From the pristine, turquoise waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago to the vibrant, colonial-era architecture of Maputo and the world-class diving in Tofo, Mozambique is an undiscovered paradise on the coast of Southern Africa. For Indian travelers seeking a unique blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, it's a dream destination.
But before you can pack your bags for this coastal gem, there's the crucial question of entry: how do you get a visa?
In the past, this process could be confusing. But with the introduction of Mozambique eVisa for Indian Citizens modern online eVisa system, getting your travel documents has never been more straightforward.
Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa for Mozambique?
Yes, this is the first and most important point. Indian passport holders are required to obtain a visa to enter Mozambique for any purpose, including tourism, business, or visiting family.
You cannot travel to Mozambique visa-free. The good news is that the days of visiting an embassy for a simple tourist visa are over. The official online eVisa system is now the primary, easiest, and most recommended method for all Indian travelers.
Is There a Visa on Arrival in Mozambique for Indians?
This is a critical question and a major source of confusion. While Mozambique did have a visa-on-arrival (VoA) facility for many years, the government has been actively phasing it out in favor of the more efficient eVisa system.
As of 2024, relying on a visa on arrival is highly risky. Airlines may deny you boarding in India if you don't have a pre-approved visa, and immigration officials at Maputo Airport (MPM) are not obligated to grant you one. The official, approved, and safest method is to get your eVisa online before you fly.
How to Apply for the Mozambique eVisa from India?
The eVisa system is designed to be user-friendly. Here’s the entire process from start to finish:
Fill in the Application Form: Complete the Mozambique eVisa application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel itinerary. This will include your intended date of entry and your address in Mozambique (your first hotel is fine).
Upload Your Documents: This is the most important part. You will upload digital copies of all your required documents (see the full checklist below).
Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the application fee online using a valid credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable.
Wait for Processing: Your application will be reviewed by the immigration authorities.
Receive Your eVisa: Once approved, you will receive your eVisa approval letter as a PDF via email. You must print a copy of this and carry it with you.
Mozambique eVisa Requirements for Indian Citizens
This is the most crucial part of your application. Based on the Mozambique Visa, you must prepare clear digital copies of the following documents required for Mozambique eVisa:
Passport Bio Page: A color scan of your Indian passport's information page. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Mozambique and have at least one blank page.
Applicant Photo: A recent, passport-style digital photograph. It must be in color, with a white background, and meet standard passport photo requirements.
Return Ticket: A copy of your confirmed round-trip flight itinerary, showing your flight into and out of Mozambique.
Hotel Booking Confirmation: Confirmed accommodation bookings for the duration of your stay.
Last 3 Months' Bank Statements: You must provide proof of sufficient funds. This is a mandatory upload.
How Much is "Sufficient Funds"? (The $1,000 USD Rule)
This is a key detail that many applicants worry about. The Mozambique Visa application fine print clarifies exactly what "sufficient funds" means:
"Proof of financial means: 3-month bank statements showing sufficient funds equivalent to at least 1,000 USD."
This is fantastic news for applicants, as it gives you a clear target. You must ensure your most recent bank statement shows a closing balance of at least $1,000 USD (or its equivalent in Indian Rupees, approx. ₹83,000 - ₹84,000).
What Mozambique eVisa Types Can Indians Apply For?
The online system offers incredible flexibility for Indian travelers, especially for tourism. Unlike many countries that only offer single-entry visas, Mozambique's provides:
Tourist eVisa - 30 Days, Multiple entry
Tourist eVisa - 60 Days, Multiple entry
Tourist eVisa - 90 Days, Multiple entry
This is a huge benefit. A "multiple entry" visa means you can leave Mozambique (for example, on a side trip to neighboring Eswatini or South Africa's Kruger National Park) and re-enter without needing a new visa.
The Mozambique Visa also offers options for:
Business eVisa (30, 60, or 90 days, Multiple entry)
Investment eVisa (90, 180, or 365 days, Multiple entry)
Sport or Culture (30 days, Single entry)
For 99% of tourists, the "Tourist eVisa - 30 Days, Multiple entry" is the perfect and most common choice.
How Long Does the Mozambique eVisa Take? (Processing Times)
You can choose your processing speed based on your urgency. The Mozambique Visa gives you three options:
Normal Processing: 6-9 Working Days
Rush Processing: 4-7 Working Days
Super Rush Processing: 3-5 Working Days
"Working Days" exclude weekends (Saturday, Sunday) and Mozambican public holidays. It is always recommended to apply at least two weeks before your travel date to avoid any last-minute stress.
What to Do When You Arrive at Maputo Airport?
Once your eVisa is approved, your final step is at the immigration counter upon arrival in Mozambique (e.g., at Maputo International Airport - MPM).
You must present the immigration officer with:
Your Indian Passport (the same one used for the application).
Your Printed eVisa Approval Letter.
The officer will scan the QR code on your eVisa, verify your identity, and stamp your passport. While it's not always asked for, it is highly recommended to also have your other supporting documents (printed hotel booking, return flight ticket, and bank statement) in your carry-on bag, just in case.
