Published: 11 September 2026. Data verified against evisa.gov.mz (accessed 8 September 2026) and gov.uk travel advice (updated 5 September 2026). Exchange rate: 1 USD = 63.5 MZN (, 8 September 2026); Visa on Arrival cash fees may vary by border rate.
The Mozambique eVisa costs approximately USD 47 paid online via the eVisa portal (evisa.gov.mz), while a Visa on Arrival costs USD 50-80 in cash at the border. The UK government advisory (gov.uk, updated 5 September 2026) states that UK citizens cannot pay on arrival at the border; British passport holders must use the eVisa portal, as airlines may deny boarding without a printed eVisa confirmation PDF.
Both routes grant the same tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. The Mozambique eVisa is pre-approved online before departure; a Visa on Arrival is issued in person at select border posts and airports. For UK travellers, the Mozambique eVisa is the reliable, recommended route.
Mozambique eVisa vs Visa on Arrival – Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Mozambique eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Approximately USD 47, paid online via the portal’s secure payment gateway. | USD 50-80, payable in cash only (USD or Mozambican Meticais). Exact change recommended. |
| Processing time | Apply 2-3 weeks before travel; exact official timeline is not published. | Issued at the counter, but queue times vary and can be lengthy at peak hours. |
| Convenience | Complete the entire process from home; receive a PDF by email to print for boarding. | No advance application, but requires carrying cash and all printed documents to the border. |
| Reliability | Confirmed before departure; airlines accept the printed eVisa/eTA confirmation. | Airlines may deny boarding without prior visa confirmation, making VOA unreliable for air travellers. |
| Required preparation | Digital passport copy, passport-style photo, accommodation proof, return itinerary uploaded online. | Valid passport (6+ months, 2 blank pages), one printed photo, accommodation proof, return ticket, cash fee. |
| Validity | Up to 90 days for tourist and business visas; single-entry or multiple-entry options. | Same maximum duration of stay; conditions set at the immigration counter. |
| Best for | Planned trips, UK passport holders, air travellers seeking boarding certainty. | Last-minute overland entry from neighbouring countries where no airline pre-check applies. |
UK gov.uk states plainly: “You cannot pay on arrival at the border.” Airlines operating flights into Mozambique may refuse boarding to passengers without a printed Mozambique eVisa or eTA confirmation, making the eVisa the dependable route for British passport holders.
Cost Breakdown and Nationality Eligibility for 2026
The eVisa costs approximately USD 47 paid online via the portal’s secure payment gateway; the Visa on Arrival costs USD 50-80 in cash (USD or Mozambican Meticais) at the border. UK citizens cannot pay on arrival and must apply through the eVisa portal at evisa.gov.mz.
The Mozambique High Commission in London, located at 21 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6EL, United Kingdom (tel. +44 (0) 207 383 3800; consular hours Monday to Friday, 10:00-13:00), no longer issues tourist or business visas in person; all applications must go through the online portal.
Travellers holding passports from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Nepal, or Somalia cannot use the eVisa portal and must request a visa at the nearest Mozambique embassy. Visa-exempt SADC nationals (e.g., South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya) need no visa for short stays but may require a mandatory eTA since May 2025 .
Application Process and Border Experience
Mozambique eVisa – three steps via the evisa.gov.mz portal:
Apply online
Fill out the form, provide details, and upload documents. Applicants with dual nationality must use the passport they will travel with.
Pay the fee
Approximately USD 47 through the portal’s secure payment gateway.
Download & print
A preliminary eVisa is sent via email as a PDF and must be printed for boarding and arrival.
Visa on Arrival – issued in person at major airports (Maputo, Beira, Nampula, Vilankulo) and select land borders (Ressano Garcia, Kopfontein). Travellers present a passport valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages, one passport photo, proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and cash of USD 50-80 in USD or MZN. Exact change is recommended; change is not always available at border posts.
Tip: If you hold dual nationality, upload the passport you will actually travel with. One traveller reported a 2-week delay after uploading the wrong passport copy.
Airlines operating flights to Mozambique may deny boarding without a printed Mozambique eVisa confirmation. The UK government advisory (gov.uk, updated 5 September 2026) confirms UK citizens cannot pay on arrival at the border, making the eVisa portal the reliable path for British passport holders.
Visa Validity, Extensions, and Decision Guide
Both the Mozambique eVisa and Visa on Arrival grant a tourist visa permitting a stay of up to 90 days. The validity window defines the period during which you may enter Mozambique; the duration of stay caps the maximum time you can remain once admitted. A tourist eVisa issued on 1 January may remain valid for entry until late March, yet the permitted in-country stay still maxes out at 90 days or less per the evisa.gov.mz portal.
Extensions are handled by SENAMI (Servico Nacional de Migracao) provincial offices. The Mozambique High Commission in London states the stay can range from 1 day to one month, renewable in Mozambique, provided that the Visa is still valid at the moment of application. Overstay penalties include daily fines, detention, and deportation.
For planned trips at least two weeks ahead, the Mozambique eVisa is the clear choice: confirmed before departure, cheaper at approximately USD 47, and accepted at all ports. A Visa on Arrival suits last-minute overland entry from neighbouring countries where no airline pre-check applies. If your eVisa is delayed, re-apply with corrected documents or fall back to a Visa on Arrival at the border, carrying all supporting documents and exact cash in USD or MZN.
Mozambique eVisa vs Visa on Arrival – FAQ (2026)
Can UK citizens enter Mozambique without a visa in 2026?
No. British passport holders are not on any visa-exempt list. UK citizens must obtain a Mozambique eVisa or eTA via the eVisa portal (evisa.gov.mz) before travel, as the gov.uk advisory confirms you cannot pay on arrival at the border.
How much does the Mozambique eVisa cost for UK passport holders?
The eVisa fee is approximately USD 47, paid online via the portal. A Visa on Arrival, if available, costs USD 50-80 in cash at the border. UK citizens cannot pay at the border and must apply and pay online.
How long does Mozambique eVisa processing take?
The exact official processing time is not published on the eVisa portal. Travellers are advised to apply at least 2-3 weeks before departure to allow for processing and potential system delays. The preliminary eVisa is sent via email as a PDF, which must be printed for boarding and arrival.
What documents do I need for a Mozambique Visa on Arrival?
You need a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and 2 blank pages, one passport-size photo, proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and cash in USD or Mozambican Meticais (MZN). Exact change is recommended, as change is not always available at border posts.
Can I extend my Mozambique tourist visa while in the country?
Yes. Apply at a SENAMI (National Immigration Service) provincial office while the visa is still valid. Bring your passport, proof of funds, and the applicable fee. Overstay penalties include daily fines, detention, and deportation.
What happens if my Mozambique eVisa application is rejected?
Re-apply with corrected documents through the eVisa portal. If the eVisa is not approved before departure, you may fall back to a Visa on Arrival at the border by carrying all supporting documents and cash in USD or MZN. Contact the SENAMI immigration helpline for assistance.
Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for Mozambique?
Travellers arriving from or transiting through Yellow Fever endemic countries must present a valid vaccination certificate at the border. This applies regardless of whether you enter on a Mozambique eVisa or a Visa on Arrival.
Which Mozambique airports offer Visa on Arrival?
Visa on Arrival is available at Maputo International Airport, Beira Airport, Nampula Airport, and Vilankulo Airport, as well as select land border posts such as Ressano Garcia and Kopfontein. Verify availability at your specific entry point before travel.
