🇲🇿 Mozambique visa for Americans

Most passports get you 30 days visa-free on arrival. Others need an upfront application. Don't assume you can just show up.

Who gets in without a fight?

Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and all EU countries generally receive a 30-day visa-free entry stamp upon arrival. It's stamped directly into your passport, no fuss, no form filling before you land. This is the easiest route if your passport is from one of these blocs.

A select few nationalities, often from neighbouring African countries, also benefit from visa-free entry. However, the list can change, so always double-check if you're from an African nation not on the main Western bloc list.

Everyone else? You'll need to secure a visa before arriving. This typically means applying at a Mozambican embassy or consulate in your home country or a neighbouring one. The process can take time and requires specific documentation, so don't leave it until the last minute. Applying for a visa beforehand is the only option for these nationalities to avoid being denied entry.

How long can you actually stay, and what's the catch?

That initial 30-day visa-free stamp is just the start. If you want to stay longer, you’ll need to extend it. Extensions are usually granted for another 30 days, bringing your total potential stay to 60 days. This extension process happens at a local immigration office within Mozambique. Expect queues and potentially some paperwork.

Here's where people get tripped up: exit stamps. Make sure you get an exit stamp when you leave Mozambique, especially if you plan to re-enter soon. Some border officials can be strict about this. Also, be aware of double-entry rules if you plan on popping into Eswatini or South Africa and returning. The standard visa-free entry is typically single-entry.

Overstaying is where things get expensive. While exact fines can fluctuate and depend on the border official, expect penalties of around $100 USD per day†. This adds up fast. It's far better to get an extension or leave before your time is up. Severe overstays can lead to detention or deportation, making future entries problematic.

Can you actually work remotely on a tourist stamp?

Officially, no. Working on a tourist visa or visa-free entry is a grey area, and strictly speaking, it's not permitted. The stamp is for tourism, not for employment, even if that employment is with a company located thousands of miles away.

In practice, enforcement varies wildly. Most digital nomads I've met over the years haven't had issues working from cafes or co-working spaces in Maputo. Immigration officials are generally more concerned with overstays or people trying to conduct overt business locally. They aren't usually checking your laptop for freelance contracts. However, the risk is always there. If you're asked at the border about the purpose of your visit, stick to "tourism." If you plan a long-term stay and intend to work, investigating a proper residency or work permit is the only fully legal route, though this is complex and rarely pursued by short-term nomads.

What’s new on the visa front?

Mozambique has been slowly rolling out an eVisa system. This is a game-changer for those who need a visa beforehand. It aims to streamline the application process, allowing you to apply and pay online. The eVisa is typically for a 30-day stay and is often single-entry, similar to the on-arrival stamp for eligible nationalities.

The fees for this eVisa and for on-arrival visas can change. Currently, the on-arrival visa fee for those who require one hovers around $70-$80 USD†, and the eVisa has a similar price point, plus a processing fee. Keep an eye on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation website for the most up-to-date information on fees and the eVisa portal. They've also been expanding the types of visas available through the eVisa system, so check if your specific needs can be met online before heading to an embassy.