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UK Customer Services0330 880 3600
Open Open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6pm, Saturday 8:30am to 4pm and closed Sundays.
(Calls may be monitored or recorded)
Contact details can be found in your policy documentation
Available 24 hours a day, every day
Region: Africa
Full Name: Republic of Mozambique
Capital City: Maputo
Language Spoken: Emakhuwa 26.1%, Xichangana 11.3%, Portuguese 8.8% (official; spoken by 27% of population as a second language), Elomwe 7.6%, Cisena 6.8%, Echuwabo 5.8%, other Mozambican languages 32%, other foreign languages 0.3%, unspecified 1.3% (1997 census)
18 15 S, 35 00 E
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Monte Binga 2,436 m
total: 4,571 km border countries: Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland 105 km, Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 km
severe droughts; devastating cyclones and floods in central and southern provinces
coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum, graphite
arable land: 5.43% permanent crops: 0.29% other: 94.28% (2005)
a long civil war and recurrent drought in the hinterlands have resulted in increased migration of the population to urban and coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences; desertification; pollution of surface and coastal waters; elephant poaching for ivory is a problem
Climate varies according to area. Inland is cooler than the coast and rainfall higher as the land rises, with most rain between January and March. Hottest and wettest season is October to March. From April to September the coast has warm, mainly dry weather tempered by sea breezes. Required clothing Tropical lightweights, with warmer clothing for evenings. Rainwear advisable all year round.
time difference: UTC+2
19,686,505 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected; the 1997 Mozambican census reported a population of 16,099,246 (July 2006 est.)
0-14 years: 42.7% (male 4,229,802/female 4,177,235) 15-64 years: 54.5% (male 5,207,149/female 5,519,291) 65 years and over: 2.8% (male 230,616/female 322,412) (2006 est.)
total: 18.3 years male: 17.8 years female: 18.8 years (2006 est.)
1.38% (2006 est.)
35.18 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)
21.35 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
total population: 39.82 years male: 39.53 years female: 40.13 years (2006 est.)
4.62 children born/woman (2006 est.)
Business meetings are generally formal and businessmen of Portuguese heritage are sticklers for formalities. Knowledge of Portuguese is normally necessary for business dealings, although there are translation facilities available in Maputo. Maintaining a good reputation and consistently doing right by others is important to businessmen in Mozambique. Business cards are generally exchanged, though often not with senior government officials. Mozambicans are rarely late for an appointment and almost always show. Nevertheless, Mozambique's business class is quite thin. The primary business activity in Mozambique is still trading and distribution, although this is beginning to change. Distribution systems are primitive. Many Mozambicans engaged in international commerce take advantage of personal ties to Portugal, South Africa, Zimbabwe, or India. Many speak English. The business community is small enough so that most know each other fairly well. Competitors in one area may be partners in another. Potential investors should be on the lookout for questionable business practices; e.g. tax evasion is quite common. Many businesses do not produce accurate financial accounts. Concepts such as depreciation, cash and asset management are poorly understood. Few can bring more than local relationships to a venture with a foreign partner. Office hours are 0730-1230 and 1400-1730 Monday to Friday.
Crime remains a serious concern for residents and visitors in Mozambique. Incidents of armed robberies, home invasions, and carjackings are common, and many criminals actively target foreigners. Individuals, including foreigners, have been injured and in some cases killed. With the exception of highway banditry and carjackings, crime is generally more common in urban areas than in rural areas. Traveling alone or at night is particularly risky. Pedestrians and joggers have been mugged and robbed during daylight hours. Visitors are encouraged to avoid walking alone or in isolated areas. In certain areas in the city of Maputo, pedestrian traffic is prohibited. Government facilities should not be photographed without permission. Responsibility for crime prevention rests with a national police force that is poorly trained, poorly paid, and inadequately equipped to prevent or respond to criminal acts.
Hotels of international standard are found in the cities of Maputo including the Hotel Polana, the Cardoso Hotel and the Rovuma Hotel. In Beira, the better hotels include the Makuti Housing Complex and the Hotel Mo ambique. Lesser accommodations can be found in smaller towns.
Telephone IDD service is available in the country. The country code is 258. Outgoing international calls must go through the operator. Telephone and fax service is fairly reliable in major urban centers, but expensive. In most of the country, public phones are not available except at the office of the national telephone company, TDM. However, TDM has begun installing public phones in Maputo. TDM inaugurated cellular telephone service in Maputo in 1997 through its joint venture with Deutsche Telekom. The GSM standard is used. Roaming is generally possible along the Maputo Corridor leading to South Africa, and billing may be accomplished in South Africa. Internet is available in Maputo through several local service providers.
is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Electricity 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.
C,F,M
The cuisine is mainly Portuguese with Far Eastern influences. Specialties are piri-piri chicken, Zambesi chicken, shellfish, including Delagoa Bay prawns (which are grilled and served with piri-piri sauce), matapa (sauce of ground peanuts and cassava leaves) with rice or wusa (stiff maize porridge). Restaurants are to be found in main towns, as well as hotel dining rooms.
Tipping:
Not generally expected outside Maputo. In Maputo and other tourist-exposed areas, around 5 per cent of the bill is normal (depending on standards of service and the place itself).
