Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should not travel to Mozambique due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Mozambique due to health issues, crime, and terrorism.
Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2021 ranks Mozambique 103 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a medium state of peace.
Crime Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Maputo as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Mozambique, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
The crime emergency line in Mozambique is 112, 119, or +258 21 325 031. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
The rate of violent crime across Mozambique is comparable to that most other African countries. Assailants occasionally use forceful tactics, operate in organized groups, and carry weapons that increase the possibility of physical harm.
Foreigners are frequent victims of crime due to their perceived wealth. Most crimes against foreigners are non-violent crimes of opportunity (e.g., pickpocketing, theft of unattended possessions, vehicular break-in, bag snatching). Thieves often attempt to distract a victim by asking questions, begging for money, bumping/jostling the individual, or offering to sell items. While the victim is distracted, an accomplice may take a piece of luggage or pick the victim’s pocket or purse. Criminals frequently target people walking the streets alone, especially at night, with purses, bags, or backpacks, especially for electronics they can sell easily on the black market.
While crime statistics are not readily available, Mozambique has a high level of robbery and theft, spiking during the holiday season. One type of robbery involves several assailants who brandish weapons (e.g., knives, machetes, firearms). In most cases, victims escape unharmed after giving up their wallet or cell phone. This type of crime increases in frequency in December and January.
Crime: Areas of Concern
The “Marginal” (coastal) Road in Maputo (south of the Southern Sun hotel) is an area of increased violent criminal activity. Avoid walking along Avenida Friedrich Engels and Rua Caracol because assailants can disappear into the dense greenery alongside the road. Muggings have occurred at all hours of the day in these areas. Avoid isolated areas and walking at night, even in well-known tourist areas. Do not walk on the beach in Maputo at night. Avoid walking along roads bordered by wooded areas, where criminals may hide.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Mozambique. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Though there are no statistics released by the government to prove or dispute this, the perception is that the number of kidnapping incidents is on the rise again in Mozambique. In the early part of the last decade, kidnapping for ransom was a serious concern, particularly among persons of South Asian descent. Some kidnappings presumably go unreported, and suspicions of police involvement in some cases have proven true. In most cases, the goal of kidnappers is a ransom payment, which families frequently pay. In other cases, wealthy families have taken their children out of school and fled out of fear after receiving kidnapping threats. In some cases, bank employees may have been involved in identifying and targeting wealthy individuals.
To date, kidnappers have not targeted U.S. citizens in Mozambique. There has also been a rise in “virtual kidnapping” extortion attempts.
Drug Crime
Porous borders, endemic poverty, and proximity to South African markets make Mozambique vulnerable to organized crime. Narco-trafficking, human smuggling, and trade in illicit/endangered animal products represents a threat to stability and security in Mozambique and across the region.
Narco-trafficking is a major problem in Mozambique, a country with suspected links to international organized crime syndicates and terrorist organizations. The considerable wealth associated with the drug trade, aided by corruption and alleged involvement of some government officials, negatively impacts security.
Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information.
Terrorism Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Maputo as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Mozambique, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist. Review the latest State Department Country Report on Terrorism for Mozambique.
The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2020 ranks Mozambique 15 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as having a high impact from terrorism.
Terrorism: General Threat
In 2021, the Department of State designated ISIS-Mozambique (ISIS-M) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Since late 2017, Mozambique has experienced a steady stream of attacks in the northernmost districts of Cabo Delgado Province, between Macomia and the border with Tanzania. Since the summer of 2021, Mozambican forces aided by troops from Rwanda and the Southern Africa Development Community have made substantial progress recapturing the ten districts most at risk in Cabo Delgado: Mueda, Muidumbe, Nangade, Mocimboa da Praia, Meluco, Palma, Macomia, Ibo, Ancuabe, and Quissanga. As security forces have intensified their operations against ISIS-M, the insurgents have scattered, resulting in some small-scale attacks occurring in neighboring provinces such as Niassa. There remains a possibility that violence could spill over into other districts bordering or near Pemba.
