23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 198.
Call 117 or go to a hospital.
Call 119 or visit the nearest police station.
Do not travel to Mozambique.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Do not travel to Cabo Delgado.
Do not travel to Cabo Delgado due to the threat of terrorism, and ongoing clashes between armed groups and security forces.
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat in Mozambique. Terrorists are likely to target westerners and western interests, particularly in Cabo Delgado province, including in towns and other areas where foreign companies operate and where expatriate staff reside.
The insurgency poses an extreme threat in Cabo Delgado and attacks are highly likely to continue and to intensify.
In July 2020, ISIL (Daesh) issued a warning, via its digital newspaper, that its fighters would start attacking Western gas interests in Mozambique 'sooner or later', and also warned it could conduct attacks in South Africa because of South Africa's involvement in anti-ISIL operations in Mozambique.
An attack could happen anywhere and any time.
To reduce your risks:
If there's a terrorist attack:
Don't gather in groups after an attack. This also applies if you're evacuated from a building for security reasons, such as a bomb threat.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Since October 2017, violent clashes between armed groups linked to Islamist extremism and security forces have been occurring in Cabo Delgado province.
Raids on towns and villages, roadside ambushes and other attacks are occurring. There's an increased presence of security forces in the province, and clashes between security forces and insurgents are frequent.
Do not travel to Cabo Delgado. If, despite our advice, you decide to travel to Cabo Delgado province, to protect yourself from possible attacks:
Attacks continue to occur in the districts of:
Militants have used machetes and firearms to conduct lethal attacks, as well as destroying vehicles, buildings and infrastructure. It is possible that violence could spill over into other districts. In late March 2020, insurgents attacked and seized several towns, including Mocimboa da Praia and Quissanga, before withdrawing.
A ceasefire is in place in Sofala province, but sporadic violence continues to occur. This includes on the EN1 road between Inchope and Gorongoza and the EN6 road between Tica and Inchope.
Demonstrations can occur with little warning. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
During periods of unrest:
More information:
There's a threat of kidnapping in Mozambique. Groups with links to Islamic extremism are present, particularly in Cabo Delgado province.
Since 2017, several foreigners have been kidnapped by armed groups for ransom.
Kidnappings have occurred in Maputo and Beira. Most victims are locals but foreigners, including Australians, are targets.
If despite our advice you decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
Violent attacks, including sexual assaults, can occur at any time of day.
Criminal activity increases at night and during holiday periods.
Petty crime is common and includes:
Criminals may target travellers.
Armed robbery and break-ins are common in Maputo and other towns. Gangs of armed robbers have attacked restaurants and cafes after dark.
Carjacking is also common. Be extra careful:
Serious assaults and robberies have occurred at 2 coastal resorts in Inhambane province.
To protect yourself from crime:
To avoid being carjacked or assaulted in your car, always keep your windows up and doors locked, even when moving.
If you're a victim of violent crime, including sexual assault, get medical assistance. The risk of HIV/AIDS infection is high.
Mozambique experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
If a natural disaster occurs:
The rainy season is from November to April.
Flooding occurs on low ground:
Flash floods and mudslides can block roads.
Cyclones may occur in coastal areas from November to May. The direction and strength of cyclones can change with little warning.
If there's a cyclone or severe storm:
If a cyclone or severe storm is approaching:
More information:
Mozambique experiences earthquakes.
Ask about the earthquake safety measures wherever you stay, including hotels and public and private buildings.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Mozambique. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Mozambique.
For information on Mozambique’s COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the government’s vaccine roll out website [Portuguese language only]. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Malaria occurs year-round, particularly outside Maputo.
Other common diseases spread by insects include:
To protect yourself from disease:
Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.
Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high.
Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the virus.
Other waterborne, foodborne and infectious disease risks include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.
Get medical help if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Medical facilities are limited.
Costs are generally lower than in Australia. You'll need to pay upfront for treatment, even if you have travel insurance.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include prison sentences.
