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Is Mozambique Safe to Visit in 2026?

Very High Risk

Very High Risk. Beautiful beaches in south. Northern insurgency. Check advisories carefully. Maputo manageable. Warnely's safety assessment for Mozambique is Very High Risk (59/100).

59 / 100
Very High Risk
Reviewed Apr 2026 · how we score

What Warnely Is Tracking

Real-time incidents pulled from the Warnely pipeline. The dashboard renders a richer feed.

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Official Travel Advisories

UK FCDO

See travel advice

Check current advice.

View full advisory →

US State Department

Check current level

Check current advisory.

View full advisory →

Risk Breakdown

This is the static baseline rating across six dimensions. The Warnely dashboard adds a live 30-day signal alongside.

Crime3/5

Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.

Natural Disasters2/5

Check local conditions.

Health2/5

Consult travel clinic before departure.

Terrorism3/5

Check current advisories.

Civil Unrest3/5

Monitor local situation.

Infrastructure3/5

Check transport options.

Quick Facts

Plug typeC/F/M
Voltage220V/50Hz
Time zoneUTC+2
Driving sideLeft
Tap waterUnsafe

Visa & Entry

TypeVisa on arrival
Length30 days
Cost$50

VOA $50 at airports + main land borders for most Western. eVisa option. Yellow fever certificate required.

Verify on IATA Travel Centre →

Summary: Visa on arrival or e-visa.

Passport: Valid 6+ months.

Customs: Yellow fever certificate from risk areas.

Prohibited: Drones require permit. Drug laws strict. Photography of government/military.

Practical Tips

  • Cabo Delgado (north) has ongoing Islamist insurgency – DO NOT travel to Palma, Mocímboa da Praia
  • Bazaruto Archipelago and Pemba-area islands (outside Cabo Delgado insurgency zone) stunning
  • Maputo has colonial Portuguese charm – Tofo for budget diving
  • Malaria throughout – prophylaxis advised
  • Portuguese official

Common Scams & Practical Risks

  • ATM skimming: Use ATMs inside banks. Shield your PIN.
  • Smash and grab: Keep valuables hidden in vehicles. Windows up at traffic lights.

Solo & Women’s Safety

Solo Travellers

Safari lodges safe. Cities require caution after dark.

Women’s Safety Exercise Caution

Tourist areas and lodges safe. Avoid walking alone at night in cities.

LGBTQ+ Travellers

Legal statusLegal, no recognition
Social climateConservative

Decriminalised 2015; no recognition. Maputo tiny scene; PDA inadvisable.

Verify current law on Equaldex →

Drug Laws

SeveritySevere (long sentences)
CannabisSevere penalties

Possession criminal. Strict.

Verify on UK FCDO →

Emergency Numbers

police
119
ambulance
117
fire
198
tourist
112
Data version v2 · Reviewed Apr 2026 · methodology · Found something out of date? Tell us.

Common questions about Mozambique

Is Mozambique safe for tourists in 2026?

Beautiful beaches in south. Northern insurgency. Check advisories carefully. Maputo manageable. Warnely's overall safety assessment for Mozambique is Very High Risk (59/100), very high risk. Always check the latest UK FCDO and US State Department advisories before booking.

What's the crime risk in Mozambique?

Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment. Crime category score: 3/5 (high).

Are there health risks travelling to Mozambique?

Consult travel clinic before departure. Health category score: 2/5. Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure for recommended vaccinations.

Is Mozambique safe for solo female travellers?

Exercise Caution. Tourist areas and lodges safe. Avoid walking alone at night in cities.

When is the best time to visit Mozambique?

Dry Season (May-Oct). Pleasant (18-28°C), diving at Bazaruto/Quirimbas, beach time.

What are the drug laws in Mozambique?

Drug penalties: Severe (long sentences). Cannabis: Severe penalties. Possession criminal. Strict.

Do I need a visa to visit Mozambique?

Visa on arrival. Stay length: 30 days. VOA $50 at airports + main land borders for most Western. eVisa option. Yellow fever certificate required.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Mozambique?

Tap water in Mozambique is not safe to drink – use bottled or filtered water. Most travellers should stick to bottled or filtered water for cooking, drinking and ice.

What do governments say about travel to Mozambique?

UK FCDO: See travel advice. US State Dept: Check current level. Read the full advisories on the relevant government sites – links are inside the Official Travel Advisories section above.