Mozambique Tourist Visa For US Citizens

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Did you know I almost skipped Mozambique because a tourist visa is required for US Citizens? But after seeing photos of how stunning their beaches are, I couldn’t back out.

I searched on google for answers and found that it is possible to obtain visa upon arrival but the consensus was “U.S. citizens have been denied entry for not having obtained a visa in advance.” I didn’t want to end up in such a situation.

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My experience at Mozambique consulate

The process of obtaining a visa at the consulate in Joburg (95 Oxford Rd, Randburg, 2132) took me 3 hours of deliberating what I should do since I was unprepared.

Issue #1: I was unaware that having pre-booked accommodation was necessary.

I had to be fast and smart because I didn’t want to return on another day. As more people came in, I realized that my original choice (Airbnb) would have been a waste of time. One of the clerks said Airbnb properties are not an option because they are not legally licensed to operate.

I thought of booking with a hostel in Maputo but wasn’t sure how long it will take them to send me a copy of their license.

Issue #2: Finding a hotel legally licensed to operate but has a good cancellation policy.

After many searches, I found Tsogo Sun. What did I do? Booked a one-night stay for the sake of a visa and canceled my reservation some days later.

Moral of the story: Don’t be like me and waste 3 hours.

What You Need For A Same Day Mozambique Tourist Visa

You have the choice of a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. I opted for single-entry:

4 passport photos (size: 1.5 in by 2 in)
- You can get a photo taken by the gate guard for R50 ($4) if you have none
Your United States passport must be valid
- At least 6 months before the expiration date and you have 3 blank visa pages at the time of entry
Completed Visa Application form
A printed copy of your confirmed hotel booking and commercial license
- If you’re staying with someone, you must provide a copy of their passport and a written invitation letter. This applies to Airbnb bookings.
Money
- Only cards are accepted
- R750 ($63) for a single entry visa
- R3 (less than $1) for any print-outs

Make sure your application is submitted between 8 am-12 pm to guarantee a same-day visa. You can pick it up between 3-4 pm.

Mozambique Tourist visa issued by the consulate in Johannesburg — *Single-entry Tourist visa issued from the consulate in Johannesburg*

Visa on Arrival

Recently discovered an article pointing out that since last year, US citizens can obtain a visa from the border or at the airport. You fill out a form, they take your picture, create the visa sticker and put it in your passport. If there is a short line, it can take up to 20 minutes.

Border Crossing By Car

The day I was crossing from South Africa into Mozambique, I was driving from Kruger National Park. The nearest border was Lebombo (Ressano Garcia).

Thanks to Google reviews of Lebombo and speaking with a border/customs employee, I was prepared for the Mozambique border. You should watch out for anyone trying to pressure you to buy some bulls**t insurance. No insurance is compulsory.

Initially it was super confusing because I didn’t know what precisely to look out for. Besides that, the customs and immigration was quick and simple. No long queues.

Tip: Not all South African rental agencies allow their cars to be driven into Mozambique. One example is Bidvest.

If you will be driving a rental car from South Africa, you will need an authorized letter from the rental agency stating the rented vehicle is permitted to cross the border.