Mozambique Visa for British Citizens 2026

Do British Citizens Need a Visa for Mozambique?

British citizens do not need a traditional visa to enter Mozambique for tourism or business stays of up to 30 days. However, as of 11 February 2026, the Mozambican government now requires British passport holders to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure—even though you remain in the visa-free category. The ETA is a simplified digital authorization, not a full visa, and must be approved at least 48 hours before you travel.

You have two entry options:

• Online ETA (recommended): Apply through the official Mozambique eVisa portal (evisa.gov.mz) at least 48 hours before departure. Cost: approximately $48 USD. Processing: 5 business days.
• Visa-on-arrival: Pay approximately $10 USD at the border with a valid passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. This remains available for British citizens but is less reliable than pre-approval.

To avoid airline boarding hassles, the UK Foreign Office and SafariFind recommend applying for the ETA online in advance.

Visa Types: Which One Do You Need?

Mozambique offers four entry pathways as of 2026. British citizens fall into the ETA category (visa-exempt with mandatory pre-travel authorization):

Entry Type	Who It's For	Validity	Cost	Processing	For British Citizens?
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)	Visa-exempt nationals (29 countries including UK, US, EU, Canada)	30, 60, or 90 days; single or multiple entry	~$48 USD	5 business days (standard)	YES – RECOMMENDED
e-Visa (Electronic Visa)	All other nationalities; those needing longer stays or complex travel	30, 60, 90, 180, or 365 days; single or multiple entry	~$190 USD	5–9 business days	No – British citizens use ETA
Visa-on-Arrival	ETA-eligible nationalities (including UK) without pre-approval	30 days (typical)	~$10 USD	Immediate at border	Yes – but not recommended; airlines may deny boarding
Embassy Visa	Complex cases (work, residence, diplomatic); certain nationalities	Varies	$220–$310 USD (US embassy rates)	3–10 business days	Only if staying longer than 90 days or working

Key distinction: An ETA is not a full visa—it is a pre-travel permission that allows entry and stay for tourism or business. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, you will need a full e-Visa or embassy visa instead.

Passport & Document Requirements

Before applying for an ETA, ensure your passport and documents meet these requirements:

Passport Validity

• Must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Mozambique.
• Must contain at least 2 blank, unstamped pages for entry and exit stamps (not including endorsement pages).
• Passport must not be reported lost or stolen.

ETA Application Documents (Online)

When applying through evisa.gov.mz, you will need to upload:

• Valid passport copy: Scanned copy of the bio page.
• Digital passport photo: Colour, recent, passport-sized. The portal includes a built-in photo editor to ensure correct sizing.
• Proof of accommodation: Confirmed hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or a notarized letter of invitation from your host in Mozambique.
• Return or onward ticket: Confirmed flight itinerary showing departure from Mozambique.
• Proof of financial means: Recent bank statement (typically 3 months) showing sufficient funds to support your stay.

On Arrival: Additional Requirements

When you arrive in Mozambique, immigration may ask for:

• Printed or digital copy of your approved ETA.
• Return/onward flight ticket (original or printed).
• Hotel booking or written invitation (original or printed).
• Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., credit card, cash).

If you are traveling with a child under 18, you must also present an unabridged birth certificate listing both parents. If the child travels with only one parent or without either parent, a notarized parental consent affidavit (not older than 3 months) is required.

Step-by-Step ETA Application Guide

The online ETA process is straightforward and can be completed in 15–20 minutes:

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to evisa.gov.mz (the official Mozambique eVisa portal operated by VFS Global as of 11 February 2026). The portal is fully responsive and works on mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Step 2: Select Your Visa Type

Choose "Tourist eVisa" or "Business eVisa" depending on your purpose of travel. Note: The platform does not show a separate "ETA" option; British citizens select the tourism or business category, and the system recognizes them as ETA applicants.

Step 3: Complete Your Application Form

Fill in your personal details:

• Full name, date of birth, passport number, and issue/expiry dates.
• Contact email and phone number.
• Intended date of arrival in Mozambique.
• Length of stay (30, 60, or 90 days).
• Single or multiple entry (choose based on your itinerary).

Step 4: Upload Documents

Scan and upload the following in PDF or JPG format:

• Passport bio page (clear, colour scan).
• Passport photo (use the integrated editor to resize correctly).
• Accommodation proof (hotel confirmation or invitation letter).
• Return/onward flight itinerary.
• Bank statement (recent, 3 months).

Pro tip: The portal includes automated data extraction; it will attempt to read your passport photo automatically. Review all extracted data for accuracy before submitting.

Step 5: Review & Pay

Review your application for errors. Proceed to payment:

• Payment method: Credit or debit card via a secure international gateway.
• Currency: USD. Your bank may apply additional currency conversion fees.
• Cost for ETA: Approximately $48 USD (non-refundable).

