Mozambique General Information

Mozambique Time zone: Mozambique is GMT plus 2 hours

Mozambique Currency: Mozambique Meticas (MT).
Approximate exchange rate: US$ 1 = MT23 ZA Rand 1 = MT3 £1 = MT46

Banks and foreign exchange bureaus in Mozambique will change all major currencies into Metical the local currency, South African Rand and US dollar are also widely accepted, ATM’s are spreading across the popular locations but travellers cheques are difficult and expensive to exchange.

Mozambique Official Languages: Portuguese with English widely spoken. A number of local languages are also spoken varying from area to area.

Mozambique Power Supply: Electricity 220 - 240 V AC, 50 Hz
Electric Plugs can be European plug with two circular metal pins or South African/Indian-style plug with two circular metal pins above a large circular grounding pin.

Mozambique Weather

Mozambique is a popular holidaying place for tourists from all over the world. The Mozambique weather is ideal for tourism related activities all around the year.
Mozambique crosses the tropic of Capricorn giving the country of Mozambique a tropical climate. There is plenty of sunshine all through the year. The Mozambique weather is characterized by seasonal rains at a specific time of the year. Rainfall is heaviest during the months of December to March. A few spells of rain occurs during the months of April to November. Mozambique enjoys 8 to 9 hours of sunshine daily throughout the year.
Climate varies according to area. Inland is cooler than the coast and rainfall higher as the land rises, with most rain between January and March.

More information on Mozambique Weather & Climate...

Visas and Entry Requirements for Mozambique

All visitors need a current passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. Visa’s are required by most countries (South Africa being the main exception), these can be obtained in advance at a Mozambique embassy, Tourist Visa's can be obtained at most entry borders. Please consult your booking agent or contact us for up to date information.

All visitors require a passport, valid for 3 months with two clear pages.

Visa’s are required for most countries and are available at all entry airports:
Maputo, Inhambane, Vilankulo and Pemba
and at the following border posts:
Kosi Bay, Renao Garcia (Komatipoort) – From South Africa
Milange, Zobue – from Malawi
Kotwa, Mtare – from Zimbabwe
Fee at these border posts and airports is currently US$25 per passport and can be paid in US$, South African Rand and Mozambique Mets – Currently Euros and GB Pound are not accepted.
For other borders at the moment it is best to get a visa beforehand from a local embassy. These vary according to nationality from US$25 to US$100 and requirements vary from embassy to embassy.
Passport holders from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana no longer need visa’s and will be granted a 30 day stay at point of arrival (Admin fee R17 per passport)

South African Border Crossing Essentials:

1. Passport and Visas
South African passport holders resident to South Africa do not require a visa to visit Namibia,
Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland. However, should you be travelling
with an emergency travel document, other than your South African passport, for one or other
reason you will require a visa to enter Botswana. Visa applications can be made to the Botswana
Consulate in Braamfontein: TEL +27(0) 11 403 3748

2. Driver's License
The South African driver's license is recognised in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique,
Lesotho and Swaziland.

3. International Driver's Permit
Although not compulsory this is recommended for everyone driving in foreign countries.

4. ZA Sticker
If you’re travelling from South Africa across borders vehicles should bear a ZA sticker which
designates that they are foreign vehicles from South Africa. AA Accredited Sales Agent stores and
outdoor retailers like Safari Centre will have them available for purchase.

5. White and Red Reflective Tape
In Zimbabwe - two small white rectangular size strips on the right and left hand side of the front
bumper, as well as two small red square strips on the right and left hand side of the rear bumper
is required. If towing a trailer, two small red square strips on the right and left hand side of the
rear bumper are required.

6. Yellow and Blue Mozambique Warning Triangle
In Mozambique a set of two yellow and blue warning triangle stickers are required if towing a
trailer; one in the front of the vehicle (on the bumper) and one on the rear of the trailer.

7. Vehicle Registration/Vehicle License Papers
A certified copy of vehicle registration/vehicle lisense papers is acceptable at the border posts.
Must be accompanied with a letter from the bank giving you authorisation to take the vehicle
across the border, and must indicate dates. Both the bank letter and license papers should be
signed by a Commissioner of Oaths. If you are not the registered owner of the vehicle, please
carry an affidavit from the police giving you authorisation from the financial institution/owner to
take the vehicle abroad.

