United States entry requirements for Mozambique passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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 the United States. There is no visa waiver or ESTA option for Mozambique. You must apply for a nonimmigrant visa (typically B-1/B-2) at the U.S. embassy in Maputo before traveling. Processing can take several weeks, so plan well ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a US visa before travel. Apply at the US Department of State website — the process includes an online DS-160 form, a visa interview at the US embassy in Maputo, and a fee payment. Processing takes 2–4 weeks typically, but can be longer during peak seasons.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by US law, but airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your return ticket or a ticket to a third country ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your US host. Officers may ask for your address during the visa interview or at the port of entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. US immigration rarely asks for this, but it helps if questioned about your ability to support yourself. | Recommended |
Visa required for transit too
If your flight itinerary includes a layover in the United States — even if you don't leave the airport — you still need a valid U.S. visa. There is no transit exemption for Mozambican passport holders.
Start the visa process at least 3 months before travel
Between scheduling the interview, processing time, and possible delays, it's wise to begin 12 weeks before your planned departure. Last-minute applications are rarely successful.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 Form
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out the DS-160 form, upload a compliant photo (2x2 inches, white background), and submit. Print the confirmation page with the barcode.
2
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the $185 fee at a designated bank or online. Keep the payment receipt — you'll need the reference number to schedule your interview.
3
Schedule Your Interview
Use the embassy's appointment system to book a slot at the U.S. Embassy in Maputo. Wait times can be 2–6 weeks, so book early. You'll need your DS-160 confirmation number and payment receipt.
4
Attend the Interview
Arrive at the embassy with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, payment receipt, and supporting documents. Expect a brief interview — the officer will ask about your trip purpose, ties to Mozambique, and plans. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for Processing
After approval, your passport will be held for visa printing. Processing takes 3–10 business days. You'll receive instructions to collect your passport or have it couriered.
6
Travel to the U.S.
Upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry (airport, land border), present your passport with visa and your onward ticket. A CBP officer will inspect your documents and may ask questions. The visa allows up to 6 months per visit, but the officer decides the actual stay duration.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Mozambique Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (approx. 11,800 MZN)
Standard visa for tourism or business; apply at US embassy.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (approx. 11,800 MZN)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost$185 USD (approx. 11,800 MZN) + SEVIS fee
Requires acceptance at a US school; part-time work allowed.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable
ValidityUp to 6 years
Cost$190 USD (approx. 12,100 MZN) + premium processing
Requires employer sponsorship; lottery-based.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace period
$185 USD application fee + SEVIS fee ($350)
For full-time study at a US institution. Requires admission and proof of funds. Allows part-time on-campus work.
Apply work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6
$190 USD application fee + premium processing ($2,500)
For skilled workers with a job offer from a US employer. Requires bachelor's degree or equivalent. Lottery-based.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 minimum investment + fees
For investors who create at least 10 jobs in the US. Requires substantial capital and business plan.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (up to 7 years for some categories)
$185 USD application fee + SEVIS fee ($220)
For cultural exchange, internships, or research. Requires sponsorship from a designated program.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most applicants. | $185 USD (approx. 11,800 MZN) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years. | $185 USD (approx. 11,800 MZN) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (approx. 23,600 MZN) |
| Overstay finePenalties depend on duration; may affect future visas. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Mozambique passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change flights in the US, even if staying airside. Exceptions exist for certain nationalities or if holding a valid US visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Citizens of certain countries (e.g., Canada) are exempt.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
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, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile, dengue)Low risk
Rare in most tourist areas; use repellent in rural or southern regions.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Common in northeastern and upper midwestern states; check for ticks after hiking.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Generally safe food and water; risk increases with street food or undercooked items.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) by mail; no walk-in service.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for most services.
Practical information for MZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process — from DS-160 submission to passport collection — typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Interview wait times at the Maputo embassy vary seasonally; check the embassy's appointment calendar for current availability. Processing after the interview is usually 3–10 business days.
No. Most applicants aged 14–79 must appear in person at the U.S. Embassy in Maputo for an interview. Only children under 14 and applicants over 79 may qualify for an interview waiver, but this is decided case-by-case.
The non-refundable application fee is $185 (approximately 11,800 MZN at current rates). This covers the DS-160 processing and interview. There are no additional fees unless you need expedited processing or courier services.
Bring your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, one recent passport photo, and any supporting documents: employment letter, bank statements, property deeds, travel itinerary, and proof of ties to Mozambique (e.g., family certificates, business registration). The officer may ask for specific items, so bring everything you have.
The visa itself is valid for up to 10 years (multiple entries), but each visit is limited to a maximum of 6 months. The actual duration is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry — they may grant less than 6 months. Always check the I-94 record online after arrival.
Refusal is common if the officer doubts your intent to return to Mozambique. You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for refusal (e.g., stronger ties, clearer itinerary). There is no appeal process — you just submit a new DS-160 and pay the fee again.
No. Even if you're just changing planes at a U.S. airport, you must have a valid U.S. visa or be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (which Mozambique is not). There is no transit without a visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.