Mozambique

Recommended Vaccinations For Mozambique

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Polio Vaccine

Travellers who intend to visit this country for 4 weeks or more may be required to show proof of polio vaccination taken 4 weeks to 12 months prior to arrival in the country. Failure to produce this documentation may result in vaccination at the entry ports. Childhood vaccinations, including polio, should be up-to-date prior to travel.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for this country. However, Mozambique requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. This requirement includes São Tomé and Principe, Somalia, and Tanzania. This requirement excludes Argentina, French Guiana, Paraguay, and South Sudan.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Mozambique

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Anti-malaria medication is recommended for travellers going to Mozambique. Recommended medications are atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Anti-malaria drug resistance for chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has been reported.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Mozambique

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever occurs in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Mozambique.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Mozambique.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever occurs in this country.

Cholera

Cholera occurs in this country.

For Some Travellers

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever in this country.

Sleeping Sickness (Type 1)

African trypanosomiasis occurs in this country. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

West Nile Fever

The virus is transmitted to animals, birds and humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, and skin rash.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Sporadic outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) may occur in this country. Commonly spread via contact with domesticated animals infected with the virus. These include cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels, among others.

Polio

Vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1, type 2 and wild poliovirus type 1 were detected in this country, with the potential risk of global circulation. Unvaccinated or under-vaccinated travellers are at a higher risk if they come in direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated food and water, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas with poor hygiene standards.

Malaria

Malaria risk exists throughout the year in all of Mozambique.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Mozambique, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

African Tick Bite Fever

This disease may occur in this country.

Schistosomiasis

This disease is present in this country and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. However, Mozambique requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. This requirement includes São Tomé and Principe, Somalia, and Tanzania. This requirement excludes Argentina, French Guiana, Paraguay, and South Sudan.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Mozambique

Personal Safety

Armed robbery and carjacking occur frequently across Mozambique, particularly in Maputo and major urban centers. Criminals target foreigners and often act in groups, with attacks sometimes involving firearms and knives. Gang attacks on restaurants and cafes after dark have been reported in Maputo. Kidnapping for ransom happens throughout the country, affecting both locals and foreigners. The risk is present in Maputo, Sofala, Beira, and Cabo Delgado province, with businesspeople and the South Asian community particularly targeted. Over 100 businesspeople abandoned the country in 2024 due to kidnapping fears. Petty crime such as bag snatching and pickpocketing is widespread, especially in busy areas, markets, and tourist spots. Criminals specifically target people walking alone after dark. Beaches and offshore islands are not policed. Crime increases during holiday periods and at night. Police corruption exists, with reports of harassment, intimidation, and requests for bribes at checkpoints. Foreigners must carry their passport at all times, as checkpoints are common throughout the country.

Extreme Violence

An Islamist insurgency linked to Islamic State operates in Cabo Delgado province, with attacks spreading to neighboring districts of Nampula and Niassa provinces. The conflict began in October 2017 and has caused over 6,200 deaths and displaced more than 1.1 million people. Militants use firearms, machetes, and explosives in attacks that target civilians, security forces, and villages. Beheadings, kidnappings, and burning of homes occur regularly. Attacks happen on a near-daily basis in affected areas. The insurgency has expanded to 16 of Cabo Delgado’s 17 districts, with only the provincial capital Pemba remaining unattacked. In 2021, dozens died in a large-scale attack in Palma. Recent attacks in 2025 targeted Mocimboa da Praia, killing at least six people. Terrorists target areas where foreign companies operate and where expatriates live. Upscale hunting lodges in remote areas have been attacked. The insurgency forced TotalEnergies to suspend a $20 billion natural gas project in 2021. Security forces often respond slowly to attacks in remote areas. Foreign military forces from Rwanda and regional partners have been deployed but have not eliminated the threat.

Political Unrest

Mozambique experienced widespread protests following disputed elections in October 2024. The demonstrations began on October 21, 2024 after opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane contested the election results. Civil society organizations reported over 300 deaths and more than 3,000 injuries between October 21, 2024 and January 16, 2025. Security forces used live ammunition, tear gas, and rubber bullets against protesters. The violence included deaths of children and bystanders. Protests blocked major roads, toll booths, and border crossings throughout the country. Property destruction and roadblocks disrupted airports and supply chains. The government lost an estimated 42 billion meticais in revenue due to the unrest. Daniel Chapo was inaugurated as president on January 15, 2025, despite ongoing protests. While protests decreased in frequency and severity since early 2025, further demonstrations remain possible at short notice. Even peaceful protests can turn violent quickly. Road toll gates are particularly vulnerable to protest activity. Access to borders can be affected without warning, along with public services and transport. Internet restrictions occurred during key moments of the crisis.

Areas To Avoid

Do not travel to Cabo Delgado province due to terrorism and ongoing insurgency. The entire province faces extreme threats from Islamic State-linked militants, with the exception of Pemba, which remains vulnerable to attack. Avoid Erati and Memba districts in Nampula province due to the spread of insurgent attacks from Cabo Delgado. Avoid Marrupa and Mecula districts in Niassa province due to terrorism and violent crime. The Niassa Special Reserve also faces terrorism threats. Avoid travel on the EN1 road between the Save River and Muxungue, and from Gorongosa to Caia. Avoid the EN6 road between Beira and Chimoio due to armed attacks on vehicles targeting civilians and security forces. These attacks have occurred since August 2019. Exercise extreme caution at the Lebombo/Komatipoort border, where lengthy delays create opportunities for criminals to target travelers and vehicles. Avoid isolated locations and beaches, as they are not policed. Do not walk alone in deserted areas, especially after dark, even in tourist areas. Some city neighborhoods are more dangerous than others, so seek local advice about specific areas to avoid. Sofala province has experienced armed attacks on roads and requires extra vigilance.