Mozambique - Health AND Travel Advice

Health Advice

Recommended Immunisations

Hepatitis A
Polio
Tetanus
Typhoid Fever
Meningococcal meningitis (especially for long stays)

Yellow Fever Yellow Fever Certificate is required for entry into Mozambique.

Malaria Malaria is endemic all year round throughout Mozambique and is chloroquine resistant, hence adequate prophylaxis is vitally important.

Bilharzia The stagnant & shallow reed areas of Lake Malawi, in particular near local towns & villages, are likely to have bilharzia. The danger of bilharzia should not stop you from swimming as long as certain precautions are taken - please consult your GP or travel clinic.

Passport & Visa

Most travellers will need a valid passport with at least 3 months of validity remaining and at least 2 blank pages for the visa is advisable.

Visas are required for all visitors and it is advisable to arrange this in advance. Visa fees vary depending on entry point used. With the introduction of the biometric system, currently enforced at Maputo (Malavane) Airport and the Komatipoort border, the cost of the visas has increased to US$82 per person. Visa fees at the Vilanculos Airport have increased to US$95 per person.

For visa applications in the UK contact the Mozambique High Commission (21 Fitzroy Square, London W1P 5HJ, phone 020 7383 3800, fax 020 7 383 3801). The visa fee if obtained from the High Commission in London is currently £40.

General Tips

Tap water in Mozambique is not recommended for the use of drinking water. Always use bottled mineral water, which is widely available, for drinking and brushing teeth. Currency is Mozambique Metical (generally abbreviated to MT or MzM) and is divided into 100 Centavos. The exchange rate is approximately US$1=MT25, £1 = MT35 and €1 = MT30. Please note that import and export of local currency is prohibited.

Credit Cards are generally not accepted in Mozambique outside of the large international chain hotels and ATMs are rarely available for cash withdrawals. There is an ATM at the Complexo Nautilus (near the casino) in Pemba, but it is frequently out of cash. VISA and MasterCard are normally only accepted in the international hotels, however be aware that there may be surcharge on credit card transactions. Note that reliance, especially away from major centres, should not be placed on credit card transactions being available.

Most hotels as well as a small number of commercial outlets offer internet access and email.

Mozambique uses 220-240V electricity but encounters frequent power cuts. Plugs and sockets vary, but frequently the three-round-pin type as in South Africa or two-round-pin European types. Many off-the-beaten track locations have no electricity and lodges here mostly have their own generators.

The Mozambique time zone is GMT+2, meaning that during the summer time period in Europe, South Africa is 2 hours ahead of the UK and 1 hour ahead of most other Western European countries.

For more general health & travel advice, packing tips and travel insurance, please check our Travel Planning section.