Vaccinations & Health Rules for Mozambique: Canadian Travellers 2026

Quick Answer: Vaccines Required vs. Recommended for Canadian Travellers

If you are travelling directly from Canada to Mozambique, no vaccinations are legally required for entry. However, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommend several vaccines based on disease risk in the country. Yellow fever vaccination is required only if your travel itinerary includes stops in yellow fever-endemic countries—including parts of sub-Saharan Africa or South America—or if you have transited through a yellow fever-risk country airport for more than 12 hours.

Vaccine/Prophylaxis	Required for Entry from Canada?	PHAC/CDC Recommendation	Notes for Canadian Travellers
Yellow Fever Certificate	Only if from endemic country	Not recommended for direct travel	Not required for direct Canada→Mozambique travel; required if your itinerary includes yellow fever-risk countries
Hepatitis A	No	Yes (recommended for all travellers)	2 doses, 6 months apart; first dose ≥2 weeks before travel
Typhoid	No	Yes (recommended for most travellers)	Especially recommended for rural/remote areas; 2–3 weeks before departure
Routine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio)	No	Yes (ensure up-to-date)	Verify status ≥4 weeks before travel
Malaria Prophylaxis	No	Yes (medication, not vaccine)	Recommended for all areas; begin 1–2 days before arrival
COVID-19 Vaccine	No	Yes (stay up-to-date)	All eligible travellers should be current per CDC guidance

Schedule a travel medicine appointment 4–6 weeks before departure with a healthcare provider or travel clinic to discuss your specific itinerary and risk factors. The PHAC recommends consulting an embassy or consulate of Mozambique in Canada for the most up-to-date entry and exit requirements before you travel.

Yellow Fever Certificate: When It's Required for Canadian Travellers

Direct Travel from Canada: Not Required

Canada is not a yellow fever-endemic country, so Canadian citizens do not need a yellow fever certificate to enter Mozambique if travelling directly from Canada. Mozambique requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only for travellers aged 1 year or older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Transit Through Yellow Fever-Risk Countries: Certificate Required

If your travel itinerary includes stops in yellow fever-endemic countries—such as parts of sub-Saharan Africa (e.g., Uganda, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo) or South America—you must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination. This requirement also applies to travellers who have transited through a yellow fever-risk country airport for more than 12 hours, even if you do not leave the airport during a layover.

How to Obtain a Yellow Fever Certificate

In Canada, yellow fever vaccination can only be administered at designated yellow fever vaccination centres approved by the Public Health Agency of Canada. You must receive the vaccine at least 10 days before entering a yellow fever area, as it takes several days for full immunity to develop. After vaccination, you will receive an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP)—the original document must be carried with you at all times while travelling. Copies should be left at home.

To find a yellow fever vaccination centre near you, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada's vaccine locator. The ICVP is valid for 10 years.

Medical Exemptions

If you cannot receive the yellow fever vaccine due to medical reasons (e.g., severe allergies to vaccine components, immune system disorders), a yellow fever vaccination centre may issue you with a medical exemption certificate. Some countries, including Mozambique, may still require you to report any fever or other symptoms to health authorities upon entry, and you may be placed under surveillance.

Recommended Vaccinations for Mozambique: Timing & Details

Hepatitis A: Recommended for All Travellers

Recommendation: Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for unvaccinated travellers of all ages travelling to Mozambique. The virus is spread through contaminated food or water.

Timing: The Hepatitis A vaccine requires 2 doses, administered 6 months apart. Schedule your first dose at least 2 weeks before departure to allow time for immunity to develop. If you cannot space the doses 6 months apart, discuss an accelerated schedule with your travel health provider.

Protection: Most people develop immunity after the first dose; two doses provide long-term protection (typically ≥20 years).

Typhoid: Recommended for Most Travellers

Recommendation: The CDC recommends typhoid vaccination for most travellers to Mozambique, especially those staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities, or travelling to rural areas.

Timing: Typhoid vaccine should be administered 2–3 weeks before departure. Two vaccine options are available: an inactivated injectable vaccine (one dose) or an oral live attenuated vaccine (four doses taken on alternate days, which must be kept refrigerated).

Duration: The injectable vaccine protects for approximately 2–3 years; the oral vaccine protects for approximately 5 years.

