Mozambique

Mozambique is a southeastern African nation with a 2,500 km Indian Ocean coastline, making it one of the continent's top beach and diving destinations. The country stretches from Tanzania in the north to South Africa and Eswatini in the south, with Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi to the west.

For travelers, Mozambique offers pristine beaches, the world-renowned Bazaruto Archipelago, and some of Africa's best diving and snorkeling. The capital Maputo serves as the main international gateway, while regional airports provide access to coastal resort areas and the Quirimbas Islands in the north.

Aviation infrastructure is developing, with Maputo International Airport (MPM) handling most international traffic. Domestic flights connect Maputo to beach destinations like Vilankulo (gateway to Bazaruto) and Inhambane, as well as regional centers like Beira and Nampula.

International Gateway

Airport	City	Role	Major Airlines
MPM	Maputo	Main international hub	LAM, Ethiopian, TAP, Kenya Airways

Maputo International Airport (MPM) — Mozambique's primary airport, located 3 km from the city center. Handles nearly all international flights and serves as the hub for LAM Mozambique Airlines. Recent upgrades have improved capacity and facilities. International connections include Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Lisbon, Nairobi, and Dar es Salaam.

Regional Airports

Airport	City	Role
BEW	Beira	Central region hub
VNX	Vilankulo	Bazaruto Archipelago access
TET	Tete	Northwestern gateway
APL	Nampula	Northern hub
POL	Pemba	Quirimbas Islands access
INH	Inhambane	Southern beach region

Vilankulo (VNX) — Small airport serving as the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Direct flights from Johannesburg and connections via Maputo. Essential for accessing Mozambique's premier island resorts.

Beira (BEW) — Second-largest city's airport, serving the central region. Limited international connections, primarily regional links.

Pemba (POL) — Gateway to the Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique. Growing tourism destination with dhow safaris and diving.

Flag Carrier

LAM Mozambique Airlines (TM) is the national carrier, headquartered in Maputo. It operates domestic routes connecting major cities and limited regional international services to Johannesburg, Harare, and Dar es Salaam.

• Hub: Maputo (MPM)
• Domestic network: Beira, Nampula, Tete, Pemba, Vilankulo, Inhambane
• International: Limited regional routes

International Airlines Serving Mozambique

• Ethiopian Airlines — Addis Ababa hub connections, onward to Europe, Asia, Americas
• TAP Air Portugal — Direct Lisbon flights (historical colonial link)
• Kenya Airways — Nairobi connections
• South African Airways / Airlink — Johannesburg flights
• Fastjet — Regional low-cost carrier

Visa Requirements

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Mozambique. Options include:

Visa on Arrival — Available for citizens of several countries including:

• United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia
• Most EU countries
• South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius

Cost: Approximately $50-80 USD depending on duration (30 or 90 days)

Pre-Arranged Visa — Required for nationalities not eligible for visa on arrival. Apply at the nearest Mozambican embassy or consulate.

Passport Requirements

• Valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date
• At least 2 blank pages required
• Proof of onward travel may be requested

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (includes much of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America).

Official information: Portal do Governo de Mocambique

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights are the most practical option for covering long distances in Mozambique. The road network outside major cities can be challenging.

Route	Airline	Frequency	Duration
Maputo ↔ Vilankulo	LAM	Daily	1 hour
Maputo ↔ Beira	LAM	Daily	1.5 hours
Maputo ↔ Nampula	LAM	Several weekly	2 hours
Maputo ↔ Pemba	LAM	Several weekly	2.5 hours

Booking tips:

• Book through LAM directly or local travel agents
• Confirm flights 24-48 hours before departure
• Domestic flights can be subject to delays or cancellations

Charter Flights

Charter operators connect Maputo and regional airports to remote island resorts in Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos. Often arranged through resort bookings.

Car Rental

Available in Maputo and major cities. Considerations:

• Road conditions: Main highways (EN1) are paved but have poor sections
• 4x4 recommended: Essential for beach areas and rural regions
• Drive on: Left side (same as UK, South Africa)
• International license: Required along with national license
• Fuel: Available in towns; can be scarce in remote areas

Buses

Long-distance buses connect major cities:

• Maputo to Beira: ~12 hours
• Maputo to Vilankulo: ~8 hours

Services vary in quality. Major operators include Luciano and Panthera Azul.

Dry Season (May-November)

Best overall time to visit. Cooler temperatures, minimal rainfall, excellent wildlife viewing and diving conditions.

• May-August: Coolest months, ideal for beach holidays
• September-November: Warmer but still dry, whale sharks peak season (Oct-Nov)

Wet Season (December-April)

Hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. Cyclone risk January-March, particularly in coastal areas. Some roads become impassable.

• December-January: Peak holiday season despite weather
• February-April: Wettest months, some lodges close

Regional Variations

Region	Best Time	Notes
Southern coast	Apr-Nov	Year-round warm
Bazaruto Islands	May-Oct	Diving, whale watching
Quirimbas Islands	Jun-Nov	Diving, dhow safaris
Interior	May-Oct	Avoid wet season roads

Cities

City	Airport	Known For
Maputo	MPM	Capital, colonial architecture, seafood
Beira	BEW	Port city, historic center
Nampula	APL	Northern gateway, Ilha de Mozambique access

Beach & Island Destinations

Destination	Nearest Airport	Known For
Bazaruto Archipelago	VNX	Pristine beaches, diving, dugongs
Vilankulo	VNX	Beach town, Bazaruto gateway
Tofo Beach	INH	Whale sharks, manta rays, diving
Quirimbas Islands	POL	Remote luxury lodges, dhow safaris
Inhambane	INH	Colonial town, palm-lined beaches
Ponta do Ouro	MPM (3hr drive)	Diving, dolphins, South Africa border

Cultural Sites

• Ilha de Mozambique — UNESCO World Heritage site, former capital, blend of Arab, Portuguese, and African architecture. Fly to Nampula (APL), then drive 3 hours.

Money

• Currency: Mozambican Metical (MZN), symbol MT
• USD and ZAR: Widely accepted in tourist areas; USD often preferred for larger payments
• Cards: Accepted at hotels and larger restaurants in cities; cash essential elsewhere
• ATMs: Available in Maputo, Beira, and major towns; limited elsewhere
• Exchange: Banks and authorized cambios; avoid street exchangers

Electrical

• Voltage: 220V, 50Hz
• Plug types: Type C, F (European two-pin) and Type M (South African three-pin round)
• Adapters: European travelers may need adapter for Type M outlets; UK/US travelers need adapters

Connectivity

• Mobile carriers: Vodacom and Movitel are main providers
• SIM cards: Available at airports and shops; bring passport for registration
• Coverage: Good in cities and towns; limited in remote areas
• WiFi: Available at hotels and restaurants in urban areas

Health & Safety

• Malaria: Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended
• Water: Drink bottled water only
• Medical facilities: Limited outside Maputo; travel insurance with medical evacuation essential
• Safety: Generally safe for tourists in tourist areas; standard precautions in cities

Language

• Official: Portuguese
• English: Limited outside tourist areas; basic Portuguese phrases helpful
• Local languages: Makhuwa, Tsonga, and others spoken regionally

Cultural Notes

• Dress: Modest dress appreciated, especially in Muslim northern areas
• Photography: Ask permission before photographing people
• Greetings: Handshakes common; slight bow shows respect to elders

• Tourism: Visit Mozambique
• Government Portal: Portal do Governo
• LAM Airlines: LAM Mozambique
• UK Travel Advice: GOV.UK Mozambique
• US Travel Advisory: travel.state.gov