8. Police Clearance Certificate
A Police Clearance Certificate may be required if travelling through the Chirundu Border Post of
Zimbabwe, both for vehicles and trailers

9 . Letter of authority
If you are travelling in a rented car or 4x4 across borders, you have to have a letter from the
rental company giving you permission to take the vehicle out of the country. You do not need
police clearance for this.

Quick Border Post Tips:
Border posts can be daunting, confusing and may even frustrate you but no worries, follow these
tips and you will sail on through with no problems.

1. Make a folder for all your important documents to prevent unnecessary loss and stress.

2. Get all your documents in order ready to hand in to the border official.

3. Be patient and smile – always be polite and co-operate, this will help make the procedure go
smoothly without annoying the person who has the power to give you access.

4. Ask for the maximum amount of days possible – you could end up stuck in the middle of
nowhere with a flat tyre and not be able to return in time.

5. Don’t overstay your time; this will lead to problems at the border when trying to leave.

6. Make sure your passport has enough empty pages for the necessary stamps.

7. Keep a few pens with you, there are never enough at the border posts, it will help you fill out
the paperwork faster without having to wait.Now go enjoy your travels on the roads of Africa!

Unabridged Birth Certificate for children under 18

From 1 June 2015, the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa will require all passengers under 18 to travel with an Unabridged Birth Certificate.

What is it?
A new immigration law is coming into effect on 1 June 2015.
Under the new law, all minors under the age of 18 years will be required to produce, in addition to their passport, an Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the particulars of both parents) when exiting and entering South African ports of entry.

Why is it happening?
This is being done to curb human trafficking. According to the Department of Home Affairs, 30 000 minors are trafficked through South African borders every year. 50% of these minors are under the age of 14.
When the new immigration regulation comes into effect on 1 June, it will be the responsibility of passengers to ensure their children have the correct documentation or risk being denied boarding. The new law will be enforced by airlines and immigration officials across the board (land, sea and air). Although airlines and travel agents are doing everything to keep passengers informed, ultimately it will be passengers’ responsibility to know what is required of them.

In all cases an Unabridged Birth Certificate will be required for minors departing and arriving in South Africa ... they will not be allowed to travel without it. In cases where the Unabridged Birth Certificate is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a sworn translation issued by a competent authority in the country concerned.

Children travelling with only one parent
When a child travels with only one parent, additional documents should include an affidavit in which the absent parent gives consent for the child to travel, a court order granting full parental responsibilities or legal guardianship of the child, or the death certificate of the absent parent. The affidavit should be no more than 3 months old from date of travel.

Children travelling without either parent
In the case of a child travelling with a person other than a parent, the Unabridged Birth Certificate must be supplemented by affidavits from the parents or legal guardians confirming that the child may travel with that person, copies of the ID documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian, and the contact details of the parents or legal guardian.

Similarly, a child travelling as an unaccompanied minor would have to produce not only the Unabridged Birth Certificate, but also proof of consent from both parents or legal guardians and contact details, plus documentation relating to the person receiving the child in South Africa. The latter documentation should include a letter stating the person’s contact details and residential address, contact details where the child will be residing, plus a copy of his or her ID document, passport or residence permit.

Application process for Unabridged Birth Certificates
· Apply at your nearest Home Affairs office where your Biometric information will be verified.
· Take your ID book along, as well as your child's ID number.
· All documents submitted must be originals or certified copies.
· The Unabridged Birth Certificate costs R75.
· It can take up to 8 weeks to acquire an Unabridged Birth Certificate from the date of application.

Since last year, Unabridged Birth Certificates have been issued automatically for newborns. If your infant was born after 14 March 2013, you should be in possession of a UBC.

Certified copies of documents are usually valid for 6 months only.

Don't delay applying for Unabridged Birth Certificates as the time frame for obtaining the documentation varies greatly, from a few weeks to several months. Minors travelling in school groups or with their grandparents are not exempt from the requirement.

Who is exempt?
· The new law does not apply to children travelling domestically (E.g. Between Johannesburg and Cape Town).
· Minor passengers on a 'Cruise to Nowhere'. For example a cruise that departs Durban Harbour and returns to Durban Harbour, or a cruise that goes from Durban Harbour to Cape Town Harbour.

Important contacts:
Department of Home Affairs toll free hotline: 0800 60 11 90

Quick guide to the new requirements
• When leaving South Africa with children, parents or guardians must be able to
produce unabridged birth certificates reflecting the details of both parents, as
well as a valid passport for each child.

• This requirement applies even when both parents are travelling with their
children.