What to Do if Your eVisa Payment Fails or is Declined
This is a very common and frustrating problem for international travelers. If your payment is declined:
Call Your Bank (The 3D Secure Step): Many Indian banks (HDFC, ICICI, SBI) will block the transaction for fraud protection. Call the number on the back of your card and tell them you are trying to make a payment to a government website in Mozambique.
Try a Different Card: Visa and Mastercard have the highest success rates. RuPay or other cards may not be accepted.
Use a Different Browser or Device: Clear your browser's cache or use an "Incognito" window. Sometimes, the payment portal's scripts are blocked by browser extensions.
Try at a Different Time: The portal may be undergoing maintenance. Wait a few hours and try again.
Help! My eVisa Hasn't Arrived and My Flight is Soon!
You paid for "Super Rush Processing" (3-5 days), it's now day 6, and your inbox is empty. Don't panic.
Check Your Spam/Junk Folder: This is the most common reason. The email from the immigration service (Serviço Nacional de Migração) might be flagged as spam.
Log In to the Online: “Check Application Status" feature. Log in with your application or passport number. Your status may show "Approved" even if the email failed.
Download: If your application is "Approved," you can download the eVisa approval letter (PDF) directly from Mozambique. This is just as valid as the one sent by email.
Contact Them (If You Have Time): There should be a "contact us" or support email. Send a polite inquiry with your application number and passport number.
Do NOT Travel Without an Approval Letter: This is critical. Do not fly to Mozambique assuming your visa is "in the system." You must have the printed approval letter in hand.
Problem at Check-in: Airline Staff Unfamiliar with Mozambique's eVisa
This is a stressful but manageable situation. You're at the check-in counter in Mumbai or Delhi, and the airline staff (e.g., Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways) are unsure about the eVisa and insist on a "sticker visa."
How to handle this:
Stay Calm and Polite: The staff are following a checklist.
Show Your Printed eVisa: Present your printed eVisa approval letter clearly.
Point to the QR Code: Explain that this is the official electronic visa and that it has a QR code for scanning by immigration in Maputo.
Use the Magic Word "TIMATIC": Airline staff use a database called TIMATIC to check visa rules. You can politely say, "Could you please check TIMATIC? It will show that Mozambique offers an eVisa for Indian citizens, and this is the official approval letter for it."
What Happens if I Over Stay My eVisa in Mozambique?
Do not overstay your visa. The 30, 60, or 90-day limit on your visa is strictly enforced. Overstaying is a serious immigration violation.
If you overstay, you will be caught upon departure. You will be:
Fined Heavily: You will have to pay a significant fine for every day you overstayed.
Detained: You may be detained at the airport, causing you to miss your flight.
Banned from Re-entry: You will likely be declared "undesirable" and banned from re-entering Mozambique for a period of 1 to 5 years.
If a medical emergency or another unavoidable crisis prevents you from leaving, you must contact the nearest Serviço Nacional de Migração (National Migration Service) office before your visa expires to apply for an extension.
Lost Your Passport or eVisa Printout in Mozambique? Here's What to Do
If you lose your eVisa printout: This is an easy fix. Log in to the Mozambique eVisa on your phone (or at an internet cafe), and download and print a new copy. Always keep a digital copy in your email.
If you lose your Indian passport: This is an emergency.
Go to the nearest police station immediately and file a police report for your lost passport. Get a copy of this report.
Contact the High Commission of India in Maputo immediately.
They will guide you through the process of getting an "Emergency Certificate" (EC), which is a one-way travel document to get you back to India.
You will need your police report, a copy of your lost passport (always keep a digital copy!), passport photos, and your flight details to apply for the EC.
People Also Ask (FAQ for Indian Travelers)
Q: Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccine for Mozambique?
This is a vital travel health question. Mozambique is not on the list of Yellow Fever endemic countries. However, they require a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if you are traveling from (or have a layover of more than 12 hours in) a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
For travelers from India: India has no risk of Yellow Fever. If you fly directly from India (e.g., Mumbai to Maputo via Addis Ababa or Nairobi), you will need to check the transit rules for Ethiopia or Kenya, as they are on the risk list. To be completely safe, it is strongly recommended to get the vaccination and carry the certificate.
Q: Is Mozambique safe for Indian tourists?
Yes, Mozambique is generally a safe country for tourists. The main tourist areas (like Maputo, Tofo, Vilanculos, and the islands) are welcoming. As with any travel, you should use standard precautions: be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night in unlit areas, and keep your valuables secure.
Q: What is the currency in Mozambique?
The official currency is the Mozambican Metical (MZN). While US Dollars may be accepted for some large tourist expenses (like accommodation or tours), you will need Meticais for all local transactions, restaurants, markets, and taxis. You can withdraw MZN from ATMs at the airport and in all major towns.
Conclusion: Your Mozambican Adventure is Just an eVisa Away
Mozambique's eVisa system has opened up this incredible country to Indian travelers like never before. Gone are the days of embassy visits and uncertain visa-on-arrival queues.
By preparing your five key documents (passport scan, photo, bank statement, hotel booking, and return ticket), you can apply online in minutes and have your multiple-entry visa approved in just 3-5 working days.
Get ready to discover the magic of Mozambique—its warm hospitality, stunning coastline, and rich cultural tapestry are waiting for you.