More information:
By law, you must always carry ID with you, such as:
You must have permission from the Ministry of Information to photograph:
It's illegal to export or import the local currency, Meticais.
You must have a licence to purchase or trade endangered wildlife products, such as ivory and rhino horn.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
More information:
Same-sex relationships are legal, but there are local sensitivities. Avoid public displays of affection.
More information:
Visitor visas
You'll need a visa to enter Mozambique. You cannot obtain a visa on arrival at present.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Mozambique has declared a state of calamity for COVID-19. There's a curfew in place; follow the advice of local authorities.
If despite our advice, you travel to Mozambique you’ll need proof of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) taken in the 72 hours before you arrive, children under 11 do not require testing. If you don't present a negative test, or if you test positive, you'll be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. If you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 you will also need to self-quarantine.
While Mozambique has opened its borders, international commercial flights to and from Mozambique will remain limited for some time. Contact your travel provider directly for the latest advice. To enter Mozambique, you need to hold a tourist visa, working visa, temporary residence visas or identification document and foreign residence (DIRE). You don't need to request authorization to exit Mozambique.
Be aware, our ability to provide consular assistance may be limited due to the state of calamity.
More information:
You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Mozambique if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever.
More information:
If you're travelling through South Africa, check our South Africa travel advice for COVID-19 related restrictions. You may also need:
South Africa doesn't accept provisional travel documents. Other conditions may apply.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is Mozambique Metical (MZN). It's illegal to export or import MZN.
You can get MZN by exchanging:
You can only change traveller's cheques for MZN. It's difficult to change traveller's cheques outside of Maputo. You may be charged a high rate of commission.
Several ATMs in Maputo take international credit cards. You can use credit cards in most places.
Keep your card in sight at all times during transactions.
Before you travel, ask your bank if your cards will work in Mozambique.
All known minefields have been cleared. However, risks remain.
Take care travelling away from the main road networks in remote and rural areas. Be very careful in the central and southern provinces.
Stick to well-travelled roads.
To drive, you must have both:
Get your IDP before leaving Australia.
You're 6 times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Mozambique than in Australia. It's dangerous to drive at night on rural roads.
Driving hazards include:
If you plan to travel outside Maputo during the rainy season from November to April, you'll need a 4WD vehicle.
During the rainy season, road damage and floods may occur, including in:
Some pedestrians may deliberately cause accidents to extort money from you.
Checkpoints are common. Police might ask for a bribe.
If you plan to drive in Mozambique:
Stop at police signals, including at checkpoints.
More information:
Check if your insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike or similar other vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Use only registered taxis and limousines from reputable companies. Try to book them through your hotel.
Avoid public transport. It can be unreliable and unsafe.
Choose to hire a car and driver from a reputable provider.
Piracy is a threat in the Indian Ocean.
Somali pirates have attacked shipping vessels up to 1000 nautical miles (1852km) from the Somali coast. Targets include:
Read piracy reports from the International Maritime Bureau.
If you decide to travel by boat in the Indian Ocean:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Mozambique's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 198.
Call 117 or go to a hospital.
Call 119 or visit the nearest police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia has an honorary consulate in Mozambique. It provides limited consular and passport assistance.
Australian Consulate
405 Rua de Tchamba, Somerschield
Maputo, Mozambique
Telephone: +258 84 639 3226
Email: australianconsulmoz@gmail.com
For full consular or passport assistance in Mozambique please contact the Australian High Commission in South Africa.
292 Orient Street
Arcadia
Pretoria, South Africa
Phone: +27 12 423 6000
Fax: +27 12 342 8442
Email: consular.pretoria@dfat.gov.au
Website: southafrica.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission in South Africa
Twitter: @AuHCSouthAfrica
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
Follow the Australian High Commission’s website and social media for updates, and register with the High Commission at https://covid19.dfat.gov.au/citizeninformation/s/.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.