Step 6: Receive Your Preliminary ETA

After payment, you will receive a reference number immediately. Within 5 business days, you will receive an email with your preliminary ETA approval (a PDF document).

• Print this PDF and carry it with you—it is your proof of authorization.
• You may also save it on your phone as a backup.
• Present it at airline check-in and at immigration upon arrival in Mozambique.

Step 7: Track Your Application (Optional)

To check your application status at any time, visit the "Check Status" page on evisa.gov.mz and enter your reference number and email address.

What If Documents Are Missing or Incorrect?

If the immigration office identifies missing or incorrect documents, the process works as follows:

• You will receive a preliminary rejection email clearly stating which documents are missing or incorrect.
• You have 5 calendar days from that email to upload the corrected or missing documents through the application portal.
• If you upload the documents within 5 days, your application will resume processing.
• If you do not upload within 5 days, your application will be automatically rejected, and you must reapply.

ETA Fees & Payment Details

ETA costs and payment information for British citizens:

Fee Type	Amount (USD)	What It Covers	Refundable?
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)	~$48	Administrative processing, online application, digital authorization	No – all fees are non-refundable
Optional: Bank/Card Conversion Fee	Variable	Applied by your bank (not Mozambique's fee)	N/A

Payment accepted: International credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) via a secure gateway.

Important: All fees are non-refundable as they cover the administrative processing of your application. If your application is rejected, you do not receive a refund; you may reapply at the same cost.

For the most current fee, confirm on the official Mozambique eVisa portal (evisa.gov.mz) before submitting your application, as fees may change.

Processing Times & Validity

How Long Does an ETA Take?

Standard ETA processing takes approximately 5 business days after you submit your application and complete payment. This is measured from the submission date, not the date you applied.

Timeline example: If you submit on a Monday and payment clears, you should expect approval by the following Friday (5 business days). Weekends and Mozambican public holidays are not counted.

How Long Is an ETA Valid?

Once approved, your ETA is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue. This means you must enter Mozambique within 90 days. However, the authorized period of stay (how long you can remain in the country once inside) depends on what you select during application:

• 30-day stay: You can remain in Mozambique for 30 consecutive days from arrival.
• 60-day stay: You can remain for 60 consecutive days from arrival.
• 90-day stay: You can remain for 90 consecutive days from arrival.

Critical: Pay close attention to the "Autorizado a permaneçer pelo período de [number of days]" field on your approved ETA. This is the maximum number of days you may remain in Mozambique before you must depart. This is distinct from the visa validity (when you may enter).

Recommended Timeline

SafariFind recommends applying for your ETA at least 1–2 weeks before your planned departure to account for processing delays and any document corrections. This ensures you have your approval well in advance and can print it before boarding.

What Happens at Immigration on Arrival?

When you arrive in Mozambique, here is what to expect:

At the Airport or Land Border

• Present your documents: Have your passport, printed ETA approval, return ticket, and hotel booking ready.
• Immigration officer review: The officer will scan your passport, check your ETA status against the system, and verify your documents (accommodation, return flight, financial proof).
• Passport stamped: Your passport will be stamped with an entry stamp and the authorized period of stay. Ensure you get this stamp—you will need it to exit.
• Keep your receipt: Due to the absence of a physical visa in your passport, the Direcção Nacional De Migração (National Immigration Directorate) encourages travelers to retain their ETA receipt and entry stamp as proof of legal status while in Mozambique.

Common Questions at Immigration

Immigration officers may ask:

• "What is the purpose of your visit?" (Answer: Tourism or business, depending on your ETA type.)
• "Where will you be staying?" (Show your hotel booking or invitation letter.)
• "How long are you staying?" (State the number of days on your approved ETA.)
• "Do you have a return ticket?" (Show your flight itinerary.)
• "Do you have sufficient funds?" (Show a credit card or bank statement.)

Answer honestly and briefly. Have all documents printed and easily accessible.

Potential Issues & How to Avoid Them

• No approved ETA: If you arrive without an approved ETA and are not carrying a valid passport, you may be denied entry. Always apply in advance.
• Blank pages: If your passport has fewer than 2 blank pages, request a new passport before traveling.
• Passport expiry: If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival, renew it before applying for your ETA.
• Lost or stolen passport: If your passport has been reported lost or stolen, you cannot enter Mozambique until you obtain a replacement.

Transit, Extensions & Overstays

Transiting Mozambique

If you are transiting Mozambique (passing through to reach another country) and will remain in the airport or leave within 24 hours, you may not need a visa or ETA. However, SafariFind recommends confirming with your airline and the Mozambican immigration authority before travel, as rules can vary by entry point and airline.