Extremists have burned villages, raided police stations, shot and killed dozens, and beheaded villagers. Most of the victims were Mozambican, with estimates of more than 300 killed since 2017. There are reports of foreign fighters in the area as part of ISIS-M. ISIS-M has conducted attacks crossing the porous border into Tanzania. In the summer of 2019, the Islamic State Central African Province (ISCAP) began claiming responsibility for lethal attacks. ISCAP is an affiliate of ISIS, and although there is no proof of direct command or control between ISIS leadership and attackers on the ground in Cabo Delgado, there are links. The violence has attracted international attention, as the issue has compelled multinational companies to decrease their footprint in the region, delaying some operations to exploit offshore natural gas reserves.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Maputo as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
Elections/Political Stability
Maputo is firmly under the control of Frelimo, the political party that has ruled the country since its independence in 1975. Frelimo candidate Filipe Nyusi won a second five-year term as president in a nationwide election in 2019. Municipal elections will occur in 2023, with provincial and presidential elections in 2024. Past elections have seen sporadic outbreaks of violence.
Protest & Demonstration Activity
Avoid any large crowds, public gatherings, or demonstrations. These scenarios have the potential of becoming unruly, which could result in serious physical injury.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies
The National Police, the National Criminal Investigation Service, and the Rapid Intervention Unit are responsible for law enforcement and internal security. They report to the Interior Ministry, as does the Border Security Force, responsible for protecting the country’s international borders and for conducting police duties within 24 miles of borders. The State Intelligence and Security Service reports directly to the president and is responsible for intelligence operations. The Presidential Guard provides security for the president, and the Force for the Protection of High-level Individuals provides security for senior-level officials at the national and provincial levels. The Armed Defense Forces of Mozambique, consisting of the air force, army, and navy, are responsible for external security, cooperate with police on internal security, and have natural disaster and emergency response functions. The president is commander in chief of all these forces. Civilian authorities at times has not maintained control over security forces. Members of the security forces have committed some abuses.
The Mozambique Police Force (PRM) suffers from limited resources, lack of human capacity, and widespread corruption. Police are under-funded, under-staffed, poorly trained, and poorly equipped. Most PRM officers lack conventional police equipment, impeding their ability to be effective. Police response is often slow and unreliable; the quality of service declines as one moves farther from Maputo. Loose security protocols, lack of capacity, and corruption-related issues in the security services exacerbate terrorism threats.
Investigators with SERNIC, the investigative law enforcement agency of PRM, have better training and resources, but cannot keep pace with the volume of criminal activity and often face their own allegations of corruption. Cases under SERNIC jurisdiction often remain unsolved. SERNIC cases frequently require pressure and repeated inquiries to achieve progress. SERNIC, as well as PRM generally, relies heavily on paper documentation, with little use of modern computer systems, online databases, or electronically archived information.
In Maputo, police squadrons maintain geographical jurisdictions; which squadron will respond depends on your location. The best course of action for U.S. citizens is to contact the Embassy, provide your location, and ask for assistance. Local businesses may also be able to provide additional assistance in contacting police.
Police Response
Receiving police assistance can be especially difficult for foreigners for several reasons: local police stations do not have consistently working landline telephones; most police officers rely on private cell phones for communication, and these numbers are not public; police rarely understand/speak English; and the police frequently lack transportation to respond to the scene of an incident. If transportation is available, fuel often is not, especially outside of Maputo.
Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information
The emergency lines in Mozambique are 112, 119, or +258 21 325 031.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
One of the greatest threats to personal safety comes from motor vehicles. Driving is often a challenging and dangerous activity. Major cities like Maputo have paved streets that are narrow, crowded, and in constant disrepair, despite some recent road improvement projects and newer developments. The lack of streetlights, stop signs, traffic signals, sidewalks, and guardrails in many areas increases the risk of injury or death for drivers and pedestrians. Local drivers may exhibit little consideration for pedestrians, other motorists’ right-of-way, and general safe driving practices. Motorbikes or three-wheeled taxis weave in/out of traffic, will drive on any flat surface or section of the road, and rarely adhere to traffic rules. Drinking and driving is a continuing concern at all hours of the day and night.
