Threat level: Medium - High
COVID-19 Situation in Mozambique
There are reported cases of the coronavirus in Mozambique. As a result of this, a state of emergency has been declared. Further to this, additional measures have been implemented, prohibiting gatherings of more than 20 people, making compulsory the use of face masks in public places and closing bars and clubs that serve alcohol. Travellers are now allowed entry to Mozambique but they must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to arriving to avoid having to quarantine for 14 days. To limit contagion, self-isolate, avoid travel unless necessary, don't gather in public places and apply good hygiene precautions. For more advice, refer to our healthcare section.
The current travel advice for Mozambique is to remain cautious as there is a general threat of terrorism that is a particular risk to western travellers. Crime rates are at a high percentage in certain areas of the country, but most visits to the country are relatively trouble-free.
Corruption is common among the Mozambique Police force. Some visitors have reported being victims of police harassment, including robbery or requests for bribes.
Travel to the Cabo Delgado province is highly recommended against following attacks carried out by armed groups with links to Islamic extremism against security forces and local residents.
For the past decade, Intelligent Protection International Limited has been providing Security and Bodyguard services in Mozambique in support of its clients business trips, vacations and safaris. If you are interested in these services, please visit our page: Bodyguard services in Mozambique.
Recent security risk events
On the 24th of March 2021, the town of Palma located in the province of Cabo Delgado came under attack by Islamic State fighters. The assault lasted 5 days and the town was seized by the islamic group. Dozens of people were killed, including foreign workers who worked on a gas project led by oil companies including Total. Thousands of people were evacuated following the attack.
On the 6th of November 2020, the village of Muatide in the Cabo Delgado Province was attacked by a terrorist group linked to ISIL who beheaded and dismembered 50 people.
On the 28th of May 2020, islamist terrorists occupied Macomia, killed 17 people and freed inmates at the Macomia prison.
On the 21th of February 2019, two road convoys belonging to Anadarko, a US gas company, came under attack in the North of Mozambique after armed terrorists from Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama islamist group blocked the road. 6 persons were injured and one was reported dead.
Since October 2017, there have been a serie of clashes between the police and armed groups in Cabo Delgado Province that have intensified in Spring 2018, killing villagers.
Maputo the capital of Mozambique has experienced a recent increase of kidnappings of Mozambican nationals and foreign travellers. Be vigilant at all times and avoid walking alone at night, particularly near beaches or offshore islands as they are not policed.
There have been a number of recent incidents of armed bandits operating between Boane and the Swaziland border crossing points of Namaacha and Goba. Be vigilant if you are travelling by road to Swaziland, you should avoid this route altogether unless absolutely necessary.
Security Risks
There has been an increase in reports of hijacking of motor vehicles, particularly hire vehicles in the Maputo region. It is advised that your car doors locked whilst driving in busy areas and do not leave valuables unattended in your vehicle.
If you are planning on leaving the main tourist destinations, you should be particularly vigilant and remain on high alert at all times as security levels are high. It is recommended that you do not travel at night as doing so can make you vulnerable and easy targets.
Petty crime often occurs in the capital city and other large urban areas. This can be avoided by taking basic security precautions and keeping important documents and valuable objects somewhere safe, preferably in a safe in your accommodation. Do not carry large sums of cash or withdraw large amounts if at all possible.
Mozambique is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, United Nations and other international organizations. Diplomatic relationships between the United States and Mozambique are good and steadily improving.
The EU, Scandinavians, Netherlands and other countries have all become important sources of development assistance in Mozambique.
It has upheld good relations with Portugal since gaining its independence from them in 1975, with Portuguese companies being one of the biggest investors in the country. In 2008, Portugal wiped Mozambique's debts to it which was thought to be nearly $400 million. The two countries are working together to try and support investments in the Mozambican energy sector.
You can drive in Mozambique with most national driving licences, including UK, EU and U.S. licences for up to 90 days. The road conditions in Mozambique are for the most part very poor, particularly outside of the main cities, and the average driving standard is also very poor.
It is advised to only travel by road outside Maputo and other major cities during daylight. The main roads in Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia have experienced armed attacks on vehicles recently. Be cautious when driving in these areas and ensure that you have the relevant vehicles documents with you at all times. The local media should also provide you with any relevant travel news.
Intelligent Protection International Limited provides companies and organisations with Commercial Travel Risk Services designed to mitigate risks of staff when they travel for business. If you are interested in these services, please see: Commercial Travel Risk Services.
Police emergency: 119
Fire emergency: 198
Medical emergency: 117
Capital: Maputo
Official languages: Portuguese
Religion: Islam and Christianity
Currency: Mozambique Metical
U.S. Embassy Maputo
Av. Kenneth Kaunda,
Maputo,
Mozambique
Telephone:+258 21 492 797
Email: maputoirc@state.gov
British High Commission Maputo
Avenida Vladmir Lenine, 310,
Maputo City,
Maputo,
P.O. Box 55,
Mozambique
Telephone: +258 21 356 000
Email: maputo.ConsularEnquiries@fco.gov.uk
All nationalities require a visa to enter Mozambique apart from citizens of the following countries: Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Swaziland, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. A visa should be attained prior to your visit to the country from a Mozambican diplomatic mission. Your passport must also be valid for a minimum of 6 months upon entry in to the country.
It is advised that visitors to the Mozambique are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. You should ensure that you have been further vaccinated against diseases such as Tetanus, which is usually administered when you are a young baby. You may also want to consider Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak that is affecting the country, it is recommended to apply good hygiene practices, maintain social distancing, avoid unnecessary contact with others. If you are coughing and have fever, it is required to quarantine yourself and only call emergency services if you have severe respiratory issues.
Although there is no direct risk of Yellow Fever in Mozambique, if you have been in a country where there is a risk of the disease, or have transited for longer than 12 hours in an at risk country, you will be required to provide a vaccination certificate. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.
Malaria precautions should be taken as malaria risk is present throughout many places in Mozambique. There is also a risk of Dengue in the country, so caution should be taken to avoid mosquito bites.
There has been an outbreak of cholera cases in Mozambique since August 2017. People travelling to affected areas should consider cholera vaccination.
It is recommended against swimming in fresh water as Schistosomiasis can be contracted via a parasite that penetrate human skin when the water is contaminated.
Medical facilities are poor outside of the main city Maputo, visitors should bear this in mind when planning visits to rural areas.
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