Extending Your Stay

If you wish to remain in Mozambique longer than your authorized period of stay, you must apply for an extension before your ETA period expires. Extensions are processed by the Direcção Nacional De Migração (National Immigration Directorate) in Mozambique. You will need to:

• Visit an immigration office in Mozambique (typically in Maputo, the capital).
• Provide your passport, original ETA approval, and a letter explaining your reason for extension.
• Pay an extension fee (amount varies; confirm at the immigration office).

Processing times for extensions can range from a few days to 2 weeks, depending on the office and workload. Plan ahead if you anticipate needing an extension.

Overstaying Your ETA

If you remain in Mozambique beyond your authorized period of stay (the number of days printed on your ETA approval), you will be considered to have overstayed your visa. Consequences include:

• Fines: Financial penalties assessed by immigration upon departure.
• Denial of exit: You may not be allowed to leave the country until fines are paid.
• Future entry bans: Repeated overstays can result in a ban from re-entering Mozambique.
• Passport complications: Overstays can affect your ability to obtain visas to other countries.

Do not overstay. If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension before your authorized period expires.

Common Mistakes & Rejections

SafariFind has reviewed hundreds of Mozambique ETA applications. Here are the most common errors that lead to rejection or delays:

Top Mistakes

• Applying too late: Submitting your ETA application fewer than 48 hours before departure. Airlines may deny boarding if your ETA is not yet approved. Apply at least 1–2 weeks in advance.
• Incorrect passport details: Mistyping your passport number, issue date, or expiry date. Double-check against your passport before submitting.
• Expired passport: Applying with a passport that will expire within 6 months of your arrival. Renew your passport first.
• Missing or blurry photo: Submitting a photo that is out of focus, too dark, or not passport-sized. Use the portal's built-in photo editor to ensure correct dimensions.
• No proof of accommodation: Forgetting to upload a hotel booking or invitation letter. Immigration will not approve your application without this.
• No return ticket: Submitting an application without proof of a return or onward flight. A one-way ticket will likely result in rejection.
• Insufficient financial proof: Bank statements showing very low balances or no recent transactions. Ensure your bank statement shows enough funds for your stay (typically at least $500–$1,000 USD).
• Wrong visa type: Selecting "Business eVisa" if you are traveling for tourism, or vice versa. Choose the category that matches your actual purpose.

How to Avoid Rejection

• Apply at least 1–2 weeks before travel.
• Review all information against your passport before submitting.
• Upload clear, high-resolution scans of all documents.
• Ensure all dates (birth, passport issue/expiry, travel dates) are correct.
• Use the portal's automated data extraction and photo editor tools.
• If rejected, carefully read the rejection email, correct the errors, and reapply immediately.

Comparison: ETA vs. Visa-on-Arrival for British Citizens

Aspect	ETA (Online, Recommended)	Visa-on-Arrival (Not Recommended)
When to Apply	At least 1–2 weeks before travel	At arrival at airport/border
Processing Time	5 business days	Immediate (minutes)
Cost	~$48 USD	~$10 USD
Airline Boarding	Approved ETA required; airline will check	Risk of denial if not pre-approved
Payment Method	Credit/debit card online	Cash (USD, EUR, MZN) or card at border
Reliability	Guaranteed approval if documents are correct	Subject to officer discretion; card machines may be down
Physical Document	Printed PDF (no passport stamp until arrival)	Passport stamped at border

SafariFind's recommendation: Apply for the ETA online. It costs only $38 more than visa-on-arrival, takes 5 days, and eliminates the risk of airline boarding denial or border complications. The online process is faster, more transparent, and gives you peace of mind before departure.

Planning Your Mozambique Safari or Beach Holiday

Once your ETA is approved, you're ready to explore Mozambique. Whether you're interested in wildlife or relaxation, here's what to know:

If you're planning a Mozambique safari, you'll find opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffalo, and leopards in parks like Gorongosa. For beach holidays, the coastal regions of Inhambane and Sofala offer world-class diving and snorkeling. SafariFind lets you compare safari lodges and accommodation to find the best fit for your budget and interests.

Before departure, also review health requirements and recommended vaccinations for Mozambique to ensure you're fully prepared. While that article is written for US citizens, the health recommendations apply equally to British travelers.

Contact Information & Support

Mozambique Official eVisa Portal

• Website: evisa.gov.mz
• Operated by: VFS Global (as of 11 February 2026)
• Support: Check the portal's FAQ page or contact form for technical issues

Mozambique High Commission in the United Kingdom

• Address: High Commission of the Republic of Mozambique, London, UK
• Phone: +44 (0) 207 383 3800
• Email: sectorconsular@mozambiquehc.co.uk
• Website: mozambiquehighcommission.org.uk
• Consular hours: Monday–Friday, 09:00–13:00 (call for visa appointments if needed)

UK Foreign Office Travel Advice

• Website: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mozambique
• Includes: Entry requirements, safety alerts, health information, and emergency contacts

If Your ETA Is Rejected or You Have Questions

• Check the rejection email for the specific reason and required corrections.
• Upload corrected documents within 5 calendar days through the portal.
• If you need consular assistance, contact the High Commission in London (details above).
• Do not travel without an approved ETA or valid visa—airlines will deny boarding.