Routine Vaccines: Ensure You Are Up-to-Date

The PHAC and CDC recommend that all travellers ensure they are up-to-date on routine vaccinations before any international trip, regardless of destination. These include:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Two doses of MMR are required for immunity; verify your status before travel.
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Tdap or Td): A booster is recommended every 10 years; confirm your last dose was within the past decade.
• Polio: Most Canadian adults received polio vaccination in childhood. The CDC currently recommends that adults travelling to any destination consider an additional booster dose if they have not received one in the past 10 years.
• Varicella (Chickenpox): Confirm you have received two doses or have immunity.
• Influenza (Flu): Annual flu vaccination is recommended.
• COVID-19: All eligible travellers should be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccine series per CDC guidance.

Verify your routine vaccine status at least 4 weeks before departure to allow time for any needed vaccinations.

Rabies: Vaccination for Higher-Risk Travellers

The PHAC recommends that you discuss rabies vaccination with a healthcare provider before travel. Vaccination may be recommended if you plan to engage in activities that increase your risk of exposure to rabid animals, such as:

• Spending extended time outdoors in rural or remote areas
• Working with animals (wildlife research, rescue, veterinary work)
• Caving or exploring caves where bats are present
• Participating in adventure activities in remote regions

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while in Mozambique, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment is often available in-country, but it is important to seek medical care immediately. Rabies is fatal if left untreated after symptoms appear.

Malaria: Risk Areas, Prevention & Prophylaxis

Malaria Risk in Mozambique

Malaria transmission occurs in all areas of Mozambique throughout the year. The disease is spread by Anopheles mosquitoes and is caused primarily by Plasmodium falciparum, with P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. vivax occurring less commonly. There is no vaccine for malaria; prevention relies on antimalarial medication (chemoprophylaxis) and mosquito bite prevention.

Antimalarial Medications: What the CDC Recommends

The CDC recommends that all travellers to Mozambique take prescription antimalarial medication. Chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum is present, so chloroquine alone is not effective. The CDC recommends one of the following medications:

• Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone)
• Doxycycline
• Mefloquine (Lariam)
• Tafenoquine

Each medication has different dosing schedules, side effect profiles, and contraindications. Talk to a travel health provider or your doctor about which medication is right for you based on your medical history, other medications, and travel plans. Some medications must be started 1–2 days before arrival, while others require longer lead times.

Mosquito Bite Prevention: Essential Year-Round

Even if you are taking antimalarial medication, mosquito bite prevention is critical, as mosquitoes can also transmit dengue fever, Zika virus, and other diseases. The PHAC recommends:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET (20–30%) or picaridin (20%) on exposed skin and clothing.
• Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net, especially in rural areas.
• Use air conditioning or window/door screens in accommodations when possible.

Health Documents, Insurance & Medical Records

Travel Health Insurance

The Canadian government strongly recommends that all Canadian travellers obtain comprehensive travel health insurance before departure. Standard provincial health coverage does not apply outside Canada, and medical evacuation from remote areas can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Ensure your policy covers:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
• Medical evacuation to Canada or a major medical centre
• Prescription medication replacement
• Trip cancellation (if vaccination-related delays occur)

Immunization Records

Carry copies of your immunization records (leave originals at home) and your original ICVP (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis) if you have been vaccinated for yellow fever. Some travel clinics provide a vaccination record card; keep this with your travel documents. Photograph or scan all health documents and store digital copies securely.

Prescription Medications & Medical Conditions

If you take regular prescription medications, bring a sufficient supply in original, labelled containers. Carry a letter from your doctor describing your medical condition(s) and listing your medications by both generic and brand names, in case you need to refill prescriptions or seek emergency care. Some medications may be restricted or unavailable in Mozambique.

Medication Rules & What to Pack for Health & Safety

Medication Entry Rules

Mozambique allows travellers to bring prescription medications for personal use, provided they are in original, labelled containers with your name and dosing instructions. Narcotics and certain controlled substances are prohibited; if you take medications in these categories, carry a doctor's letter explaining medical necessity. Confirm restrictions with the Mozambique embassy or consulate before travel.

