Group trips to Mozambique

Find out the entry requirements for Mozambique, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Mozambique – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Mozambique is in the Central Africa Time zone, which is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2). Mozambique doesn't observe daylight saving time.

If it's 12pm in the UK, it will be 2pm in Mozambique. If it's 12pm in New York, it will be 7pm in Mozambique. Keep this in mind when planning your calls or meetings!

Mozambique uses the Mozambican Metical (MZN). The daily exchange rate can vary, but as a rough guide:

• 1 GBP is about 80 MZN
• 1 USD is about 65 MZN
• 1 EUR is about 70 MZN

You can exchange currency at banks, official exchange bureaus, and some hotels in larger cities. Always double-check rates and fees before exchanging.

Credit cards and debit cards are commonly accepted in urban areas of Mozambique, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors and rural areas where card facilities might not be available. ATMs are available in cities, allowing you to withdraw the local currency, Mozambican Metical, using your card. Always inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any card issues while abroad.

Tipping in Mozambique is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving a tip of around 5 to 10 percent of the total bill is a nice gesture if you are happy with the service. For hotel staff, porters, and guides, small tips in cash are also common and appreciated. Remember, tipping shows gratitude for good service, so feel free to tip according to the service you receive.

In Mozambique, it's a good idea to buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan, as Wi-Fi can be limited outside major cities. Local providers like Vodacom, Movitel, and Tmcel offer various plans. You can purchase SIM cards at airports, convenience stores, or mobile shops. While public Wi-Fi is available in some hotels and cafes, it might not always be reliable or fast. For a seamless connection, especially if you plan to travel outside urban areas, having your own data plan is recommended.

In Mozambique, the official language is Portuguese. However, you'll also encounter several local languages spoken throughout the country. Here are some useful Portuguese phrases you might hear or use:

• Hello - Olá
• Thank you - Obrigado (if you're male) / Obrigada (if you're female)
• Please - Por favor
• Yes - Sim
• No - Não

Being familiar with these basic expressions can help you connect with locals and make your travel experience more enjoyable.

In Mozambique, the power plugs and sockets used are types C, F, and M. The standard voltage is 220 volts, and the frequency is 50 Hz. If your devices use different plugs or voltage, we suggest bringing a universal adapter and possibly a voltage converter to ensure your electronics work properly.

In Mozambique, the main religion is Christianity, with a significant portion of the population identifying as Roman Catholic or Protestant. There is also a notable Muslim minority, primarily in the northern regions. While there aren’t specific dressing requirements for visitors, it's good to be respectful of local customs and dress modestly, especially in rural areas and places of worship. Important religious holidays in Mozambique include:

• Christmas and Easter for Christians
• Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha for Muslims

Packing for Mozambique calls for some careful planning to ensure you're prepared for the climate and activities. Here's a handy list to help you pack your backpack:

Clothing:

• Light cotton shirts
• Long-sleeve shirts
• Lightweight trousers
• Shorts
• Swimwear

Shoes:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals
• Flip-flops

Accessories and Technology:

• Sun hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Power bank
• Camera
• Universal adapter

Toiletries and Medication:

• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Basic first aid kit
• Travel-sized toiletries
• Antimalarial medication
• Pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol

Mozambique is warm year-round, but it can get quite hot, so light and breathable clothing is best. Remember to dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites.

Mozambique's weather varies by region due to its long coastline and diverse landscapes. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• North: Tropical climate with a rainy season from November to April. Temperatures are warm year-round.
• Central: Similar to the north, but with more pronounced dry and wet seasons.
• South: More temperate with a shorter rainy season, typically from December to March.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October, when the temperatures are milder and there's less rain.