Key Takeaways

• British citizens are visa-free but now require an ETA. As of 11 February 2026, you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization before departure, even though you don't need a traditional visa.
• Apply online at evisa.gov.mz at least 1–2 weeks before travel. Standard processing takes 5 business days; the portal recommends applying at least 48 hours before departure.
• ETA cost is approximately $48 USD. Payment is non-refundable and accepted via international credit/debit card.
• You need a valid passport with 6+ months validity and at least 2 blank pages. Also prepare proof of accommodation, return ticket, and financial proof.
• Visa-on-arrival is still available (~$10 USD) but not recommended. Airlines may deny boarding without a pre-approved ETA.
• Your authorized period of stay (30, 60, or 90 days) is separate from ETA validity. Do not overstay; extensions must be applied for in Mozambique before expiry.
• Print your approved ETA and carry it with you. Present it at check-in and immigration on arrival.

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling. Visa requirements and fees can change. Before your trip, verify the current ETA process and fees on evisa.gov.mz and the UK Foreign Office website (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mozambique).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do British citizens need a visa for Mozambique?

No, British citizens do not need a traditional visa for tourism or business stays of up to 30 days. However, as of 11 February 2026, you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. The ETA is a simplified digital authorization, not a full visa, and must be approved at least 48 hours before you travel.

How much does a Mozambique ETA cost for British citizens?

An ETA costs approximately $48 USD and is non-refundable. Payment is made online via credit or debit card. Your bank may apply additional currency conversion fees. Visa-on-arrival (not recommended) costs around $10 USD but carries a risk of airline boarding denial.

How long does it take to get a Mozambique ETA?

Standard ETA processing takes approximately 5 business days after you submit your application and complete payment. SafariFind recommends applying at least 1–2 weeks before departure to allow time for document corrections if needed. The portal recommends submitting at least 48 hours before your flight, but earlier is safer.

What documents do I need to apply for a Mozambique ETA?

You will need: a valid passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages), a recent colour passport photo, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter), a return or onward flight ticket, and proof of financial means (bank statement showing sufficient funds).

Can I get a Mozambique visa on arrival if I'm a British citizen?

Yes, visa-on-arrival is still available for British citizens at major entry points (airports and land borders) for approximately $10 USD. However, SafariFind does not recommend this because airlines may deny boarding without a pre-approved ETA. The ETA costs only $38 more and eliminates this risk.

How long can I stay in Mozambique with an ETA?

When you apply for an ETA, you choose your authorized period of stay: 30, 60, or 90 days. This is the maximum number of days you may remain in Mozambique from the date of arrival. The ETA itself is valid for 90 days from issue, meaning you must enter Mozambique within 90 days. These are two separate timelines.

What is the difference between an ETA and a full e-Visa for Mozambique?

An ETA is a simplified authorization for visa-exempt nationals (including British citizens) for short-term tourism or business (up to 90 days). An e-Visa is a full visa for all other nationalities or for more complex travel (work, residence, longer stays, multiple entries over a year). British citizens apply for an ETA, not an e-Visa.

What happens if my Mozambique ETA application is rejected?

If your application is rejected, you will receive a detailed email explaining the reason. You have 5 calendar days to upload corrected or missing documents through the portal. If you upload within 5 days, your application resumes processing. If not, the application is rejected, and you must reapply and pay the fee again.

Do I need to print my ETA or can I show it on my phone?

You should print your approved ETA PDF and carry it with you. While you may have a digital copy on your phone as a backup, printing is strongly recommended to avoid technical issues at check-in or immigration. Present the printed document at airline check-in and at the immigration counter on arrival.

What happens if I overstay my ETA in Mozambique?

If you remain in Mozambique beyond your authorized period of stay, you will face fines, possible denial of exit, and future entry bans. You may also be unable to obtain visas to other countries. If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension through immigration in Mozambique before your ETA period expires.

Can I extend my Mozambique ETA while I'm in the country?

Yes, you can apply for an extension at an immigration office in Mozambique (typically in Maputo) before your authorized period expires. You will need your passport, original ETA approval, and a letter explaining your reason for extension. Processing times range from a few days to 2 weeks, and a fee applies.

Where do I apply for a Mozambique ETA online?

Apply at the official Mozambique eVisa portal: evisa.gov.mz. The portal was launched on 11 February 2026 and is operated by VFS Global. It is fully responsive and works on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices.