Mozambique

PASSPORTS

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return to Australia and have at least two blank pages for every entry and country you intend to visit on your journey. If your passport does not meet these requirements you must obtain a new one. The Australian Passport Office website is www.passports.gov.au.

It is a wise precaution to carry a photocopy of your passport separately and leave a copy at home. This will aid authorities in processing a new passport should yours get stolen or lost.

If you have dual citizenship and more than one passport, we strongly recommend that you use only one of these during your travels, as in some countries it is considered illegal to have two or more passports. Be sure to use the same passport on entry and exit from a country, and never surrender your passport.

If your passport name is different to your commonly used name, advise us of this and ensure your airline reservations match those of your passport name.

VISAS

Australian and New Zealand passport holders require a Visa to enter Mozambique.

A visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport or online through the official evisa website.  

Payment for both options is taken at the border. A single entry tourist visa costs approx. US$100 and is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days.

CLIMATE

Mozambique has a warm, tropical climate throughout the year. Due to being located in the rain shadow of Madagascar, it receives a relatively low annual rainfall. This gives a great deal of protection from tropical storms and the occasional cyclone which can head their way. The rains mainly fall between December and March. This varies a little between the north and south of the country, with the rains lasting a few weeks longer in the north than the south. Humidity can be uncomfortably high during this period.

By April and May the rains subside, the sun continues to shine and the humidity drops. The improved weather spreads gradually from the south to the north. June to October is then the dry season with often perfect tropical weather: clear skies, plenty of sun and almost no rain. This is the best time for most people to visit Mozambique. The night time temperatures drop in June, July and August but the day time temperature will still be in the high 20s. November is a less predictable month as it depends on whether the rains arrive or not.

LUGGAGE

Charter flight companies and some safari operators impose strict luggage restrictions.

The maximum luggage weight specific to your journey is 20 kgs including camera equipment and hand luggage for travel through Mozambique. Your bags must be soft-shelled and malleable and not exceed the maximum dimensions of 62cm x 30cm x 25cm.

If your luggage does not meet the criteria the charter companies will either leave your luggage behind, charge you for an extra seat onboard the aircraft (if one is available) or charter your bags separately at your cost. The charter planes have restricted space onboard, and, above all, the regulations are in place for your safety.

And if you are wondering how to pack everything in and keep it under weight read our blog – How to pack for a safari and keep it under 15kg

For further information on luggage and packing please refer to our AFRICA pre-departure information.

VACCINATIONS

It may be necessary to take medical precaution prior to, and whilst travelling. As we are not qualified to offer advice, we recommend you contact your GP or the Travel Doctor-TMVC who have the most up‐to-date information available. Requirements are highly personal depending on your health profile and the activities in your itinerary. Some vaccinations must be given well in advance of travel, so we suggest seeking medical advice as soon as you start to plan your trip. Be sure to ask what vaccinations or medications may be required to enter Zimbabwe and to re-enter Australia.

You can also refer to SmartTraveller for a guide as to what may be required, however you should always seek professional medical advice before travelling.

For further information on health and vaccinations please refer to our AFRICA pre-departure information.

CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE

Mozambique’s currency is the Mozambican metical (MZN) which is divided into 100 centavos. Local currency is preferred but credit cards (mainly Visa), USD and ZAR are also usually accepted in hotels and beach lodges.

ATMs are also available in airports and the main towns but not on the islands.

It is best to take a mixture of money – credit card, debit card or travel cash card and cash.

You will need cash, preferably in small denominations,  for gratuities (Refer to the ’tipping guide’ in our Africa Pre-Departure booklet for more information). We suggest travelling with US dollars or ZAR in cash and changing some into Mozambican metical at the start of your trip for small purchases.

It is recommended that you DO NOT change money on the black market as you are more likely to receive a lower rate of exchange or fake notes.

TELL YOUR BANK

We highly recommend you advise your bank of your destinations and travel dates. This should prevent any of your transactions being deemed as ‘out of the ordinary’ (and possibly stopped) due to their unexpected location.

POWER

There are basically two main voltage systems used around the world: 110 Volt ‐ USA, Canada, Spain & Japan 220 Volt ‐ the rest of the world. In simple terms, the power supply available at the socket is roughly twice as powerful in 240V countries as in 110V countries.

The voltage in Mozambique is 220 Volts, therefore if you wish to use any electronic devices from Canada, the US or Japan you’ll need a voltage converter AND a plug adapter. Australia operates a 220V currency and therefore you only require an adapter for Australian appliances.

The adaptor you will need for Mozambique is a TYPE M or, alternatively you may prefer to invest in an International Travel Adaptor that provides you with more than one option.

Many adaptors also have a USB port so you can plug your smart phone, or I‐product directly into the adaptor.

For the latest & most up to date information about voltage and what adaptors to travel with refer to: www.korjo.com