During the rainy season (December to April), poor drainage often results in mud, deep puddles, and flooding. In addition, glare from oncoming headlights, and occasional near-zero visibility present additional challenges. Roads and bridges, especially outside Maputo, wash out frequently during the rainy season. Depending upon the destination, add several hours of travel time to an overland trip. During the dry season, dusty conditions can also impair visibility.
After a vehicular accident, a large crowd may gather and may become hostile and aggressive. If this happens, get away from the scene and contact local police and Embassy personnel, as you are able.
Traffic law enforcement consists of stationary traffic police on foot, typically wearing a white, short-sleeve shirt, randomly flagging down vehicles to conduct inspections or to request identification. The lack of proper documentation can lead to bribe attempts from police, trips to the police station, and in some cases, vehicle impounding.
Roads outside of Maputo are poorly illuminated and poorly maintained and can be hazardous to drive. Fuel stations and police assistance, especially outside of Maputo, are rare. The risk to drivers outside Maputo increases due to locals driving at high speeds and the presence of obstacles such as large potholes and disabled vehicles in the road. U.S. Embassy personnel may not drive outside of Maputo (or other major cities) at night.
For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety in Africa, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
The U.S. Embassy recommends avoiding using tuk-tuks, “My-Loves” (large, open-bed trucks), or “chapas” (local minibuses) as a method of transportation due to frequent, often fatal accidents. Avoid yellow and green taxis, in which passengers have reported thefts; only use registered taxis from reputable providers, preferably arranged through a hotel.
Aviation Concerns
The major international airport in Mozambique is in Maputo (MPM). As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Mozambique, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Mozambique’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.
Review OSAC’s reports, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.
Maritime Security
The United Nations reports that the Mozambique Channel is one of the main passageways for the movement of illicit goods across the continent. Some illicit goods allegedly finance armed groups operating in the northern areas of the country. Several major offshore oil and gas projects occur off the coast of Mozambique.
In May 2021, armed robbers boarded an anchored tanker. After being spotted by the crew, the robbers escaped.
Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.
Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns
Significant human rights issues include unlawful or arbitrary killings, including extrajudicial killings; forced disappearance by government security forces; harsh and life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary arrest or detention; serious abuses in an internal conflict; serious restrictions on free expression and the press, including violence, threats of violence, or unjustified arrests or prosecutions against journalists; widespread acts of official corruption; and violence against women and inadequate government efforts to investigate, prosecute, or otherwise hold perpetrators accountable.
Safety Concerns for Women Travelers
Sexual harassment remains pervasive in business, government, schools, and broadly in society. There is no legislation on sexual harassment in public places outside of schools. By law, a teacher who abuses or sexually harasses a student through orders, threats, or coercion may be fined up to 20 times the teacher’s monthly salary.
The law provides the same legal status and rights for women as for men. However, the government does not enforce the law effectively. The law does not specifically require equal pay for equal work, nor does it prohibit discrimination based on gender in hiring. The law contains provisions that limit excessive physical work or night shift requirements during pregnancy. The law contains special provisions to protect women against abuse, although these provisions are rarely enforced.
The law criminalizes rape, including spousal rape. However, authorities do not effectively enforce this law, especially in rural areas, where most rapes occur. Penalties for rape range from two to 24 years’ imprisonment, depending on the age of the victim. Domestic violence against women, particularly spousal rape and beatings, remains widespread. Abuse of a spouse or unmarried partner is punishable with one to two years in prison, or a greater penalty if conducted in conjunction with another crime.
Consider composite scores given to Mozambique by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in Mozambique, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.
Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.
Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers
Mozambique is a tolerant society. Consensual same-sex relations are legal, and public conversation regarding LGBTI+ issues is increasingly more common. There remains, however, some societal stigmatization and room for progress regarding equal treatment, such as in the registration of LGBTI+ civil society associations.
