Passport holders from many countries now have a visa waiver to enter Mozambique including South Africans ordinary passport holders. Known as one of the most popular African tourist destinations, with beautiful long coastlines, wildlife parks, tropical islands, diverse cultures, rich history, Mozambique makes for a great holiday destination. So if you are a South African looking for a holiday destination, look no further than Mozambique, where they offer a Mozambique visa waiver programme for South Africans and other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries (Angola, Botswana, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe). This means South Africans and other SADC countries can visit Mozambique for tourist purposes for 30 days without a visa. This programme makes it easier to travel to Mozambique as a South African and allows you a visa-free entry for a certain period of time .
When was the visa waiver programme put into effect?
The visa waiver programme was announced by the Embassy of the Republic of Mozambique and has been in effect since the 31st of March 2023. It not only included South Africa and the SADC countries but also included 29 other countries, which are: Portugal, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Canada, China, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Spain, United States of America, Finland, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Russia, Senegal, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland and Ukraine. Though these countries need to pay a processing fee of MZN 650 upon arrival. While South Africans don’t need to.
Citizens who fall under this exception are permitted to make more than one entry within 30 days of the first entry date. This term can be extended for an extra thirty days if there is a valid reason, and the request can be made online or in person at the local immigration office.
Citizens are still required to adhere to the Republic of Mozambique’s legal formalities of entry, stay, and exit, including:
- Hold a passport with a remaining validity of at least six months.
- The citizen cannot be in a situation of prohibition to enter the Republic of Mozambique.
- Show a copy of the ticket for the return trip.
- Show a copy of your accommodation documentation.
The waiver programme also applies to Mozambican citizens who wish to travel to South Africa, as long as their stay does not exceed 30 days.
Nationals who are not eligible for the visa exemption program do require a visa. Travellers can typically purchase a 30-day, single-entry visa for MZN 3200 upon arrival, or they can purchase a multiple-entry visa. Each entry is valid for a maximum of 30 days. Visas must be used within three months of the date of release, not the date of arrival in Mozambique. When you enter the border, make sure you have a copy of your travel voucher and flight schedule with you in case you need to show the Mozambican authorities.
Important things to note when travelling to Mozambique as a South African
Check your passport’s expiry date
Prior to visiting Mozambique, make sure your passport is up to date. You will be denied entry if your passport does not have 6 months of validity remaining. When planning your vacation and dates of departure, make sure to check the expiry date. You should carefully plan and make sure that every aspect of your ideal vacation to Mozambique is taken care of.
Check the passport’s blank pages
Additionally, your current passport must have at least three blank pages. The purpose of these blank pages is to make room for stamps on the passport pages, allowing you to traverse borders and enter and exit Mozambique.
When is the best time to visit Mozambique as a tourist?
With sunlight, warmth, and adventure to be found in every season, Mozambique is a year-round destination. Although you can visit Mozambique at any time of year, many seasoned tourists and tour companies agree that May through October is the ideal time to go. Beach vacations, wildlife safaris, and outdoor exploration are all made possible by the often sunny, dry, and moderate weather throughout these months. Coastal winds maintain pleasant temperatures, and the ocean’s visibility is superb, making it ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling in pristine marine reserves like Tofo or Bazaruto.
Nevertheless, there are advantages to the rainy season, which lasts from December to March. Rainfall usually occurs as brief, intense tropical downpours in the late afternoon or overnight, allowing for sunny mornings for sightseeing. It’s also the most affordable and peaceful time of year to visit. Photographers and birdwatchers will love the lush vistas, particularly in central regions and national parks like Gorongosa.
The best time of year to see whales is from June to October, when humpback whales move along the coast. Inland game watching is also excellent during this time of year because animals gather close to water sources, and the dry landscape improves visibility. Mozambique’s tropical environment accommodates a variety of travel styles and seasonal highlights throughout the year, whether your goals are a relaxed vacation, cultural experience, or marine encounters.
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FAQs for Mozambique visa waiver programme for South Africans
1. Is a Mozambique visa free for South African citizens?
Yes, South African nationals can enter Mozambique for a brief visit without a visa. They do not need a visa to enter the nation for up to 30 days for business or tourism. This visa-free entry is part of an agreement between Mozambique and South Africa.
2. Do South Africans need a Yellow fever certificate when they enter Mozambique on a visa waiver programme?
No, a Yellow Fever certificate is typically not needed for South Africans visiting Mozambique, even if they are travelling without a visa. South Africa is not one of the nations where there is a risk of Yellow Fever transmission; therefore, Mozambique only requires confirmation of vaccination for visitors arriving from those nations.
3. Can I use Rands once I arrive in Mozambique?
The Metical is the currency of Mozambique. South African Rand and American Dollar are also often accepted, as well as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, and most credit cards.
4. Does the Mozambique visa waiver programme for South Africans allow for multiple entries?
South Africans can enter Mozambique without a visa for up to 30 days. This waiver allows for multiple entries per year, as long as the total stay is not longer than 30 days. If there is a valid reason, the 30-day visa waiver can be renewed for another 30 days.
