Mozambique Entry Rules for Indians 2026: Visa, VoA or Visa-Free?
By Ananya Singh (Ananya Singh writes step-by-step first-international-trip guides for Indians — passport rules, visa cascade timing, immigration walkthroughs, and the unglamorous logistics that separate a smooth trip from a stranded one.) · Published · 10 min read
Mozambique is one of Africa's best-kept coastal secrets — pristine beaches, incredible diving, and Portuguese-influenced food that will surprise you. Indians need a visa to get in, but the process is accessible. Here's the full picture for 2026.
TL;DR — Do Indians Need a Visa for Mozambique?
Yes, Indian passport holders require a visa to enter Mozambique. As of 2026, Mozambique offers both visa on arrival at its main international airports and an e-visa option for advance applications. You're not required to visit an embassy in India first, which makes spontaneous or late-planned trips more feasible — though doing it in advance is always more comfortable.
Mozambique isn't on most Indian travellers' radar yet, which is honestly part of its charm. The Bazaruto Archipelago, Tofo Beach, and the diving around Pemba are world-class and nowhere near as crowded as East African beach circuits.
Mozambique E-Visa for Indians — Apply Online Before You Go
Mozambique's e-visa service is available through the government's online immigration portal. Indian nationals can apply by submitting the standard set of documents, paying a fee online, and receiving an approval reference to present at the border.
The e-visa fee for a single-entry tourist visa has historically been in the range of USD 60–85 for Indian nationals, but visa fees move — check the current amount on Mozambique's official immigration site or the Mozambican High Commission before you pay. Processing typically takes several working days; allow a week or more to be safe, especially during busy travel periods.
One practical note: the e-visa system's user experience and processing reliability have been variable at different points. If you hit technical issues, contact the Mozambican embassy or consulate — there's typically a diplomatic mission in South Africa (as most Mozambique-bound Indians connect through Johannesburg) and the High Commission in New Delhi handles applications too.
Visa on Arrival at Mozambique for Indian Passport Holders
VoA is available for Indian nationals at major entry points — Maputo International Airport is the main one most Indians will use, though Beira and Pemba airports also handle international arrivals for those heading to the central or northern coast.
At the VoA counter, you'll need to pay the visa fee in USD cash. Cards are sometimes accepted but not reliably so. The single-entry tourist VoA has historically cost around USD 60–85 for Indian nationals — same rough range as the e-visa, though the exact amounts can differ. Carry more USD than you think you need.
The VoA queue at Maputo can be slow, especially on weekday evenings when several regional flights land at once. If you have an onward connection or a transfer booked, build in buffer time or apply for the e-visa in advance to use the (typically faster) e-visa lane.
What Documents Do You Need at Mozambique Immigration?
Standard requirements for Indian passport holders entering Mozambique:
- Valid Indian passport — at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended return date, with blank pages for the visa stamp
- Confirmed return or onward ticket
- Hotel or accommodation booking
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate — required if you're arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic zone. Mozambique enforces this. If you're flying via Nairobi or Addis Ababa, you need the card. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
- USD cash for VoA payment (carry clean, recent notes)
- Bank statements or forex card as proof of sufficient funds — no official minimum is published, but a practical benchmark of USD 100+ per day of your stay is reasonable
- Travel insurance — healthcare in Mozambique outside Maputo is very limited; insurance is not a nice-to-have here
How Long Can Indians Stay in Mozambique on a Tourist Visa?
A standard Mozambique tourist visa grants 30 days of stay, with some versions extendable once in-country. The specifics depend on the visa type you apply for — check whether a 30-day single-entry or a longer multiple-entry option is available for Indian nationals at the time of your trip, as terms have evolved over the years.
If you're planning a longer stay — say, a month of diving and island-hopping — confirm in advance whether extension is possible through the Mozambican immigration authority (DINAMA), or plan your trip to fit within 30 days and re-enter if needed (crossing to South Africa or Tanzania and back is an option but adds cost and complexity).
