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Mozambique Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

Visa Free

South African citizens can enter Mozambique visa-free for up to 30 days under the SADC visa waiver arrangement, requiring only a valid passport and proof of onward travel, with no advance application needed.

Guide last updated October 22, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date
  • No visa application form required for visa-exempt entry
  • Confirmed onward or return ticket
  • Proof of accommodation or an invitation if staying with contacts
  • Proof of sufficient funds for your stay, occasionally checked by immigration
  • No biometrics beyond the standard passport scan at the border or airport
  • Travel health insurance is recommended, particularly if traveling to rural or northern regions

Visa types

  • Visa-exempt entry: automatic for South African passport holders under the SADC reciprocal visa waiver arrangement, up to 30 days per visit, no fee, covers tourism and short business visits
  • e-Visa: available via evisa.gov.mz for travelers who need a longer stay or fall outside the waiver (not required for a standard South African tourist visit)
  • Work/Residence Permit: separate application required for anyone taking up employment, not covered by visa-free entry

Entry conditions

  • South African citizens may enter Mozambique visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or short business visits under the SADC arrangement
  • Visitors must present a passport, completed arrival/disembarkation card, and may be asked for proof of onward travel and accommodation
  • Paid local employment is not permitted under the visa-free entry - a work permit must be obtained in advance for that purpose
  • Extensions beyond 30 days can be requested at the Serviço Nacional de Migração (SENAMI) offices in major cities such as Maputo
  • Land border crossings (such as Lebombo/Ressano Garcia) and airports both honour the visa waiver identically for South African passports

Fees & processing time

  • No visa fee for the standard 30-day visa-exempt entry
  • No VFS/BLS or third-party processing involved for visa-free entry
  • Total cost estimate: USD/ZAR 0 for entry itself beyond standard road toll or airport fees
  • If applying for the e-visa instead (for longer or different-purpose stays), the online fee is typically around USD 40-50 with processing in a few working days
  • Extension of stay applications at SENAMI offices are generally processed within a few working days

Tips for South Africa travelers

  • Carry your vehicle documents and a valid driver's licence if driving across the border, as these are checked separately from the passport/visa process
  • Keep proof of your return travel plans accessible, as border officials may ask to see it despite the visa-free status
  • Since the arrangement is reciprocal and based on SADC membership, carry your passport (not just an ID book) as this is required for international travel even between neighbouring SADC states
  • For stays approaching or exceeding 30 days, arrange an extension at SENAMI well before the deadline to avoid overstay penalties
  • Border posts at peak holiday periods (such as December) can have long queues - cross outside peak travel times where possible

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.