To visit Mozambique, you will need a visa, and the specific type depends on the purpose of your visit and your nationality. Here's an overview of the visa requirements for Mozambique:

Visa on Arrival (VoA):
Most nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival at Mozambican airports and land borders, especially for tourism or business purposes. This visa is usually valid for 30 days and can be extended while in the country.

The cost for a visa on arrival is around $50 USD.

Documents required for the visa on arrival typically include:
- A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity)
- A return flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Sufficient funds for the duration of your stay

Tourist Visa (Advance):
Travelers who prefer to obtain a visa before traveling can apply for a tourist visa through a Mozambican embassy or consulate in their home country. This is particularly useful if you wish to avoid potential delays at the airport or border.

The application generally requires:
- A completed visa application form
- A passport photo
- A valid passport
- Proof of travel (itinerary, flight bookings)
- Proof of accommodation
- Visa fee (varies depending on nationality and consulate)

Business Visa:
If you are visiting Mozambique for business purposes, you can apply for a business visa either on arrival or in advance at a Mozambican consulate.

Business visas are generally valid for 30 days but may be extended if necessary. Requirements are similar to tourist visas but may also include a letter of invitation from the business or organization you will be visiting in Mozambique.

Work and Residence Visas:
For long-term stays or if you plan to work in Mozambique, you will need a work visa or a residence visa, which requires additional documentation, such as:
- A work contract
- Proof of employment
- Approval from the Mozambican Ministry of Labor
- Applications must be made in advance at a Mozambican consulate.

Transit Visa:
If you are transiting through Mozambique and plan to stay in the country for less than 24 hours without leaving the airport, you may not require a visa. However, for stays longer than 24 hours, you can apply for a transit visa, which is usually valid for up to 7 days.

Important Notes:
Some countries in Southern Africa (such as South Africa and Botswana) may not require visas for short stays.

Always check the Mozambican embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date visa information, as requirements may vary. For further details, you can visit the Mozambican Ministry of Foreign Affairs or contact the nearest Mozambican embassy or consulate.

The terrorist insurgency in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province remains a major concern in 2024, with extremist groups linked to ISIS continuing their violent activities.

This insurgency, which began in 2017, has led to widespread displacement, destruction, and instability, primarily affecting northern Mozambique. The group, known locally as Al-Shabab (unrelated to the Somali Al-Shabaab), is notorious for its attacks on civilians, villages, and key infrastructure, as well as targeting the region’s valuable natural resources.

Recent Attacks and Impact on Civilians:
In February 2024, coordinated attacks in the districts of Macomia, Chiure, and Mecufi intensified the conflict, leading to the displacement of more than 13,000 people. Villagers fled to cities such as Pemba and Nampula to escape the violence. The insurgents not only terrorize civilians through kidnappings, killings, and rape, but they also focus on destroying key infrastructure. Schools, health facilities, and homes have been systematically burned, leaving entire communities devastated and without basic services.

The insurgents have also targeted the mining industry in the region. Cabo Delgado is home to ruby mines and other valuable resources, and attacks near the Montepuez mining area have severely disrupted operations. In one incident in 2022, militants attacked a ruby mine, forcing workers to flee, and destroying equipment, effectively paralyzing one of the country’s most lucrative industries. These actions have had a ripple effect on both the economy and security, creating further instability.

International Response:
The Mozambican government has sought international assistance to combat the insurgency, receiving military support from Rwanda and SADC forces. The Rwandan military and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) have helped the Mozambican forces reclaim some territories, including key towns like Mocimboa da Praia. However, despite these successes, insurgent groups continue to operate in remote and rural areas, often launching surprise attacks on villages.

Humanitarian Crisis:
The ongoing violence has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 1 million people displaced from their homes, and many living in temporary camps or relying on humanitarian aid for survival. Access to food, healthcare, and clean water remains limited, particularly in conflict-affected areas, where humanitarian organizations often struggle to reach due to the ongoing violence.

Key Challenges Moving Forward:
Despite international military support and recent victories, Mozambique faces significant challenges in fully stabilizing the Cabo Delgado region. The conflict has created fertile ground for extremist recruitment, particularly among the region’s youth, who suffer from unemployment and economic marginalization. Additionally, the strategic importance of the region’s natural resources, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and rubies, means that both the government and private companies are at risk of further attacks, making long-term stability difficult to achieve.

Before visiting Kenya, it’s important to ensure that you have the necessary vaccines and immunizations to protect against various health risks. Here is a list of the recommended vaccinations:

Yellow Fever (Mandatory)
A yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Kenya if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. You may need to show proof of vaccination, known as the International Certificate of Vaccination.

