The Mozambican government has doubled the cost of entry visas with immediate effect under a decree jointly signed by Economy and Finance Minister, Adriano Maleiane, and Interior Minister, Basilio Monteiro.

All single-entry visas applied for in foreign travellers’ countries of origin will be affected by the fee increases.

At the current exchange rate, the cost of single-entry visas valid for 30 days jumps from US$50 to US$102, while a visa valid for between 31 and 60 days will now cost US$203.

Visas valid for between 61 and 90 days now cost US$305.

Border visas – which can be obtained on entry to Mozambique by land, sea or air – remain unaffected, says Natalie Tenzer-Silva of Dana Tours in Mozambique. Border visas allow dual entry within a 30-day period.

“As an example, you can land at Maputo Airport on September 1, purchase a visa at the airport for US$50, then visit Kruger Park during the month, and return to Mozambique through Ressano Garcia (Lebombo) border post on September 15 and remain here until September 30,” says Tenzer-Silva. “Border visas are for bona fide tourists.” Valid proof of accommodation and onward travel must be given, she says.

“Those guests who prefer to get the visa in advance to avoid standing in line may purchase the visas in their home countries at the new tariffs,” she adds.

Product and marketing manager for Pure Africa, Matthias Wichelhaus, says the visa increases are “a very, very bad decision”.

“People are often already unsure about visiting Mozambique because of the political situation and the visa increases will just add to that reluctance,” he says. “There are alternatives to Mozambique, like Madagascar, where people can experience similar things without these issues.

“We offer several bush and beach packages that allow foreign tourists to travel between the Kruger National Park [in South Africa] and Mozambique, and the visa fee increase will affect these,” Wichelhaus adds.