Nightlife
Maputo has a lively nightlife, particularly on weekends. Feira Popular is the main forum of evening activity with various bars and discos, some with live music. The style of music in clubs varies from typical Mozambican rhythms to Western pop music. The National Company of Song & Dance has rehearsals which are open to the public. Most major towns have cinemas.
Passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond intended date of departure required by all.
Required by all.
Tourist and Business: US$69 (single-entry); US$120 (multiple-entry). Express service: US$86 (single-entry); US$172 (multiple-entry). Same-day express service: US$103 (single-entry); US$189 (multiple-entry). Transit: US$69
Single-entry: One day to one month from date of entry, renewable to a maximum of three months. Multiple-entry: One to six months from date of issue. Transit: On request.
Mozambique
, High Commissions, Consulates; or Empresa Nacional de Turismo (see General Info section).
A visa can sometimes be obtained through a contact living in Mozambique or at the airport, although processing is often subject to delay. Apply to nearest High Commission for more information.
(a) Official application form. (b) Two passport-size photos. (c) Valid passport. (d) Return or onward ticket or flight confirmation slip. (e) Evidence of booked hotel/hostel accommodation or sufficient financial means. (f) Fee payable in cash or by cheque (made payable to the Mozambique High Commission). (g) Stamped, self-addressed registered envelope for postal applications. Business: (a)-(g) and, (h) Letter of invitation to Mozambique and/or introduction from an official or business institution.
Three. Visas can be processed within 24 hours (express service) or within 90 minutes (same-day express service) for an additional fee.
Apply to the Embassy or High Commission (see General Info section).
No Test Required
US$20 if destination is outside Africa; US$10 if destination is within Africa. Infants under two years of age and transit passengers are exempt. Embassies
21 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6EL, UK
Tel: (020) 7383 3800.
Website: http://www.mozambiquehighcommission.org.uk/
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300; 1400-1600 (consular section).
1990 M Street, NW, Suite 570, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Tel: (202) 293 7146/9.
Website: www.embamoc-usa.org
Travelers should be aware of the risks of violent crime, poor road safety standards and minimal health facilities.
Women should not walk alone on the beach anywhere in Mozambique.
Travelers should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
Website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Mozambique Metical (MZM) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of MZM100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000 and 1000. Coins are in denominations of MZM5000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on import.
Mon-Fri 0730-1530.
There are bureaux de change at the airports. Money can also be changed at banks. It is advisable to take US Dollars or South African Rand.
These are rarely used in shops. However, money can be obtained from some ATMs using Visa credit or debit cards.
High rates of commission are often charged on these. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds sterling, US Dollars or South African Rand.
N/A
Avoid dental treatment as the standards of care and hygiene cannot be guaranteed.
Some international medication is available from the hospitals and larger pharmacies in the bigger towns and cities. Check expiry dates as they are often out of date
Blood supplies should be considered as unsafe in Mozambique
Medical facilities are minimal and many medicines are unavailable. Maputo's Sommerschield Clinic, which requires payment in hard currency, can provide general, non-emergency services. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or ocean water known to be free from pollution; avoid freshwater lakes, streams and rivers. Wear clothing which reduces exposed skin and apply repellents containing DEET to remaining areas. Sleep in well-screened accommodations. Carry anti-diarrheal medication. Reduce problems related to sun exposure by using sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotions and lip protection.
AIDS occurs. Health Ministry reports nearly 6% of the population is HIV-positive. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured.
Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population). Polio: A one-time booster dose is recommended for travelers who have previously completed a standard course of polio immunization. Refer to CDC guidelines for vaccinating unimmunized or incompletely immunized persons. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to vaccination; however, if protection is needed, either IPV or OPV may be used, depending on preference and time available. Rabies: Preexposure vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 30 days who are expected to be at risk to bites from domestic and/or wild animals (particularly dogs), or for persons engaged in high risk activities such as spelunking or animal handling. Need for vaccination is more important if potential exposure is in rural areas and if adequate postexposure care is not readily available. Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type. Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Insect-borne diseases: are major causes of illness. Many diseases are endemic, with only scattered cases being reported and, from time to time, more extensive outbreaks. Dengue fever - occurs Filariasis - prevalent Leishmaniasis - occurs (both cutaneous and visceral types may be found, particularly in the drier areas) Malaria - common Plague - occurs Relapsing fever - occurs Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) - occurs (human type - mainly in small, isolated areas - is reported) Typhus - occurs (louse-, flea-, and tick-borne types occur) Food-borne and water-borne illness: highly endemic. The dysenteries and diarrheal diseases, giardiasis, the typhoid fevers and viral hepatitis are widespread. Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) is widespread in animal-breeding areas. Cholera - occurs Dracunculiasis - occurs Helminthic (parasitic worm) infections - prevalent Schistosomiasis - common (including Lake Malawi)
Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.
No recent disease outbreaks
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Central Hospital | Av. Eduardo Mondlane Maputo |
| Clinica 222 | Av. 24 de Julho 821 Maputo |
| Clinica Cruz Azul | Av. Karl Marx 414 Maputo |
| Clinica de Sommerschield | Rua Pereira do Lago 52 Maputo |
| Clinica Especial | Clinica del Hospital Central de Maputo Av. Eduardo Mondlane Maputo |
| Urgencias Medicas Domiciliarias | Av. 24 de Julho, 823 Maputo |
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