Routine Vaccines
Make sure you're up to date on routine vaccinations:

- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP)
- Polio
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Influenza

Before visiting Mozambique, it is important to ensure that you are up to date with certain vaccinations and take preventive measures for health risks present in the region. Here is a list of recommended vaccinations and health precautions:

Routine Vaccinations:
Ensure that you are up to date on routine vaccines such as:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP)
- Polio
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Influenza
- COVID-19

Hepatitis A:
Recommended for all travelers, as Hepatitis A can be contracted through contaminated food or water, which is a risk in Mozambique.

Hepatitis B:
Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids. Travelers engaging in activities such as healthcare work, or with potential exposure to medical treatments, should consider getting vaccinated.

Typhoid:
Recommended for travelers, especially if visiting rural areas or staying with locals, as typhoid fever is contracted through contaminated food and water.

Cholera:
Cholera is a risk in areas with poor sanitation. A cholera vaccine may be recommended, particularly if you are traveling to areas with known outbreaks, or if you will have limited access to clean water and food.

Malaria Prevention:
Malaria is present in Mozambique year-round, particularly in rural areas. While there is no vaccine for malaria, it is essential to take antimalarial medications (such as Malarone, Doxycycline, or Mefloquine) and use preventive measures like insect repellent, mosquito nets, and long-sleeved clothing to avoid mosquito bites.

Yellow Fever:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Mozambique itself is not at risk for yellow fever, but travelers coming from affected regions must provide proof of vaccination.

Rabies:
Consider the rabies vaccine if you are planning extended stays in rural areas or if you will be in close contact with animals, as rabies is present in Mozambique.

Meningococcal Meningitis:
This vaccine may be recommended if you are traveling during the dry season or spending time in crowded areas. It is more relevant if there are ongoing outbreaks in the region.

Additional Health Precautions:
Traveler's Diarrhea: Carry over-the-counter medications like oral rehydration salts (ORS) to manage dehydration from diarrhea.
Zika Virus: Although not currently widespread, Zika is a concern in parts of Mozambique. Pregnant women should avoid travel to areas where Zika is present due to the risk to the fetus.

Public Transportation in Mozambique:
Public transportation in Mozambique is relatively limited, especially outside of major cities like Maputo. The most common forms of transportation are:

Chapas (Minibuses):
Chapas are the most widely used form of public transportation. These are privately-owned minibuses or vans that run on fixed routes between neighborhoods or cities. They are often overcrowded, and safety standards can be low. Passengers should expect irregular schedules and a chaotic experience, particularly in busy cities.

Fares are inexpensive, making them a popular choice for locals, but the lack of regulations and upkeep of vehicles means they may not be the safest option for tourists.

Buses:
Larger cities like Maputo and Beira have public buses, but they are not as widespread or frequent as in many other countries. Long-distance buses operate between major cities, but travel times can be slow due to poor road conditions.

Buses traveling between cities tend to be more reliable and safer than chapas, though they still face challenges with delays and congestion.

Taxis:
Taxis are available in urban centers. Taxis are typically not metered, so fares must be negotiated upfront. Although more expensive than chapas, taxis offer more comfort and safety.

Ride-hailing services, such as Yookoo Ride, operate in Maputo and offer an alternative for more reliable and safer travel within cities.

Trains:
Mozambique has limited rail services. CFM (Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique) operates some train routes, but they are primarily used for cargo transport. Passenger trains are available but are not common or recommended due to limited routes and safety concerns.

Ferries:
Ferries operate between the mainland and Inhambane or the Bazaruto Archipelago, offering a scenic way to travel along the coast. These ferries are often used by tourists and locals alike.

Driving in Mozambique:

Driving License:
Tourists can drive in Mozambique using an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their valid home country driver’s license. The IDP is accepted for stays up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, you may need to obtain a Mozambican driving license.

Mozambique follows the left-hand driving system, which can be unfamiliar to many travelers, particularly those from countries that drive on the right.

Road Conditions:
Roads in urban areas like Maputo are generally paved, but outside major cities, road conditions can be poor. Rural roads are often unpaved, and during the rainy season, they can become muddy or flooded, making travel difficult. Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles are recommended for travel in rural areas.

Traffic in cities can be chaotic, with limited adherence to traffic rules, so defensive driving is essential.

Fuel Availability:
Fuel stations are available in cities and along major highways, but they can be sparse in remote areas. It is advisable to carry extra fuel if traveling long distances, particularly in rural regions.

Safety Concerns:
While driving in Mozambique is possible, night driving is strongly discouraged due to poorly lit roads, the risk of accidents, and occasional incidents of banditry in more remote areas. Travelers should always have their documents in order, as police checkpoints are common.

Summary:
Public transportation in Mozambique, particularly the chapas and buses, can be chaotic and uncomfortable, especially in rural areas. Tourists are advised to use taxis or ride-hailing services for safety. Driving with an International Driving Permit is allowed, but road conditions can be challenging, and extra caution is necessary, particularly in rural regions. Always be prepared for poor road conditions and limited infrastructure outside major cities.