Vaccinations & Health Rules for Mozambique: French Travellers 2026

Quick Answer: Vaccines Required vs. Recommended for French Citizens

If you are traveling directly from France to Mozambique, no vaccinations are legally required for entry. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with yellow fever transmission risk. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) strongly recommend hepatitis A, typhoid, routine immunizations (MMR, Tdap, polio), and malaria chemoprophylaxis based on disease risk in the country.

Vaccine	Entry Requirement (France→MZ)	Health Authority Recommendation	Timing Before Departure
Yellow Fever	Not required from France	Not recommended for direct travel	N/A (unless transiting endemic country)
Hepatitis A	Not required	Recommended for all travelers	2 doses, 6 months apart; 1st dose ≥2 weeks before travel
Typhoid	Not required	Recommended for most travelers	2–3 weeks before departure
Malaria Prophylaxis	Not required	Strongly recommended (medication, not vaccine)	Begin 1–2 days before arrival; continue during & after stay
Routine (MMR, Tdap, Polio)	Not required	Ensure up-to-date	Verify status ≥4 weeks before travel

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: When It's Required

Entry Requirements from France

France is not classified as a yellow fever–endemic country, so a yellow fever vaccination certificate is not required for direct travel from France to Mozambique. However, the certificate becomes mandatory if your itinerary includes a transit stop in a yellow fever–risk country.

Transit Rules (12-Hour Layover Threshold)

If you are transiting through an airport in a yellow fever–endemic country for more than 12 hours (or leaving the transit area), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This applies even if you do not intend to leave the airport terminal. Common transit points to watch for include hubs in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and other East African nations.

List of Yellow Fever–Endemic Countries Requiring Proof on Entry to Mozambique

Mozambique maintains a list of countries from which travelers must provide yellow fever certification. These include Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, among others. If your journey includes any of these countries—even a brief connection—obtain the vaccination before departure.

Certificate Validity and Documentation

Since 2016, the yellow fever vaccine booster requirement was eliminated under International Health Regulations (IHR). A completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) is considered valid for the lifetime of the person vaccinated. Ensure your certificate is issued by an authorized yellow fever vaccination center and carried in your travel documents at all times.

Recommended Vaccinations for French Travelers to Mozambique

Hepatitis A

Recommendation: Recommended for all travelers.

Timing: The primary series requires 2 doses, spaced 6 months apart. The first dose should be administered at least 2 weeks before travel; the second dose can be given later. If time is limited, a single dose provides some protection.

Risk: Hepatitis A spreads via contaminated food and water. It is common in areas with poor sanitation, particularly in rural regions and smaller towns.

Typhoid

Recommendation: Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities, or spending time in rural areas.

Timing: Vaccination should be completed 2–3 weeks before departure to ensure immunity.

Options: Two vaccines are available: an injectable vaccine (lasts 2 years) and an oral vaccine (lasts 5 years, requires refrigeration and the ability to swallow pills).

Routine Immunizations

Recommendation: Ensure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip.

These include:

• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (Tdap or Td booster)
• Polio (IPV)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Influenza (annual)
• Chickenpox (Varicella)

Timing: Verify your routine vaccination status at least 4 weeks before travel. Most routine vaccines are administered during childhood; adults may need boosters.

COVID-19

Recommendation: All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination series.

Hepatitis B, Rabies, and Cholera (Conditional)

Hepatitis B may be recommended for travelers with potential blood or sexual exposure risk. Rabies vaccination is advised for travelers spending extended time outdoors, working with animals, or visiting remote areas. Cholera vaccination is recommended for travelers to areas of active transmission, including Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Discuss these with a travel health provider based on your specific itinerary.

Malaria: Risk, Prophylaxis, and Prevention

Malaria Risk Throughout Mozambique

Malaria is present year-round throughout Mozambique, including in popular tourist destinations. There is no malaria vaccine; prevention relies entirely on antimalarial medication and mosquito bite avoidance. The risk is highest during the rainy season (December to March), when mosquito populations peak.

Antimalarial Medication (Chemoprophylaxis)

Strongly Recommended: The CDC and all major health authorities recommend malaria chemoprophylaxis for travelers to Mozambique.

Common Options:

• Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone): Begin 1–2 days before arrival; continue daily during stay; continue for 7 days after departure.
• Doxycycline: Begin 1–2 days before arrival; continue daily; continue for 4 weeks after departure.
• Mefloquine (Lariam): Begin 2–3 weeks before arrival; continue weekly during stay; continue for 4 weeks after departure.

Prescription Required: All antimalarial medications require a prescription. Consult a travel medicine clinic or your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before departure to discuss options, side effects, and your personal health profile.

Mosquito Bite Prevention (Critical)

Antimalarial medication alone is not sufficient; mosquito bite prevention is equally important.

