Mozambique
Summary
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 Islamist extremism.
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
- the districts of Ancuabe and Metuge, Palma town (we continue to advise against all travel to the surrounding district) and the Afungi peninsula in Cabo Delgado province due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism. It is possible to fly to Palma town from Maputo. We advise against travelling there by road.
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Mozambique
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Mozambique’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
ItIf 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. There was a large-scale attack on Palma in March/April 2021 in which dozens of people were killed. Since May/June 2022 there has been a series of attacks in the Ancuabe and Metuge districts of Cabo Delgado. Although there have been no recent reports of attacks in the Mecula, Mavago and Marrupa districts of Niassa Province, you should remain vigilant in these areas, as the situation may change with no prior warning. 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 is 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.
There continues to be a risk of cyclone and tropical storm weather systems for the remainder of the rainy season (November to April). These may lead to widespread damage to infrastructure as well as disruption to basic services including communications, power and water supplies.
You should monitor the National Meterological Institute (in Portuguese)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.
Update history
2024-10-21 19:36
Information on planned protests and possible disruption across Mozambique (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Safety and security’)
2024-10-20 13:34
Information on planned protests and possible disruption in Maputo on 21 October (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Safety and security’)
2024-05-28 15:33
Updated information on criminal kidnap (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-05-14 10:56
Information on a previous attack in Macomia, Cabo Delgado (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-05-10 14:32
Information on large-scale IS-Mozambique attacks early this morning, 10 May, in Macomia, Cabo Delgado (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-04-11 17:00
The FCDO now advises against all travel to Chiure district (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-02-13 13:23
Information on elections and that Mastercard is not always accepted (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-01-09 14:43
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-12-18 10:22
Information on a cholera outbreak in central and northern areas of the country (‘Summary’ and ‘Health’ pages).
2023-12-06 15:42
Information on a re-run of elections in some areas, there is the potential for protests (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-12-01 11:07
Information that Mastercard is not currently routinely accepted for purchases or withdrawals in Mozambique (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-10-27 15:24
Information on protests in various parts of the country following the municipal elections (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-10-17 10:00
Information on protests following municipal elections (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-10-10 14:28
Information on municipal elections on 11 October and the risk of protests (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-07-05 14:49
Updated information on visa exemptions (‘Entry Requirements’ page), COVID-19 Requirements and Maputo beach closure (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2023-06-22 11:46
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-03-08 16:39
Updated information on Tropical storm (Cyclone Freddy) expect to return to Mozambique 10th and 11th March 2023 (‘Summary’ page).
2023-02-28 09:34
Updated information on tropical storm Freddy that reached Mozambique 24th February 2023 (‘Summary’ page).
2023-02-21 11:20
Addition of information on tropical storm Freddy reaching Mozambique on 23rd or 24th February 2023 (‘Summary’ page).
2023-02-09 14:10
Updated information on applying for a visa through the visa e-portal (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-12-20 11:26
The FCDO continues to advise 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. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Cabo Delgado province and the districts of Memba and Erato in Nampula province (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-10-21 18:22
Updated information on the insurgency attack in Montepuez, Cabo Delgado – Mozambique (‘Summary’ page).
2022-10-20 18:33
Updated information on the insurgency attack in Montepuez in Cabo Delgado – Mozambique. On the morning of 20 October, approximately 10-20 insurgents carried out an attack in Montepuez, Cabo Delgado. The situation is now under control following the involvement of local security forces. Avoid the immediate area of the incident and follow the advice of the local authorities.
2022-10-20 11:45
Updated information that there are reports of an incident in Montepuez in Cabo Delgado – Mozambique. Avoid the immediate area of the incident and follow the advice of the local authorities. If it’s safe to do so, consider leaving the immediate area. If you’re caught up in the incident, turn any mobile phones or other devices to silent and don’t put your location on social media.
2022-09-30 16:38
Addition of information that advising against all but essential travel to the districts of Memba and Erati in Nampula province (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-09-02 16:13
Updated information on new Coronavirus Measures (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2022-07-13 16:28
Addition of information on the possibility of protests in Mozambique (‘Safety and security’ page)
2022-06-16 11:23
Changes to FCDO advice against travel. The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel Ancuabe and Metuge districts. We now advise against all but essential travel to Palma town and Afungi peninsula, having previously advised against all travel. We no longer advise against all but essential travel to Niasss province and two roads in Sofala province. (‘Summary’ and ‘Terrorism’ pages)
2022-04-25 16:08
Update to information on tropical cyclones (‘Summary’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages)
2022-04-22 12:49
Updated information on COVID-19 related entry requirements and restrictions (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-04-12 10:23
Updated information on visas (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-03-17 15:42
Updated information on Tropical cyclone Gombe (‘Summary’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages)
2022-03-10 13:32
Added information and advice on Tropical cyclone Gombe (‘Summary’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages)
2022-02-18 15:39
Update on the relaxation of Coronavirus restrictions in Mozambique (‘Coronavirus’ page)