Security in Mozambique: Is it safe to travel to Mozambique?

When travelling to a remote country, it is common to question the safety of its streets. That’s why, before embarking on your adventure, it’s vital to find out about the current situation in the country and its history, which will help you to better understand your surroundings. You’ll see that security in Mozambique is not a problem, but even so, we’ve prepared this post to answer your questions.

In addition, we’ll discuss the importance of adequate travel insurance as an essential safety measure and one that takes into account the activities you plan to undertake. You’ll also find other valuable tips that will help you handle your stay in Mozambique with the safety of a local.

Is it safe to travel to Mozambique?

Yes, travel to Mozambique is considered safe, but as with any other destination we recommend you use common sense and follow basic travel advice.

It’s advisable to be informed about the areas you’ll be visiting, to avoid night-time road trips and to be cautious in less developed areas. Although there are risks associated with petty theft, it’s not the norm. And if you keep an eye on your belongings without being conspicuous you won’t have any problems.

Another area of concern for many tourists is diseases such as malaria. We’ll talk about malaria in more detail later, but you’ll see that there are plenty of measures to prevent it.

However, our recommendation is that you follow what local guides (trustworthy ones) advise and be informed about the current situation in the country.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What vaccinations do I need to travel to Mozambique?

Although vaccinations are not mandatory to travel to Mozambique, it is advisable to be vaccinated against typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus. Only those travelling from a country with yellow fever will need to present a vaccination certificate.

Also, given the presence of malaria throughout the country, antimalarial prophylaxis is advisable. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially at night and at dawn.

How to avoid possible scams in Mozambique

It’s not common, but if you’re travelling on your own, it’s possible that in some cases they may want to take advantage of you and charge you a little more than usual. Here are some common cases and how to avoid them.

• Travel with documents: It’s compulsory to be identified at all times in Mozambique, so if you want to save yourself a fine, it’s best to make sure you have your documents with you at all times. Police officers often ask tourists.
• Check the price of the visa before crossing customs by land, they may want to overcharge you.
• Check prices before buying anything without a sticker.
• Agree on the fare with the taxi driver beforehand.
• Avoid going with spontaneous guides who offer their services on the street or show you something.

Being aware of this, and if you travel carefully, you can avoid these situations without any problems. But if you prefer to travel more safely, we encourage you to hire a reliable guide.

Check the weather forecast before travelling to Mozambique

During your trip to Mozambique it is essential to check the weather forecast for a number of reasons. Mozambique has a tropical climate with distinct seasons, including a rainy and dry season.

The rainy season, November to April, can bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, which could affect accessibility to certain areas, especially in rural regions where infrastructure may be vulnerable. In addition, the risk of cyclones increases during this season, especially along the coast.

Is it safe for single women to travel to Mozambique?

Travelling alone to Mozambique can be safe, but it requires extra precautions, especially for women. As in many destinations, it is crucial to be aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night and stay in well-frequented places. In addition, it is advisable to dress conservatively and keep valuables in a safe place. Using public transport during the day and reliable taxis at night can also increase safety. The best thing to do if you’re afraid to go alone is to hire a tour guide.

Take care for your belongings in the crowded places

You already know this, but it’s worth remembering. In crowded places, such as public transport, you need to be vigilant and protect your belongings to avoid theft or loss. Wear bags with zips and if possible on the front.

Avoid taking out valuables in public, such as mobile phones or wallets, especially in crowded areas such as markets, transport stations or large events. It is always advisable to keep a copy of your important documents in a safe place and take only the essentials on your outings. Also, maintain an alert attitude and be aware of your surroundings.

Tips to ensure safety on safari in Mozambique

To ensure your security on safari in Mozambique, please follow these tips:

• Always obey the instructions of your guide, who knows the behaviour of the local wildlife and safety rules.
• Keep a safe distance from the animals, never feed them or try to approach them for photographs.
• Wear neutral-coloured clothing not to attract unnecessary attention.
• Make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a first aid kit.
• Avoid exploring on foot without an experienced guide and always stay in the vehicle during tours.

Choose the best travel insurance for Mozambique

At Passporter we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for Mozambique to ensure your security and peace of mind. This insurance protects you financially in case of medical needs or emergencies, which is important as healthcare costs for tourists can be high. It also offers 24-hour assistance, which is vital in emergencies, including natural disasters or flight problems.

Travel insurance also covers for trip cancellation or interruption, reimbursing expenses such as flights and accommodation. Also important is coverage for loss or theft of belongings, including luggage. When choosing insurance, check the terms and conditions carefully and make sure it fits your planned activities.

At the time of buying travel insurance we recommend you look carefully at the small print and choose one or the other depending on what it includes and the type of activities you are going to do during your trip.

Other travel tips for Mozambique

Here are some other tips that will be of great help during your trip, and if you want more help to organise your trip, we encourage you to read this post: How to plan a trip to Mozambique?

• The currency in Mozambique is the Metical (MZN).
• It is recommended to bring cash, firstly to be able to pay for your visa on arrival and secondly because ATMs are not plentiful.
• Mozambique uses C, F and M type plugs, with a voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz. Don’t forget to bring an adaptor.
• The official language is Portuguese, although you’ll be able to communicate well in English in the more touristy areas.
• We recommend booking flights and accommodation in advance, especially during the high season.
• Always carry your passport with you to avoid being fined in Maputo for not having identification.
• Watch out for the badges, minivans and speeding minivans
• It is recommended that you take malaria prophylaxis during your stay and use mosquito repellent.
• As in any tourist destination, it is prudent to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places and on public transport, avoiding carrying visible valuables.
• Mozambique has a tropical climate with a dry season (May to October) and a wet season (November to April).
• Wear light clothing and sun protection for the heat, and waterproof clothing for the rainy season.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: Travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as Mondo.

How to organise a trip to Mozambique

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Check out important information about travelling to Cuba and the documents you need.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of travel (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents…
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share the most important information about security in Mozambique.

If you have any doubts about how to do this, you can consult our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

Frequently asked questions about important information for travelling to Mozambique