Mozambique

Mozambique is considered a generally safe country to visit compared to other countries in the region, and most visitors do not experience any trouble. However, certain precautions should be followed to minimize safety risks.

Petty street crime, such as pickpocketing or robbery, does occur, and tourists or those who appear better off could be targeted. The risk is greater after dark. Avoid walking after dark even in tourist areas. Travellers should keep cash and valuables out of sight, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Petty crime is most common in Maputo but is also increasing in tourist areas. There have been reports of restaurants being robbed after dark.

Avoid walking on Maputo’s Avenida Marginal between the Waterfront Restaurant and the Southern Sun Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn) due to an increase in violent crime in this area.

There have been some reports of carjackings, and travel at night can be dangerous. There are reports that car-jackers wear military-style clothing and stop cars in deserts or isolated areas. Travellers should keep doors locked and windows up as a precaution.

Since 2012, the business community has been targeted in a number of kidnappings in the Maputo area.

There is no security on beaches or on offshore islands.

Be cautious at ATMs and avoid withdrawing cash at night.

Do not pick up hitchhikers or pedestrians or other motorists who appear to have trouble. This can be a tactic for robbery. If you believe someone is in trouble, notify the police on their behalf. Outside of Maputo and major cities, only travel by road during daytime hours and if possible, only travel in a convoy and on main roadways.

There have been reports of serious assault and robberies at two coastal resorts in the Inhambane province. Isolated beaches and picnic spots should be avoided.

In Cabo Delgado, an increasing number of attacks have occurred since January 2019. Violent attacks, with the use of machetes, guns and bombs, have been reported in the districts of Palma, Mocimboa da Praia, Macomia, Nangade, Quissanga, Muidumbe, Meluco, and Ibo. Some of these attacks have occurred near the Quirimbas National Park that is popular with tourists. Frequently, there are clashes between security forces and insurgents and other groups.

Exercise caution if travelling to the Sofala Province. Armed clashes occurred in this province until a peace accord was signed in September 2014. Banditry and political tensions are still a problem in remote areas around the Gorongosa hills, as well as in Muxungue, Chibabava, Meringue, Makossa, and Canxixi.

In the southern and central provinces (Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Tete, Sofala), mines still exist in some areas away from main roads. Stay on well-traveled roads, or always get advice from authorities before travelling in off-road areas. Minefields existed in the northern provinces of Nampula, Zambezia, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado, but all “known” minefields in these areas have been cleared.

Avoid any unnecessary travel on the EN1 between Inchope and the town of Gorongoza and the EN6 between Tica and Inchope in Sofala Province. Since August 2019, a number of armed attacks on vehicles on roads have occurred in Sofala province.

Minimize safety risk by avoiding public and political gatherings and demonstrations. Even peaceful protests can quickly and unexpectedly escalate. It is illegal in some countries for foreigners to participate in protests or demonstrations.