Mozambique entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
No 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
South African passport holders can enter Mozambique without a visa for tourism or business visits. As of 2026, you can stay up to 30 days per visit. The border process is straightforward — just ensure your documents are in order.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your South African passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Mozambique. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mozambique | Immigration officers routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. Without one, you may be refused entry or forced to buy a ticket on the spot at the airport. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers at Maputo Airport sometimes ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or a credit card in your name. Immigration may ask how you'll cover your expenses, particularly if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
Border crossing tips
At the Komatipoort/Ressano Garcia border, expect queues of 30–90 minutes on busy days. Bring a pen to fill out any forms, and keep your documents in an easily accessible folder. The border is open 24/7.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Mozambique requires 6 months of passport validity from your entry date. If your passport expires sooner, you will be refused entry — no exceptions. Check your passport well before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border or airport
Whether you fly into Maputo International Airport (MPM) or cross by land at Komatipoort/Ressano Garcia, you'll join the immigration queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp you in, and may ask about your travel plans. Answer honestly and briefly.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — make sure the dates are correct and the stamp is clear.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim (if flying) and then customs. There's no visa fee to pay, so you're free to enter Mozambique.
Download Mozambique Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost1,500 MZN (~$24 USD)
For those who want a formal visa or need to stay longer than visa-free period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost3,000 MZN (~$48 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost5,000 MZN (~$80 USD)
Requires sponsorship from a Mozambican entity or institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~5,000 MZN (~$80 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Mozambican company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~3,000 MZN (~$48 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Mozambican institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~10,000 MZN (~$160 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $250,000 USD in Mozambique. Requires business plan and approval from the investment agency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Extensions can be applied at immigration offices; subject to approval. | 1,000 MZN (~$16 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of 10,000 MZN (~$160 USD). | 500 MZN (~$8 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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 Mozambique
No transit visa needed
South African passport holders transiting through Mozambique do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsMaputo International Airport (MPM) · Beira Airport (BEW) · Nampula Airport (APL)
Health & vaccines for Mozambique
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Maputo
Serviço Nacional de Migração (SENAMI) – Maputo
Av. 24 de Julho, Maputo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Beira
Serviço Nacional de Migração – Beira
Rua do Comércio, Beira
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for central Mozambique.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalMaputo
LanguagePortuguese
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyMozambican metical (MZN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 63.64 MZN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,F,MTypes C (Europlug), F (Schuko), and M (South African type)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
South Africans can stay up to 30 days per visit. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Maputo or your nearest provincial office. Extensions are granted case by case and cost around 500–1000 MZN.
Yes, but you must apply before your 30 days expire. Go to the Serviço Nacional de Migração in Maputo (or a provincial office). You'll need your passport, a completed application form, and a fee. Extensions are typically granted for an additional 30 days.
No, Mozambique does not require yellow fever vaccination for South African travellers. However, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you may need to show a vaccination certificate.
Overstaying can result in a fine of around 1,000–2,000 MZN per day, and in serious cases, deportation. Always apply for an extension before your permit expires.
Yes, the main land border is at Komatipoort/Ressano Garcia (N4 highway). The process is the same as at the airport — no visa needed, just your passport and documents. Queues can be long on weekends and holidays.
Technically, immigration officers can ask for proof of sufficient funds, but in practice it's rarely requested for South African visitors. Still, having a credit card or some cash (rands or meticais) is a good idea.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. If leaving by land, there's no additional tax.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.