Mozambique FAQs

Visas
Yes, citizens of the EU, US, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong and the UAE require a visa to enter Mozambique. Visa regulations can change, so we recommend checking with your local Mozambican embassy or consulate prior to travel. While Mozambican immigration may issue single-entry visas on arrival at certain airports or border posts – particularly if there is no consulate in your departure country – this is never guaranteed. For this reason, we strongly recommend obtaining your visa before arrival. If your itinerary includes travel to other countries, please remember that you may also require visas for these destinations.

Passports
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Ensure you have sufficient blank visa pages (not endorsement pages). We recommend two consecutive blank pages, or three if travelling through multiple countries. If there is insufficient space in your passport, entry could be denied.
We will confirm certain elements of your trip such as domestic flights, permits or train tickets using your current passport details. If a member of your party changes their name in their passport after booking (for example, through marriage or adoption), this could mean having to reissue important parts of the trip at an extra cost and subject to availability.

Medical
Some countries require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry, especially if travelling from or transiting through endemic countries.

Please note that requirements can change and we recommend contacting your local Mozambique embassy in the country where you live for the most recent and up-to-date information.

Mozambique has a few specific regulations that travellers should be aware of. Plastic bags are banned nationwide, so avoid bringing them into the country. Drone use is restricted and requires prior government authorisation. It is also illegal to buy, sell or attempt to export items made from wildlife products such as ivory, shells or coral. As with all destinations, local customs and dress codes may apply in religious or traditional areas, and your guide will advise you if needed.

Yes, once your trip is confirmed it is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in case anything unexpected happens.

While Mozambique does not require travel insurance for entry, we strongly recommend securing comprehensive coverage. Private healthcare is limited outside major cities and emergency evacuation can be costly. Insurance also protects against trip disruptions, flight delays and lost luggage. If you plan on water activities, safaris or other adventure excursions, make sure your policy specifically covers these experiences.

We always recommend you choose the maximum level of coverage that you feel comfortable investing in. Read more about travel insurance for US travellers here and for travellers from other countries here.

Yes, you should visit a travel doctor before your trip, as they may recommend vaccinations or medications based on your itinerary and health history. It’s best to seek professional advice well in advance and to recheck closer to your departure, as recommendations can change.

While there is no risk of yellow fever in Mozambique itself, travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present (or if your itinerary includes such countries) must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival – otherwise, entry may be denied. It is also recommended that all travellers ensure they are up to date with routine immunisations, including tetanus-diphtheria, measles-mumps-rubella, polio and varicella, as well as hepatitis A and B and typhoid.

Malaria is prevalent throughout Mozambique, so we strongly advise bringing malaria medication and consulting your doctor about the areas you will be visiting. In addition, mosquito repellent is recommended to reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases. Other vaccinations sometimes recommended for the region include rabies and meningitis, depending on your itinerary and activities.

Land border crossings into neighbouring countries may be restricted or blocked at short notice.

Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are coming from a country where yellow fever is present, as you may need it to enter Mozambique.

If you’re visiting Mozambique for four weeks or more, you may be required to show on departure proof of polio vaccination, recorded on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). You should receive the polio vaccine between four weeks and 12 months before you depart from Mozambique. Failure to produce an ICVP may result in being vaccinated on departure.

We suggest that you check in online at least 24 hours before departure.

Packing and luggage guidelines
Strict luggage and weight restrictions are enforced on light-aircraft flights for safety and operational reasons.

Luggage allowances

• Maputo, Vilanculos and Beira regions: Maximum 20kg (44lbs) per person, including hand luggage and camera equipment.
• Pemba region: Maximum 15kg (33lbs) per person, including hand luggage and camera equipment.
• Bag type: Only soft-sided bags are permitted (no wheels or hard cases), as these must fit into the compact luggage pods of the aircraft. One soft bag per person is allowed.
• Helicopter transfers: Transfer times vary depending on your lodge, but all helicopters have a strict luggage allowance of 15kg (33lbs) per person in a soft bag.

Passenger weight
If any traveller weighs over 100kg (220lbs), please let us know in advance. Extra seat weight allowance must be purchased for safety and comfort.

Helpful notes
Most safari camps and lodges provide toiletries and daily laundry service (often complimentary in camps; hotels may charge a small fee). This makes it easier to travel light. Some airlines also enforce specific bag dimension limits; we will provide these details with your flight confirmation.

If you would like to bring extra luggage beyond these limits, please inform us in advance. We can assist with storage options in gateway cities or help arrange additional luggage allowances where available.

Travel pack
Before you head off on your adventure, you will be sent a travel pack full of great information and a beautiful keepsake. It is not necessary to travel with vouchers or confirmations on your trip, but we recommend having a printed copy of your travel itinerary to hand when you arrive in Mozambique.

Bon Voyage email
Around two weeks before you depart, we will email you an electronic version of your travel pack including your domestic flight tickets. Once you’ve received this email your travel designer will reach out to arrange a time for you to talk on the phone to go over any last-minute questions and talk you through the information we’ve sent over.

Currency
The local currency in Mozambique is the Metical, but US Dollars and South African Rand are widely accepted. We recommend bringing a small amount of cash, preferably in US Dollars, for minor purchases or tips. While there are no restrictions on bringing foreign currency into the country, the import and export of local currency is not permitted. As a guideline, plan for around 30% of daily expenses in cash and 70% by card payments.

Banking and cards
Banks in Mozambique are generally open Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 15:30. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger establishments, and ATMs are available in major towns. Travellers’ cheques are also accepted, but most travellers find credit cards more convenient for additional services during their stay.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Mozambique. As a general guide, we recommend the following:

• Hotels and resorts: USD 2–5 per day for housekeeping.
• Restaurants: A 5–10% tip is customary if service is not included.
• Guides and drivers: For private excursions, USD 20 per day per person for guides and USD 10 per day for drivers.
• Taxis: Rounding up the fare is polite.
• Spas: Around 10% of the treatment cost if not included.

Etiquette: Mozambique is a multicultural country with Portuguese, African and Islamic influences. Respectful dress is appreciated when visiting villages or religious sites. Greetings are warm, usually a handshake or friendly nod. English is widely understood in tourist areas, though Portuguese is the official language.

Mozambique has a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers from November to April, when temperatures range between 25–35°C (77–95°F). This period marks the rainy season and occasional cyclone activity, particularly between January and March. The winter months, from May to October, are warm and much drier, with temperatures averaging between 20–28°C (68–82°F).

Packing tips

• Light, breathable clothing for daytime; a light sweater or wrap for cooler evenings
• Swimwear and beachwear, plus a cover-up for communal areas
• Smart-casual attire for resort dinners
• Comfortable sandals or flip-flops and sturdy shoes if hiking or exploring
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen
• Light rain jacket or travel umbrella during the wet season
• Insect repellent for evenings outdoors

Laundry
Most hotels and resorts offer laundry service.

We only recommend taking transfers arranged by Jacada Travel, the team on the ground, your hotel or a restaurant we’ve reserved for you.

Plugs and power: Mozambique uses C and M plug types (two round pins or three round pins) with a 220V/50Hz supply. A universal adapter is recommended.

Wi-Fi and internet: Wi-Fi is common at hotels and lodges, especially in main cities and coastal resorts. Some remote lodges may have limited or patchy connectivity, often available only in common areas.

Mobile connection: 4G coverage is available in urban and coastal areas. Reception may be limited in remote safari or rural regions. Local SIM cards or eSIMs are convenient for data and calls, but international roaming also works in many areas.