• Insect Repellent: Use repellent containing DEET (20–30%), picaridin (20%), or oil of lemon eucalyptus on all exposed skin, especially from dusk until dawn.
• Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, particularly during evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.
• Mosquito Nets: Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net if your accommodation is not air-conditioned or fully screened.
• Accommodation: Choose lodges and hotels with air conditioning and/or screens on windows and doors. Many Mozambique safari lodges provide these protections as standard.

Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Dengue Fever

Dengue is present in Mozambique. There is no vaccine available in most countries. Prevention relies on mosquito bite avoidance (same measures as for malaria).

Chikungunya

Chikungunya virus is considered endemic in northern Mozambique, with limited cases reported since 2017. Vaccination may be recommended for travelers to northern regions; discuss with a travel health provider.

Cholera and Gastrointestinal Diseases

Cholera Outbreak Alert

Mozambique is currently experiencing a cholera outbreak in central and northern areas of the country. The UK FCDO advises travelers to be aware of this risk. Cholera vaccination may be recommended for travelers to affected areas; a 2-dose course should be completed at least 6 weeks before departure.

Food and Water Safety

Hepatitis A, typhoid, and other gastrointestinal infections spread via contaminated food and water. Practice the following precautions:

• Drink bottled or boiled water; avoid tap water and ice cubes from untreated sources.
• Eat only fully cooked, hot food; avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits.
• Avoid dairy products and undercooked meat or seafood.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating.

Other Health Risks and Precautions

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is present in freshwater areas of Mozambique. Avoid swimming, wading, or bathing in rivers, lakes, and untreated water sources. Chlorinated hotel pools are safe.

Mpox (Monkeypox)

Mpox has been reported in Mozambique. Practice standard hygiene measures: avoid contact with infected persons, animals, or contaminated materials, and maintain good hand hygiene.

Measles

Measles outbreaks can occur in areas with low vaccination coverage. Ensure your MMR vaccination is current before travel.

Health Documents and Travel Insurance

Required Documentation

• Yellow Fever Certificate (if applicable): Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) in your travel documents at all times. Even if not legally required, having it available demonstrates compliance and avoids border delays.
• Vaccination Records: Keep copies of all vaccination records (dates, vaccines, healthcare provider details) in your luggage and as a digital backup.
• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival and have at least two blank pages. Check visa requirements for French citizens before departure.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Before traveling, obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers:

• Medical evacuation (critical in remote safari areas where emergency services are limited).
• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization.
• Repatriation to France if serious illness or injury occurs.
• Malaria and other tropical disease treatment.

In case of a medical emergency, contact your insurance company immediately and call 848888 or 823388 to request an ambulance.

Medications: What to Pack and Regulations

Prescription Medications

Pack all prescription medications in their original, labeled containers. Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating the medication name, dose, and medical reason. Some medications legal in France may be regulated differently in Mozambique.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Bring a basic medical kit with:

• Antimalarial medication (prescribed).
• Antihistamine (for allergic reactions or insect bites).
• Antidiarrheal medication (loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate).
• Antacid and anti-nausea medication.
• Pain reliever (paracetamol or ibuprofen).
• Antibiotic cream and adhesive bandages.
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+).
• Insect repellent (DEET-based).

Carrying Medications Across Borders

Always carry medications in carry-on luggage (not checked baggage) to prevent loss or damage. Keep receipts and prescriptions accessible in case customs officials ask questions at the border.

Healthcare Facilities and Emergency Services in Mozambique

Medical Facilities

Medical infrastructure in Mozambique is limited, particularly outside major cities. Healthcare standards and availability of medications may be significantly below those in France. The UK FCDO maintains a list of English-speaking medical providers in Mozambique; contact your embassy for recommendations before travel.

Emergency Medical Evacuation

Remote safari camps and lodges may not be able to evacuate guests after dark. In case of emergency, you will be transported to the nearest suitable facility until air evacuation is possible. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.

Emergency Numbers

• Ambulance: 848888 or 823388.
• Insurance Emergency Contact: Carry your insurance company's 24-hour emergency number.
• French Embassy in Mozambique: Confirm contact details before departure.

Blood Group Documentation

Know your blood type before traveling, especially if visiting remote areas. In case of emergency, this information can be critical for transfusions.

Pre-Travel Health Timeline for French Citizens

8–12 Weeks Before Departure:

• Schedule a consultation with a travel medicine clinic or your doctor.
• Discuss your itinerary, planned activities, and personal health history.
• Confirm yellow fever transit risks based on your flight connections.
• Begin hepatitis A vaccination series if not previously vaccinated.

6–8 Weeks Before Departure:

• Complete hepatitis A vaccination series if needed.
• Obtain yellow fever vaccination and certificate (if required).
• Receive typhoid vaccination.
• Verify routine immunizations (MMR, Tdap, polio) are current.
• Obtain antimalarial prescription and begin taking medication as directed (typically 1–2 days before arrival).

4 Weeks Before Departure:

• Confirm all vaccinations are complete and certificates are in hand.
• Purchase insect repellent, mosquito nets, and other prevention supplies.
• Verify travel insurance coverage details and emergency contact numbers.
• Review Mozambique entry requirements and visa requirements for French citizens.

