Mozambique eVisa for South Africans — Rules, Costs & Application Guide [2026]

South African passport holders do not need a Mozambique eVisa for stays of up to 30 days; this period is visa-exempt. For longer stays, business travel, or specific categories, apply online at evisa.gov.mz. Standard processing takes 5 to 7 working days at approximately USD 50 (~R925).

What Is the Mozambique eVisa?

The Mozambique eVisa for South Africans is a fully online digital entry permit processed through the evisa.gov.mz portal, eliminating embassy visits. VFS Global acts as the logistics partner handling processing on behalf of the Mozambican immigration authority, Serviço Nacional de Migração. The platform launched on 11 February 2026, replacing the previous system. A separate eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) scheme exists for stays up to 30 days, but South African ordinary passport holders already benefit from a visa exemption and do not require either an eVisa or eTA for short tourist and business trips. Beware of third-party aggregator sites charging inflated fees; apply directly via evisa.gov.mz.

Do South Africans Need a Visa for Mozambique in 2026?

South African ordinary passport holders enjoy a 30-day visa exemption for tourism and business, meaning neither a visa on arrival nor a Mozambique eVisa for South Africans is needed for short stays. The Mozambique eVisa for South Africans is mandatory for stays exceeding 30 days, as well as for non-tourist categories such as Sport, Culture, Investment, or Humanitarian Assistance.

Holders of South African diplomatic and service passports benefit from a longer 90-day visa exemption for tourism and business travel. Dual nationality holders must enter Mozambique on the same passport linked to their eVisa application. Nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Nepal, and Somalia are not eligible for the eVisa portal and must apply at the nearest embassy.

How to Apply for the Mozambique eVisa Online

The Mozambique eVisa for South Africans is obtained through a three-step application process via the evisa.gov.mz portal:

Required Documents

The Mozambique eVisa for South Africans requires: a valid passport with at least six months validity from the entry date, a digital passport bio-page scan (complete page), a compliant photograph with a neutral facial expression, no filters or editing, a travel itinerary or confirmed flight booking, and proof of accommodation such as a hotel reservation or host invitation letter. For minors, an unabridged birth certificate and parental consent affidavit are also required. Common rejection reasons include photos with shadows or glare, accommodation bookings not matching the applicant’s name, and selecting the wrong visa category.

Mozambique eVisa Costs and Processing Times

The Mozambique eVisa for South Africans costs approximately USD 50 (~R925) for standard processing. USD is the base currency charged by the portal; ZAR conversion uses the mid-market rate (approximately R925 as of September 2026).

Applicants pay via credit or debit card on the evisa.gov.mz portal; bank transfer is available upon request. Exact surcharges for Rush and Super-Rush processing are not publicly listed; check evisa.gov.mz at the time of application. Last updated: September 2026.

Visa Validity, Duration of Stay, and Entry Type

The Mozambique eVisa for South Africans offers validity period options of 30, 60, or 90 days, selected at the time of application. The Tourist and Business eVisa categories allow multiple entry, whereas Sport and Culture visas are single entry with a 30-day validity. The Crew eVisa is single entry with a 3-day validity, and the Humanitarian Assistance eVisa is multiple entry with a 90-day validity. The purpose of travel must match the declared visa category; unauthorised employment in Mozambique is prohibited and constitutes an offence.

Visa on Arrival vs eVisa: Which Option for South Africans?

South Africans need neither a visa on arrival nor a Mozambique eVisa for South Africans for stays up to 30 days under the visa exemption. For stays exceeding 30 days, the eVisa is mandatory; visa-on-arrival services were largely discontinued following the 11 February 2026 platform launch. The Mozambique High Commission in London no longer issues Tourist or Business visas; all applications must be submitted via evisa.gov.mz. Embassy-sticker visas remain available only for long-term or special-category stays at the nearest Mozambican embassy.

Driving from South Africa to Mozambique: Border Crossing Essentials

The Mozambique eVisa for South Africans permits stays up to 90 days. The Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border post (Mpumalanga) is the busiest SA-to-Mozambique crossing; other posts include Kopfontein (Limpopo) and Kosi Bay/Ponta do Ouro (KwaZulu-Natal). Lebombo/Ressano Garcia typically operates 06:00 to 22:00; other posts vary, so check before travel. Peak-season queues (December to January) can exceed 3 to 4 hours; arrive early morning and carry exact cash for insurance.

Vehicle Documentation and Insurance

• Original vehicle registration document (not a copy)
• Letter of authority from bank or financier if the vehicle is not fully paid off
• Compulsory Mozambican third-party insurance: ~USD 30 to 50, purchased at the border
• Temporary Import Permit (TIP) issued at border customs
• Valid driver’s licence (SA licence accepted; International Driving Permit recommended)
• Accepted currencies at land borders: ZAR, USD, MZN cash; SA bank card acceptance varies; ATM availability limited at smaller posts

Important Rules: Overstays, Extensions, and Health Requirements

Overstaying the Mozambique eVisa for South Africans’ 30-day visa-free limit incurs daily fines, potential detention, and future entry bans. Extensions are available at Serviço Nacional de Migração (SENAMI) offices in Maputo, Beira, and Nampula before the 30-day limit expires; they are discretionary, not guaranteed. Bring your passport, proof of accommodation, and return ticket. Set a calendar reminder on day 25 and register travel plans with DIRCO (OR Tambo Building, 460 Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale, Pretoria, 0084; +27 12 351 1000).

Health Requirements

A Yellow Fever certificate is typically not required for travellers originating directly from South Africa, as South Africa is not a Yellow Fever-endemic zone. However, the certificate is required if transiting through an endemic country.

Cash Declaration Thresholds

• Mozambican customs: declare amounts above MZN 5,000 or equivalent on entry and exit
• SARS (South African Revenue Service): declare foreign currency above ZAR 25,000 equivalent on return

Mozambique eVisa FAQ for South Africans

This guide is published by an independent travel information portal based in the United Kingdom. We are not affiliated with the Government of Mozambique or VFS Global. All information was verified against the evisa.gov.mz portal in September 2026.