Health & Safety Packing Checklist

Beyond vaccinations and antimalarial medication, consider packing:

• First-aid supplies: Adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal medication, antacids
• Antimalarial medication: As prescribed by your doctor, in original containers
• Insect repellent: DEET 20–30% or picaridin 20%, plus mosquito netting if sleeping in basic accommodations
• Sunscreen: SPF 30+, reapply frequently
• Water purification: Bottled water is recommended; consider a portable water filter or purification tablets for remote areas
• Prescription medications: Sufficient supply in original containers, plus a doctor's letter
• Medical alert bracelet: If you have allergies or chronic conditions
• Travel health insurance documentation: Policy number, emergency contact, coverage details
• Vaccination records & ICVP: Original certificates and copies

Health Facilities & Emergency Medical Care in Mozambique

Quality of Medical Care

Medical facilities in Mozambique vary significantly by region. In Maputo and other major cities, private clinics and hospitals offer reasonable care standards. However, outside urban areas, medical facilities may be basic, with limited supplies and staff. Blood transfusions and injectable medications carry a higher risk of infection transmission due to variable screening practices. Serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to South Africa or another regional medical centre.

Accessing Medical Care

Before departure, obtain the contact information for:

• Your travel insurance company's emergency medical line
• The Canadian embassy or consulate in Mozambique
• Reputable private clinics or hospitals in your destination region
• Your travel operator's emergency contact (if on an organized safari)

If you require emergency care, contact your travel insurance provider immediately—they can arrange evacuation and coordinate with local medical facilities. In life-threatening situations, call the local emergency number (119 in Mozambique) or go directly to the nearest hospital.

Safe Food & Water Precautions

Foodborne and waterborne illnesses (including hepatitis A, typhoid, and cholera) are risks in Mozambique. The PHAC recommends:

• Drink only bottled or boiled water; avoid tap water, ice made from tap water, and drinks with ice.
• Eat hot, freshly cooked foods; avoid raw or undercooked meat, seafood, and eggs.
• Peel fruits and vegetables yourself, or eat those that have been freshly peeled by someone you trust.
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and food from street vendors or informal settings.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

Additional Health Considerations for Safari Travellers

If you are visiting Mozambique's national parks and protected areas, additional precautions apply:

• Altitude: Some areas of Mozambique are at moderate elevation; allow time for acclimatization if arriving from sea level.
• Heat & sun exposure: Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and limit midday outdoor activities in hot seasons.
• Bilharzia (schistosomiasis): Avoid swimming in freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds; use chlorinated pools or the ocean.
• Tick-borne illnesses: Check your body daily for ticks; use insect repellent and wear protective clothing in bush areas.
• Animal encounters: Keep a safe distance from wildlife; never approach or feed animals.

If you are planning a safari, consult your travel operator about health risks specific to your destination. Many operators can provide additional guidance on malaria prevention, wildlife safety, and emergency protocols.

When to Schedule Your Travel Medicine Appointment

Ideal timing: 4–6 weeks before departure. This allows sufficient time for:

• Hepatitis A vaccine (first dose at least 2 weeks before travel)
• Typhoid vaccine (2–3 weeks before departure)
• Routine vaccine verification and any needed boosters
• Antimalarial medication prescription and consultation
• Yellow fever vaccination and ICVP issuance (if required)

If your departure is sooner, contact a travel health clinic immediately—many can accommodate urgent appointments and provide accelerated vaccine schedules.

Key Takeaways for Canadian Travellers

• No vaccines are required to enter Mozambique directly from Canada, but yellow fever vaccination is required if your itinerary includes stops in yellow fever-endemic countries.
• Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccines are strongly recommended by PHAC and the CDC for all travellers.
• Malaria prophylaxis is essential: All travellers should take antimalarial medication year-round, as malaria transmission occurs throughout Mozambique.
• Schedule a travel medicine appointment 4–6 weeks before departure to discuss your specific itinerary and health risks.
• Obtain comprehensive travel health insurance that covers emergency medical care and evacuation.
• Carry original vaccination documents (especially the ICVP if you have been vaccinated for yellow fever) and copies of immunization records.
• Follow food, water, and mosquito bite prevention advice throughout your stay to reduce risk of foodborne illness and vector-borne diseases.

For comprehensive information on travel requirements, visa status, and entry regulations, also review SafariFind's guide to Mozambique entry requirements for international travellers and Mozambique visa requirements for Canadian citizens.