Getting to Mozambique from India — Routing and Connections
There are no direct flights from India to Mozambique as of 2026. The most common routing is via Johannesburg (OR Tambo) on South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa, or Kenya Airways via Nairobi. Flying time from India to Maputo is typically 12–18 hours with a connection.
If you're heading to the northern islands (Pemba, Ibo Island) or the Quirimbas Archipelago, you'll likely need an internal flight from Maputo — factor that in when booking. Local airlines in Mozambique serve domestic routes; reliability and frequency vary, so build buffer days if you're catching an international connection home.
Remember that transiting through Kenya or Ethiopia triggers the yellow fever certificate requirement on entry into Mozambique — plan your vaccination accordingly.
Money and Practical Tips for Indians in Mozambique
Mozambique's currency is the Metical (MZN). USD is accepted at many tourist establishments, particularly lodges and safari camps, but you'll want Meticais for local restaurants, markets, and small vendors. ATMs in Maputo are generally functional; outside the capital, carry sufficient cash.
Your Indian forex card loaded in USD will work at major ATMs in Maputo and some beach resort areas — but don't rely on it in remote spots. Carry physical USD as backup. Budget upmarket beach resorts in the Bazaruto Archipelago run USD 300–600+ per person per night. Budget options at Tofo Beach or Inhambane can be found for under USD 50–100 per night for something decent.
Portuguese is the official language; English is spoken in tourist areas and by most lodge staff but less so in local markets. A few words of Portuguese go a long way in Mozambique, and people genuinely appreciate the attempt.
Check our visa tool for current entry status and use our guides on proof of accommodation and visa-free countries for Indians to plan the broader trip.
Common Pitfalls at Mozambique Immigration for Indians
A few issues that come up repeatedly:
- Missing yellow fever certificate. This is the single most preventable problem. If you're connecting through Kenya or Ethiopia, you need the physical yellow card. Get vaccinated in India at a registered centre and carry the original card.
- No confirmed accommodation. Vague plans about 'figuring it out in Maputo' won't satisfy immigration. Have at least your first night booked.
- Old or damaged USD bills. Mozambique, like most southern African countries, is picky about USD quality. Crisp, post-2013 bills only.
- Overstaying. Mozambique's immigration authority does track overstays and fines can be significant. Don't let your 30-day stamp quietly expire while you're chilling at the beach.
Before you fly, confirm current visa requirements at the official Mozambique immigration website or the Mozambican High Commission in New Delhi. Rules change without much publicity.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Mozambique in 2026?
Yes. Indian passport holders require a visa for Mozambique. The options are visa on arrival at major airports (including Maputo International) or an e-visa applied online in advance. There is no visa-free arrangement for Indian nationals as of 2026.
How much does a Mozambique visa cost for Indians?
The visa fee has historically been in the range of USD 60–85 for Indian nationals, whether applied as VoA or e-visa. This changes, so verify the current amount on the official Mozambique immigration portal or with the Mozambican High Commission before you make payment.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter Mozambique?
Yes, if you're arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country — which includes Kenya and Ethiopia (two of the most common transit hubs for India–Mozambique itineraries). Mozambique immigration checks the yellow card at the counter. Get vaccinated at an authorised centre in India at least 10 days before departure.
How long can Indians stay in Mozambique on a tourist visa?
A standard tourist visa typically grants 30 days of stay. Extensions may be possible through the Mozambican immigration authority (DINAMA) in-country, but confirm this before you travel if you're planning a longer trip. Don't assume an extension will be granted automatically.
What's the best way to get from India to Mozambique?
There are no direct flights from India to Mozambique. The most common connections are via Johannesburg on South African Airways, or via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines, or via Nairobi on Kenya Airways. Total journey time is typically 12–18 hours. For northern Mozambique (Pemba, Quirimbas), an additional internal flight from Maputo is usually needed.
Is travel insurance necessary for Mozambique?
More than for most destinations, yes. Medical facilities outside Maputo are very limited, and serious health emergencies may require medical evacuation to South Africa — which is extremely expensive without insurance. Get a policy that specifically covers medical evacuation and repatriation; cost is typically ₹2,000–₹5,000 for a week depending on coverage and insurer.