There have been no media or other reports of bias-motivated attacks on LGBTI+ persons, although discrimination in public medical facilities has been reported. Medical staff sometimes chastise LGBTI+ individuals for their LGBTI+ status when they seek treatment. Intimidation has not been not a factor in preventing incidents of abuse from being reported.
Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.
Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities
Although the government mandates access to public buildings, transportation, and government services for persons with disabilities, few buildings are accessible. Restaurants, hotels, and residential buildings have stairs at the entrance without wheelchair ramps, except for a few major hotels and retail areas. Pedestrian paths and transportation are extremely difficult for persons with disabilities. Sidewalks are not commonplace and, if they exist, are poorly maintained and dangerous to walk on at night. Pedestrian crossings are infrequent, and drivers often fail to obey traffic signals. Buses and taxis do not have special accommodations for disabled persons.
Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.
Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity
The constitution provides for the right to practice or not to practice religion freely, and prohibits discrimination based on religion. The government may suspend or restrict these and other rights may temporarily only in the event of a declaration of a state of war, siege, or emergency. The constitution prohibits political parties from using names or symbols associated with religious groups. Religious groups have the right to organize, worship, and operate schools. According to local organizations, as ISIS-M intensified attacks in Cabo Delgado Province, residents in the province who appeared to be Muslim continued to face risk of detention by police and armed forces. NGOs, news media outlets, and human rights organizations strongly criticize what they term the government’s sometimes heavy-handed response as exacerbating existing grievances among historically marginalized majority-Muslim populations.
AlbiMoz and Amor a Vida–local NGOs that advocate for persons with albinism–has documented cases in which assailants kidnapped, maimed, or killed persons with albinism. Criminals attacked them, often with the assistance of a family member, and sold their body parts to traditional healers purportedly from other countries, who, according to government officials, sought their body parts because of their alleged “magical” properties.
The government has denounced violence against persons with albinism. Courts tended to sentence those convicted of the murder and kidnapping of persons with albinism more harshly than those convicted of similar crimes that did not involve persons with albinism. The Ministry of Justice, Constitutional, and Religious Affairs has sponsored albinism awareness activities to address the developmental and human rights challenges persons with albinism–particularly women and children–face because their physical appearance exposes them to myths, exclusion, various degrees of stigmatization, and human rights abuse.
Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.
Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There is no significant anti-U.S./ anti-Western sentiment in Mozambique.
Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency
The law provides criminal penalties for conviction of corrupt acts by officials, but the government does not implement the law effectively, and officials often engage in corrupt practices with impunity. Corruption is a problem in all branches and at all levels of government.
Corruption, including extortion by police, remains widespread, and impunity remains a serious problem. Police regularly demand identification documents for alleged vehicular infractions solely to extort bribes. Public prosecutors face threats for their role in efforts to investigate and prosecute corruption. Corruption is a widespread problem in Mozambique, ranging from police extortion at traffic checkpoints to high level government graft.
There are accusations against the Mozambican armed forces of arbitrary detention and extrajudicial killings, particularly related to the conflict in Cabo Delgado.
The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Mozambique 149 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most transparent.
Communication Issues
While the constitution and law provide for freedom of expression, including for members of the press and other media, the government does not always effectively protect or respect these freedoms. Most of the press activity critical of the government or Frelimo party does not result in retaliation. However, civil society organizations and journalists have stated the government and Frelimo exert substantial pressure on independent media, and have taken retaliatory action when unspecified limits were crossed, particularly related to reporting on the conflict in Cabo Delgado Province.
The government does not restrict or disrupt access to the internet or censor online content.
Although there are no official restrictions on the ability of individuals to criticize the government or on the discussion of matters of general public interest, opposition and civil society members complain they cannot freely criticize the government without fear of reprisal. Media outlets and individual journalists regularly reported on a broad range of topics and criticized the government, the ruling party, and prominent political figures.
