The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

• the districts of Mueda, Nangade, Palma, Mocimboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Meluco, Macomia, Quissanga and Ibo in Cabo Delgado Province, including the islands off the coast, due to attacks by groups with links to Islamic extremism.

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel:

• to the districts of Mecula, Mavago and Marrupa in Niassa province, due to attacks by groups with links to Islamic extremism.

• on the EN1 road between Inchope and the town of Gorongoza and the EN6 road between Tica and Inchope, in Sofala province. Since August 2019, there have been a number of armed attacks on vehicles on roads in the province.

If you’re planning travel to Mozambique, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Mozambique. There has been an increasing intensity of attacks in areas of Cabo Delgado province dating back to January 2019. Most recently, there was a large-scale attack on Palma in March/April 2021 in which dozens of people were killed. Since December 2021, attacks have also begun to take place in the district of Mecula in Niassa province, close to the border of Cabo Delgado province. Militants have used explosives, machetes and firearms to conduct lethal attacks, as well as burning vehicles and homes. Attacks have been carried out on the mainland and on islands off the coast, including in areas frequented by foreigners. There are reports of an increased security presence in the province, including road blocks, and there are regular clashes between militants, armed vigilante groups and Mozambican security forces. There is also a threat of kidnap in Mozambique, which is particularly acute in northern districts of Cabo Delgado province. See Terrorism

Coastal areas are at risk from tropical cyclones during the rainy season (November to April). Widespread flooding can also occur around river basins, especially the Zambezi, Licungo, Pungue, Buzi, Limpopo and Save. The rainy season (November to April) will also make roads harder to pass, and make some areas impassable.

Tropical cyclone Gombe made landfall in Nampula Province in northern Mozambique on 11 March with flooding and high winds causing wide spread damage to infrastructure in the region. Disruption to basic services has been reported including to communications, power and water supplies. There continues to be a risk of further cyclone and tropical storm weather systems for the remainder of the rainy season (November to April).

You should monitor the National Meterological Institute (in portuguese) for the latest information and follow instructions from the local authorities. See Natural disasters.

Most visits to Mozambique are trouble-free, but violent crime does occur and there have been cases of criminal kidnappings. You should take extra care. See Crime

Traffic accidents are common due to the condition of the roads, poor driving and vehicle standards. Always drive carefully and be aware of pedestrians using the roads. If you’re travelling by road make sure you have relevant documents with you at all times and monitor local media for traffic updates. See Road travel

Piracy remains a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. See Sea travel

Consular support is limited in parts of Mozambique where the FCDO has existing advice against all but essential travel (see above). If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.