Visa-free entry into Mozambique for citizens of the 29 new countries added to the nation’s visa waiver list will officially come into effect on May 1, after the recent signing of a Ministerial decree approving the additions.
The exemption allows citizens of the included countries to enter the country for a period of 30 days, eligible for an extension of another 30 days. Citizens covered by the exemption are still required to register on the country’s eVisa site at least 48 hours prior to departure at a cost of MZN650 (US$10).
The tourism industry has responded positively to the visa changes, particularly as many of the new visa-exempt countries are among Mozambique’s top overseas source markets.
Visa-free entry now applies for the following countries:
Belgium; Canada; China; Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Ghana; Indonesia; Ireland, Israel; Italy; Ivory Coast; Japan; Netherlands; Norway; Portugal; Russia; Saudi Arabia; Senegal; Singapore; South Korea; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Ukraine; United Arab Emirates; United Kingdom and the United States of America.
“As a tour operator, we are delighted at the passing of the decree, which will greatly enhance the ease of inbound travel from many of Mozambique’s key source markets. We commend the government of Mozambique for expediting this process, and we look forward to welcoming the new wave of tourism that this will facilitate,” said Natalie Tenzer-Silva, Owner of Dana Tours.
The visa changes are part of a package of economic stimulus measures announced by President Felipe Nyusi in August last year. The country has been commended for the fast pace at which it has implemented reforms, including the establishment of the eVisa platform and the relaxation of criteria for business visas.
Tenzer-Silva said the issuing of visas over the years had been a problematic and expensive exercise.
“Delays at consulates abroad incurred huge costs. The border visa, which was introduced some years ago, alleviated some of these problems but complications persisted. The new reforms are a game-changer and will allow for more spontaneous travel. We have received many last-minute requests for travel to Mozambique and this will greatly assist us with that,” she said.
