varies in the different regions of the country, but generally the inland areas are slightly cooler, although more humid than along the coast in the rainy season. Winter is the dry season lasting from April to September, and is the best time to visit the country. The southern parts of the country are generally drier and less tropical than the north. The rainy season coincides with the heat and humidity from October to April. Tropical cyclones can occur during this time causing flooding in coastal areas.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy season
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes, in major cities and tourist areas
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities
Cafes: Yes, in major cities
Shopping malls: Yes, in major cities
Public parks: No
Libraries: Yes, in major cities
Electricity and Plug Standards
Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. A three-point round-pin adapter plug should be brought for your electrical apliances. Such adapters are also available at the major airports.
General Guidance
Tourism
National Tourism Fund (FUTUR), Maputo: +258 21 307 323,
Empresa Nacionale de Tourismo (ENT), Maputo: +258 21 420 147
Website: www.visitmozambique.net/uk/mocambique
Mozambique Embassies
Mozambique Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also for Canada): +1 202 293 7146
Mozambique High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (020) 7383 3800
Mozambique High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 401 0300
Mozambique Embassy, Brasilia, Brazil: +55 61 3248 4222
Mozambique Embassy, Paris, France: +33 1 4764 9132
Mozambique Embassy, Berlin, Germany: +49 30 3987 6500
Foreign Embassies in Mozambique
United States Embassy, Maputo: +258 21 492 797
British High Commission, Maputo: +258 21 356 000
Canadian High Commission, Maputo: +258 21 492 623
Australian Consulate, Maputo: +258 (0)1 322 780
South African High Commission, Maputo: +258 21 491 614/0059
Irish Embassy, Maputo: +258 (0)1 491 440
New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also for Mozambique):
+27 (0)12 342 8656/7/8/9.
Brazilian Embassy, Maputo: +258 21 484 800
German Embassy, Maputo: +258 21 482 700
French Embassy, Maputo: +258 21 484 600
Russian Federation, Maputo: +258 21 417 372