• It applies to foreigners and South Africans alike.

• If children are travelling with a guardian, this adult is required to produce
affidavits from both parents giving permission for the children to travel. They
will also need copies of the passports of the parents, as well as the contact
details of the parents.

• If children are travelling with only one parent, they must produce an
unabridged birth certificate as well as:

• a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal
guardianship in respect of the child, if he or she is the parent or legal
guardian of the child;

• an affidavit from the other parent granting permission for the child to
leave the country;

• a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal
guardianship in respect of the child; and

• if applicable, the death certificate of the other parent registered on the
birth certificate.

• When a child is travelling as an unaccompanied minor, he or she must be able
to produce:

• proof of consent (a letter or affidavit) from both his or her parents or
legal guardians to travel in or out of the country; and

• a letter from the person who will receive the child in South Africa,
including that person's full contact details and a copy of their passport
or ID book. The letter must also include details about where the child
will be staying, and full contact details of both parents or legal
guardians

Read more: http://www.southafrica.info/travel/documents/travel-children-110614.htm#ixzz3BUfFV4cZ

IMMIGRATION NOTICE

Following the announcement of the new regulation put into place by the Ministry of Home
Affairs regarding travelling with children in and out of South Africa, please take urgent note of
the below summary and the extract from the Publication of the Draft Immigration Regulations
2014 in regard to documentation required when travelling with children under 18 years.
New travel regulations relating to travel with children

- Both parents travelling with child(ren) under the age of 18 years have to produce a
full/unabridged birth certificate for the child(ren) (both parents’ details must be on the birth
certificate)

- One parent travelling with child(ren) must have consent from other parent in the form of an
affidavit or custody agreement confirming permission to travel with child(ren)

- One parent travelling with child(ren) and other parent passed away, must produce death
certificate of deceased parent.

- Guardians travelling with child(ren) must provide affidavits from parents giving permission
for child(ren) to travel

Failing to provide these documents will result in being denied entry.

New entry, exit and visa requirements for South Africa
- Passport must be valid for at least 30 day after intended date of departure from South Africa

- Passport must have two blank ‘visa’ pages (please note that blank ‘endorsement’ pages will
not suffice)

- Visitors to South Africa for tourism, short business meetings or transit: no visa needed for up
to 90 days. No extension available on tourism visas.

- All other travellers need visas (incl. academics, students on educational trips, entrepreneurs,
workers and volunteers). Must apply in person in country of ordinary residence or citizenship.

- A change of visitor visa status is not possible while in South Africa, so visitors intending to
work in South Africa must apply for work visas before arrival in South Africa.

- Overstaying a visa expiry date can result in being declared undesirable and being barred
from entering South Africa for a specific period of time.

Questions relating to any of these changes should be directed to the South African Department of Home Affairs.

Madbookings provides Clients with guidelines only and are not responsible for ensuring that Clients have all necessary Travel Documents. All Clients are to refer to the South African Department of Home Affairs to ensure that they have the most current information in relation to travel documentation required to enter / leave South Africa. Clients are required to present the necessary Travel Documents for inspection as required on entering and exiting any Border Post.

Click Here to view the extract from the Publication of the Draft Immigration Regulations 2014

IMPORTANT NOTICE
(2014-07-18) Foreign nationals traveling to Mozambique should be aware of newly enforced entry requirements to obtain a visa in advance of arrival in the country. With the exception of nationals from a few neighboring countries, all foreigners traveling to the country require a visa.

Officially, since 2003 foreigners traveling to Mozambique have been instructed to obtain a visa in advance if they are arriving from a country that has a Mozambique embassy. Travelers arriving from other countries without Mozambican representation have been able to purchase single-entry visitors’ visas valid for 30 days at the airport or other points of entry for $82. Unofficially, until recently almost all foreigners have been permitted to purchase these visas on arrival. The only factor being different from obtaining a visa in advance was that the ‘visto de fronteira’ was $25 more expensive and limited to a single entry. This is no longer the case. Foreigners arriving without a visa from a country with a Mozambican mission will likely be denied entry and sent to South Africa or another country on the next available flight. Many U.S. citizens have recently been denied entry and deported.

The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that all U.S. citizens obtain visas in advance from the Mozambique Embassy in Washington DC or another country. In practice, even Americans arriving from a country without a Mozambican diplomatic presence are sometimes being denied entry if arriving without a visa. Travelers to Mozambique should also pay careful attention to other requirements of their visas and be prepared to show any documentation which accompanied their applications. U.S. citizens have been denied entry for not being able to produce an invitation letter, other requested documentation, or correctly completed arrival forms.