The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks Mozambique 108 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom in the World report rates Mozambique’s freedom of speech as partly free.
Review OSAC’s report, Lèse Majesté: Watching what you say (and type) abroad.
Health Concerns
Medical facilities are rudimentary, and most medical providers do not speak fluent English. Medications are not always available. Public and private medical facilities exist in the city of Maputo and most provincial capitals. Emergency health services are limited in Maputo and other major cities and may be unavailable elsewhere.
All health care providers require payment at the time of or before providing service. Most do not accept credit cards. Patients are responsible for all medical costs.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Mozambique, indicating that Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that temporarily disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Strongly consider COVID-19 vaccination prior to all travel.
The Yellow Fever vaccine is required if traveling from a country with risk of Yellow Fever virus transmission and greater than 9 months of age, including transit more than 12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of Yellow Fever virus transmission.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
All travelers should prepare a medical emergency kit including first aid supplies, including malaria prophylactic/treatment medications.
Some medications may not be allowed into Mozambique. Check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the medication is legal to bring into the country. Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
The quality of drinking water in Mozambique is variable and often poor and not potable, resulting in high risk of waterborne infectious diseases.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Environmental Hazards
Maputo experiences seasonally torrential rains and generally lacks the drainage infrastructure to accommodate storm water runoff. As a result, low-lying parts of Maputo and major vehicle thoroughfares experience flash floods during the rainy season (November-April). Consider using a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle for overland travel.
Cybersecurity Concerns
Mozambique’s cybersecurity capabilities are still developing. Banks and other public institutions are beginning to modernize and digitize their information.
Use dating apps with caution. The anonymity of the platforms may be used by criminals to lure victims to an unfamiliar or dangerous part of town near an ATM, where they will threaten harm unless they are given money. Scammers can also use dating apps as a pretense for baiting the victim into a prostitution scheme.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
There are numerous diplomatic missions in Mozambique with varying strategic goals and capable intelligence services. Tourists and business travelers in Mozambique should exercise due caution to ensure their safety and the safety of their belongings.
Other Security Concerns
Landmines
This country has no known issues with landmines, although there may be unexploded ordnance (UXO) stemming from the conflict in the country’s northern regions.
Import/Export Restrictions
No import taxes, aside from tariffs and VAT, are imposed, except on sugar and some luxury items. All importers must be licensed by the National Directorate of Trade, which is part of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Registration is straightforward and has not been used as a non-tariff barrier.
All importers and exporters must be licensed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Pre-shipment inspections are currently mandatory for all imports. The importation of live animals (other than domestic pets) requires veterinary certificates. Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements exist in legislation for the importation of foodstuffs and plant materials but are rarely enforced in practice. Special import permits and licenses are necessary for pharmaceuticals, firearms, munitions, and explosives.
A country-specific listing of items goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Photography
Always ask permission before taking a photograph. Do not photograph government buildings, embassies, military installations, airports, harbors, or other locations/items of a possible security or intelligence interest. This will attract attention from police and security forces, and they have the authority to confiscate cameras and images.
Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.
ID Requirements
Travelers should carry their passport containing a valid visa on their person at all times. Police regularly request to inspect identity documentation.
Critical Infrastructure Concerns
Roads may be impacted by seasonal floods.
The Mozambican postal service is slow and unreliable. Federal Express, DHL, Skynet, and UPS delivery services are available. Telephone and wireless services are reliable in major urban centers.
Mobile phone service (GSM standard) is available in all provincial capitals and many district capitals and all network operators offer 4G mobile internet services in urban areas. Tmcel and Vodacom have roaming agreements with most South African, European, and U.S. mobile operators.
OSAC Country Chapters
Maputo has an OSAC Country Chapter. Contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.
Embassy Contact Information
U.S. Embassy: Avenida Marginal nr 5467, Sommerschield, Distrito Municipal de KaMpfumo, Maputo. Tel: +258 84 095 8000. Hours: 0730 – 1730 Monday-Thursday; 0730 – 1130 Friday.
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