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling. Vaccination and health entry requirements can change; consult the Public Health Agency of Canada, your travel health provider, and the Mozambique embassy or consulate in Canada for the most current information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Canadian citizens need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Mozambique?

No, Canadian citizens travelling directly from Canada do not need a yellow fever certificate, as Canada is not a yellow fever-endemic country. However, if your itinerary includes stops in yellow fever-risk countries (parts of sub-Saharan Africa or South America) or you have transited through a yellow fever-risk airport for more than 12 hours, you must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination.

What vaccines are recommended for Canadian travellers to Mozambique?

The PHAC and CDC recommend Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio), COVID-19, and malaria prophylaxis (medication, not vaccine) for Canadian travellers to Mozambique. Rabies vaccination may be recommended depending on your activities and length of stay. Schedule a travel medicine appointment 4–6 weeks before departure to discuss your specific needs.

Is malaria a risk in Mozambique, and how is it prevented?

Yes, malaria transmission occurs in all areas of Mozambique year-round, primarily caused by Plasmodium falciparum. There is no malaria vaccine; prevention relies on antimalarial medication (such as atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, or tafenoquine) and mosquito bite prevention (insect repellent, protective clothing, mosquito netting). The CDC recommends that all travellers take antimalarial medication.

How long before travel should I get vaccinated for Mozambique?

Schedule a travel medicine appointment 4–6 weeks before departure. Hepatitis A requires two doses, 6 months apart (first dose ≥2 weeks before travel); Typhoid can be given 2–3 weeks before departure; routine vaccines should be verified ≥4 weeks in advance; and antimalarial medication typically begins 1–2 days before arrival.

What is the cost of vaccinations and antimalarial medication for Mozambique travel?

Vaccination and medication costs vary by clinic and location. Travel health clinics in Canada typically charge CAD $150–$500+ depending on which vaccines are needed. Confirm current fees with your travel medicine provider or provincial health department. Some provincial health plans may cover certain vaccines; check your coverage. Travel insurance may reimburse vaccination costs.

Where can I get a yellow fever vaccination in Canada?

Yellow fever vaccination can only be administered at designated yellow fever vaccination centres approved by the Public Health Agency of Canada. You can find a centre near you using the PHAC's vaccine locator at travel.gc.ca. The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before entering a yellow fever area, and you will receive an original International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) that must be carried while travelling.

What should I do if I cannot receive a yellow fever vaccine due to medical reasons?

If you cannot receive the yellow fever vaccine due to medical reasons (such as severe allergies or immune system disorders), a yellow fever vaccination centre may issue you a medical exemption certificate. Some countries, including Mozambique, may still require you to report any fever or symptoms upon entry and may place you under health surveillance.

Do I need travel health insurance for Mozambique?

Yes, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Provincial health coverage does not apply outside Canada, and medical evacuation from remote areas can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and prescription medication replacement.

What antimalarial medications are recommended for Mozambique?

The CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, mefloquine (Lariam), or tafenoquine. Each has different dosing schedules, side effects, and contraindications. Talk to your doctor or travel health provider about which medication is right for you based on your medical history and travel plans. Chloroquine-resistant malaria is present in Mozambique, so chloroquine alone is not effective.

What food and water precautions should I follow in Mozambique?

Drink only bottled or boiled water; avoid tap water and ice. Eat hot, freshly cooked foods; avoid raw or undercooked meat, seafood, and eggs. Peel fruits and vegetables yourself or eat those freshly peeled by someone you trust. Avoid unpasteurized dairy and food from street vendors. Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

Can I bring prescription medications to Mozambique?

Yes, you can bring prescription medications for personal use, provided they are in original, labelled containers with your name and dosing instructions. Narcotics and certain controlled substances are prohibited; if you take such medications, carry a doctor's letter explaining medical necessity. Confirm restrictions with the Mozambique embassy before travel.

What should I do if I get sick or need emergency medical care while in Mozambique?

Contact your travel insurance company's emergency medical line immediately; they can arrange care and evacuation if needed. Keep contact information for the Canadian embassy or consulate, reputable private clinics in your destination, and your travel operator's emergency line. In life-threatening situations, call the local emergency number (119) or go directly to the nearest hospital. Medical facilities vary in quality; serious emergencies may require evacuation to South Africa or another regional centre.