Mozambique Border Posts

Mozambique Cuisine

Not surprisingly seafood is the main speciality of Mozambique cuisine, fresh fish, lobster, calamari, prawns, crab served with rice or chips. For those who like it spicy there is generally a great sweet chilli sauce available. Chicken is also generally available, in the north a delicious Zambezi chicken is a traditional coconut based dish. Vegetarians will love the freshly grown fruit, there is always something in season: banana, mango, pineapple, avocado, paw paw, tomato and more.

Mozambique History, Culture & People

Mozambique has a population of approximately 21 million people. There are 19 main groups of which the Makua are the largest group.

The largest proportion of the people live along the long (2500 km) coastline, with fishing and simple agriculture providing the essentials of life.

Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and became a Republic in 1990 after years of civil war.

Religion is split between Christian (mainly Roman Catholic), Muslim, Hindu and many also follow traditional beliefs.

What to wear in Mozambique

For most of the year light clothing is a must in Mozambique (along with swimming gear), evenings can get cool from June to August requiring a shirt or light jumper. A long sleeved top is handy for keeping off the sun and don’t forget the suncream and sunglasses.

Health & Safety in Mozambique

Mozambique is a malaria area so please consult your doctor on a suitable anti-malarial, (remember some malaria medication is not suitable for diving). Also an up to date Tetanus while polio, typhoid and hepatitis A are recommended, consult your doctor for further information.

Insurance for Mozambique

Travel insurance with medical cover is recommended.
All trips with dives included are covered by DAN dive insurance, this is for dive related incidents only and does not replace travel insurance.

Communications

Mobile phone networks cover all the main areas, local sim cards are also widely available with Vodacom and MTN. Internet is still slow and limited to major areas.

Scuba Diving & Snorkelling in Mozambique

Superb diving is available all along the coast, still very uncommercialised there is huge variety of reef and underwater life for all levels of diving.

Fishing in Mozambique

There is fantastic fishing along the whole coast, with big game fish such as Marlin and Sailfish, tiger fishing is also available. All should be done on a catch and release basis.

Mozambique Souvenirs

There are many good bargains available to remind you of Mozambique, brightly painted landscapes by local artists, woven baskets, bags and hats, colourful cloth work, silver jewellery, sculptures, ceramic work and wood carvings.

We request that you do not buy shells as this promotes the fishing of live creatures.

Guide to enjoying your holiday in Mozambique

In addition to information supplied on our website, please read the following:
• Compulsory item checklist:
• 3rd party insurance, obtainable at the border
• 2 emergency triangles and 2 reflective vests
• If towing – a yellow triangle on blue sticker
• ZA sticker for SA registered cars
• Vehicle registration papers
• Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
• Valid Driver’s license
• Prevent Malaria
• Use a mosquito net and protect yourself from exposure to mosquitoes.

• Border post hours
Lebombo/Ressano Garcia 6h00 – 24h00
During the December holidays – usually around 28 Nov to 10 Feb, border posts are open 24 hours

• Weather
Mozambique is a warm and sunny country, protect yourself against dangerous UV rays
The rainy season is from October to April, pack your raincoat and umbrella.

Dealing with law enforcement services

•Traffic Police
*Identified by a uniform of white shirt and navy long pants
*Authorised to issue spot fines for traffic offences – insist on a ticket and official, numbered receipt

• Mozambique Republic Police (MRP)
*Identified by a grey uniform
*not authorised to issue traffic fines
*have the authority to search the vehicle and inspect your identity documents

• Protect yourself:
*Be courteous but do not hand over your passport or driver’s license, show it for inspection
*Ask for identification and make a note of the official’s name
Dealing with bribery

• It is illegal to pay a bribe and could result in your arrest SO DO NOT PAY A BRIBE, contact the anti-corruption hotline for assistance.
Be on the safe side
Do not take unnecessary risks, abide by the traffic laws and adhere to speed limits at all times.
General speed limits are: 120km/hr on the open roads (100km/hr if you are towing)
Reduce speed to 80km/hr as you approach a town/built up area, 60km/hr through all towns/built up areas
Not that in case of an accident with serious injuries and/or fatalities, the MRP have the authority to make an arrest and/or impound your
vehicle. If this happens, contact your embassy.