Mozambique Reinstates ETA Requirement for Visa-Exempt Travelers After Temporary Suspension

Editorial Team
1 day ago
3 min read

Updated: 23 hours ago

Maputo, July 31, 2026 — Mozambique's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system is now fully operational and mandatory for citizens of 29 visa-exempt countries, following a temporary suspension in May 2025 due to technical difficulties with the online registration platform.

Mozambique ETA reinstated 2026 – infographic showing the 29 visa-exempt countries, 48-hour application deadline, US$48 fee, and 30-day stay limit for the Electronic Travel Authorization requirement now fully operational. — Mozambique reinstates ETA requirement for visa-exempt travelers from 29 countries, effective with the new VFS Global-supported portal launched February 2026.

The requirement, which applies to travelers from 29 countries that are unilaterally exempt from short-stay visa requirements, mandates that eligible nationals obtain pre-travel authorization at least 48 hours before departure.

Published: July 1, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team

Timeline of Events

Date	Event
April 24, 2025	Mozambique's National Immigration Service (NIS) issued a decree requiring visa-exempt nationals to obtain pre-travel authorization at least 48 hours before departure
May 16, 2025	NIS announced temporary suspension of the ETA requirement due to technical difficulties with the online portal
February 11, 2026	Mozambique launched a new digital visa platform operated with VFS Global support, replacing the previous system
July 31, 2026	ETA system confirmed fully operational and mandatory

What Is the Mozambique ETA?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is not a visa — it is a pre-travel permission or authorization that certain visa-exempt travelers need before departing for Mozambique.

Aspect	Details
Purpose	Pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers
Validity	Single entry, up to 30 days stay
Application Deadline	At least 48 hours before departure
Fee	Approximately US$48
Portal	evisa.gov.mz

Which Countries Are Affected?

The ETA requirement applies to citizens of 29 countries that are unilaterally exempt from short-stay visa requirements for tourism and business purposes:

Region	Countries
Europe	Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
North America	Canada, United States
Asia	China, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, United Arab Emirates
Africa	Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal

Note: Citizens of these countries do not need a traditional visa but must obtain an ETA before travel.

Who Needs What: ETA vs. eVisa

Mozambique operates two parallel tracks on the same portal:

Category	Requirement	Details
29 Visa-Exempt Countries	ETA	Pre-travel authorization, 30-day stay, ~US$48
All Other Nationalities	eVisa	Full visa application, 30-90 day stay options

The distinction is clearly explained on the official portal: an ETA is a pre-travel authorization, while an eVisa is a full visa issued by the Mozambican government.

The New Digital Platform

On February 11, 2026, Mozambique launched a completely new e-Visa and ETA application portal, now operated with the support of VFS Global.

Key Features of the New Portal:

Feature	Details
Unified System	Single platform for both ETA and eVisa applications
Cloud-Based	Secure, fully integrated digital solution
183 Countries Covered	Available to travelers from 183 countries
Multiple Visa Categories	Tourist, Business, Crew Transhipment, Sports and Culture, Humanitarian Assistance, Oil and Gas
VFS Global Support	Operated with technical support from VFS Global

The new portal was unveiled during the first National Conference on Digital Transformation, organized by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation.

"The introduction of this platform is intended not only to streamline the visa application process but also to enhance user trust in the government's digital services by ensuring a more efficient and secure experience."— Américo Muchanga, Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation

Important Travel Advisory

For ETA-Eligible Travelers:

Apply at least 48 hours before departure
The ETA is electronically connected to your passport
Valid for a single entry and stay of up to 30 days
If your stay exceeds 30 days, you must apply for a full eVisa

For All Travelers:

Do not travel without authorization — travelers who require an ETA or eVisa who arrive without one will be denied entry
Check the official portal at evisa.gov.mz for the most current requirements
Rules are subject to change; always verify with the official platform before booking travel