1 Week Before Departure:

• Begin antimalarial medication if not already started.
• Pack all medications in carry-on luggage.
• Make photocopies of vaccination certificates and prescriptions.
• Confirm emergency contact numbers and medical facility locations at your destination.

Planning Your Mozambique Safari: Health Considerations

If you are planning a Mozambique safari and beach itinerary, health preparation is as important as booking your flights. Remote safari camps may have limited medical resources, making preventive measures—malaria prophylaxis, vaccinations, and insect bite prevention—critical. Consider budget and timing for your safari in consultation with health recommendations, as malaria risk peaks during the rainy season (December to March).

Frequently Asked Questions

Health Information Resources and Verification

Health requirements change frequently. Before traveling, consult the following official sources:

• French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministère de l'Europe et des Affaires étrangères): Official travel health advisories for French citizens.
• CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): Yellow Book country guide for Mozambique.
• UK FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office): Health and safety advice for Mozambique.
• WHO (World Health Organization): Disease outbreaks and vaccination requirements.
• Your Travel Medicine Clinic: Personalized health assessment based on your itinerary and medical history.

This article is informational only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Requirements change and vary by individual circumstance. Always confirm current entry requirements and health recommendations with official sources and a qualified healthcare provider before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do French citizens need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Mozambique?

No, if you are traveling directly from France to Mozambique. France is not a yellow fever–endemic country, so a yellow fever certificate is not required for direct entry. However, if your itinerary includes a transit stop of more than 12 hours in a yellow fever–endemic country (such as Kenya, Ethiopia, or Uganda), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.

What vaccinations does the CDC recommend for French travelers to Mozambique?

The CDC recommends hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine immunizations (MMR, Tdap, polio, influenza) for all travelers to Mozambique. Malaria chemoprophylaxis (medication, not a vaccine) is also strongly recommended. Hepatitis B, rabies, and cholera vaccines may be recommended based on your specific itinerary and activities.

How long before travel should I get vaccinated for Mozambique?

Begin vaccination planning 8–12 weeks before departure. Hepatitis A requires 2 doses spaced 6 months apart, with the first dose given at least 2 weeks before travel. Typhoid should be completed 2–3 weeks before departure. Routine vaccines should be verified at least 4 weeks before travel. Yellow fever (if required) takes 10 days to become effective after vaccination.

Is malaria a risk in Mozambique, and do I need antimalarial medication?

Yes, malaria is present year-round throughout Mozambique, including in tourist areas. The CDC and all major health authorities strongly recommend antimalarial medication (chemoprophylaxis) for all travelers. Common options include atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine; your doctor will prescribe the best option based on your health profile and itinerary.

What are the best ways to prevent malaria in Mozambique?

Malaria prevention requires both antimalarial medication and mosquito bite avoidance. Use insect repellent with DEET (20–30%) or picaridin on exposed skin, wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers during evening hours, sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net, and choose air-conditioned or screened accommodation. These measures are equally important as medication.

Do I need a cholera vaccination for Mozambique?

Cholera vaccination is recommended for travelers to areas with active transmission, including Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, where Mozambique is currently experiencing an outbreak. If you plan to visit these regions, discuss cholera vaccination with a travel medicine provider; the 2-dose series should be completed at least 6 weeks before departure.

What health insurance do I need for a Mozambique safari?

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and should cover medical evacuation, emergency hospitalization, tropical disease treatment, and repatriation to France. Remote safari camps may not be able to evacuate guests after dark, making medical evacuation coverage critical. Verify that your insurance covers all activities planned (trekking, water sports, etc.).

Can I take my prescription medications into Mozambique?

Yes, but carry all medications in original, labeled containers with a copy of your prescription or doctor's letter stating the medication name, dose, and medical reason. Some medications legal in France may be regulated differently in Mozambique. Always pack medications in carry-on luggage (not checked baggage) and keep receipts accessible at the border.

What should I do if I get sick or injured while traveling in Mozambique?

Call 848888 or 823388 to request an ambulance. Contact your travel insurance company immediately and inform them of your location. Healthcare facilities in Mozambique are limited outside major cities, and remote areas may require medical evacuation. Carry your insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number and know your blood type.

Is yellow fever actually present in Mozambique?

No, there is no yellow fever risk in Mozambique itself. However, Mozambique requires proof of yellow fever vaccination from travelers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever–endemic countries to prevent the disease from being imported.

When is the best time to travel to Mozambique for health reasons?

The dry season (May to October) is generally better for health reasons, as malaria risk is lower and weather is more favorable. The rainy season (December to March) sees peak mosquito populations and higher malaria transmission. If traveling during the rainy season, strictly adhere to antimalarial medication and mosquito bite prevention measures.

Do I need any health documents to enter or exit Mozambique?

If yellow fever vaccination is required based on your itinerary, carry your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) at all times. Keep copies of all vaccination records, prescriptions, and your passport (valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages). Document your blood type and any significant medical conditions.