France entry requirements for Mozambique passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Mozambican passport holders need a visa to enter France in 2026. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the French embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for tourism or business.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a short-stay Schengen visa to enter France. Apply at the French consulate or visa application center in Mozambique — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application no more than 6 months before your trip.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire Schengen stay | Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in the Schengen area — there is no 6-month rule for France. Airlines may still deny boarding if your passport expires within 3 months of your return date, so carry a buffer. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and entry | You need a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen area within your visa's validity. Immigration at Paris CDG and other French airports checks this on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a hotel reservation or a signed letter from your host in France ready. Border officers rarely ask for it, but the visa application requires it upfront. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you have at least €65 per day of your stay (or €120 per day if staying in a hotel). A recent bank statement or traveler's checks works — credit cards alone may not satisfy the officer. | Recommended |
Apply early — slots fill fast
The French embassy in Maputo has limited appointment slots. During peak travel seasons (June–August, December), you may need to book 6–8 weeks in advance. Don't wait until the last minute.
Visa-free transit? Not for Mozambicans
Even if you're just changing planes at Charles de Gaulle and staying airside, you still need an airport transit visa. Check with your airline before booking.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, flight booking, hotel reservation, travel insurance, bank statements, and employment letter. Make photocopies of everything.
2
Fill out the online application
Go to France-Visas website, create an account, complete the form, and print the final PDF. You'll get a reference number.
3
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the French embassy in Maputo through their online booking system. Slots fill up fast — book at least 3-4 weeks ahead.
4
Attend the appointment
Go to the embassy on time with all documents. You'll submit your application, pay the fee (€80 for adults), and give biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
5
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. You can track your application online. If approved, you'll collect your passport with the visa sticker.
6
Travel and present documents at border
At the airport in France, hand over your passport with the visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly and you'll be through in minutes.
Download France Entry Checklist
PDF · Mozambique Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1 year)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For tourism, family visits, or business meetings.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1 year)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes.
work visa
Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)
Up to 4 years, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For highly skilled workers, researchers, or entrepreneurs. Requires a job offer or business plan. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS étudiant)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For enrolled students in French institutions. Allows part-time work (up to 964 hours/year).
Apply retirement visa
Long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS visiteur)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient passive income (no work allowed). Requires proof of funds and health insurance.
Apply investor visa
Investor visa (Passeport Talent – Investisseur)
Up to 4 years, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution (minimum €300,000 investment). Includes family.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Long-stay visa (national D visa)For stays over 90 days, e.g., work, study, family reunification. | €99 (~$108 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen area; enforced at departure. | €30 (~$33 USD) per day, max €3,000 (~$3,270 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through France
Transit visa required
Mozambique passport holders need an airport transit visa (VAT) to transit through France, even if staying airside. Apply at the French embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Canada visa
- Holders of a valid visa for Japan, South Korea, or Singapore
Transit hubsCharles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) · Orly Airport (ORY) · Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Health & vaccines for France
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderSeasonal influenzaRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Risk in rural/forested areas, especially in eastern France. Consider vaccination if hiking.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas. Use repellent and check for ticks.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is good; risk is low for most travelers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Paris
Préfecture de Police de Paris
Place Louis Lépine, 75004 Paris
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:30
For visa extensions and residence permits; bring all original documents and copies.
Marseille
Préfecture des Bouches-du-Rhône
Place Félix Baret, 13001 Marseille
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00
Handles long-stay visa renewals and residence permits.
Practical information for MZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalParis
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended for longer stays.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C, E — US plugs (Type A/B) do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe throughout France. Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' for free tap water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to France — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from your appointment. It can take longer if more documents are requested. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 5,500 MZN). Children 6-12 pay €40. Under 6 are free. You pay at the embassy in cash or by card.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned exit date from the Schengen area. If it's close to expiring, renew it first.
Yes, for the visa application you need accommodation proof for every night. If you're staying with a friend, they must provide a signed attestation d'accueil from their town hall.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. You can appeal within 30 days at the French embassy in Maputo. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak travel history, or unclear itinerary.
Yes, but only if France is your main destination (longest stay) or first point of entry. If you're visiting multiple countries, apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most time.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Mozambican passport holders at any French airport. You must have a visa before you board your flight.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.