Mozambique launched a new unified eVisa and ETA platform on 11 February 2026, replacing the old portal and consolidating every entry permit into a single online system run in partnership with VFS Global. UAE and Saudi nationals now file an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), while Indian travellers apply for a full eVisa — both on the same portal at evisa.gov.mz.
If you’re heading to Maputo for a city break, the Bazaruto Archipelago for diving, or Gorongosa for a safari, this guide walks through exactly what applies to your passport, what it costs, and how to avoid the most common mistakes. You can compare flights to Maputo on Wego and shortlist hotels while your application is being processed. Divers usually head north to Vilanculos for Bazaruto access.
Who needs what: ETA vs. eVisa
Mozambique runs two parallel tracks on the same portal. Which one applies to you depends entirely on your passport.
UAE and Saudi Arabia: ETA only
The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are on Mozambique’s list of 29 visa-exempt countries. You do not need a full visa — but since late April 2025, pre-arrival registration through the ETA system has been mandatory. The requirement was briefly suspended due to platform issues but is now back in force under the new VFS Global–supported portal.
According to the official VFS Global media release, the ETA is:
- Valid for a stay of up to 30 days (single entry)
- Must be submitted at least 48 hours before departure
- Priced at roughly US$48 (approximately AED 176 / SAR 180)
India: full eVisa required
India is not on the 29-country waiver list. Ordinary Indian passport holders must apply for a tourist or business eVisa before travel. The only Indian passports exempt from this are diplomatic and official passports, and only when the purpose isn’t work, study, or residence.
Holders of other passports should confirm their category on the official Mozambique eVisa portal and with their nearest embassy — rules shift, and a missed update at the airport means no boarding.
Mozambique ETA and eVisa fees at a glance
Fees went up with the February 2026 relaunch. Here’s what GCC and Indian travellers pay now:
| Passport | Permit type | Fee (approx.) | Max stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | ETA | US$48 | 30 days, single entry |
| Saudi Arabia | ETA | US$48 | 30 days, single entry |
| India | Tourist eVisa | ~US$190 (from ~US$160 previously) | Up to 90 days |
Indian eVisa fees are also published in Mozambican meticais on the portal — roughly 6,250 MT for 30 days, 12,504 MT for 60 days, and 18,756 MT for 90 days. Pay with an international card at the end of the application.
How to apply on evisa.gov.mz
The new platform is mobile-first, so you can submit everything from a phone in Dubai, Riyadh, or Mumbai. It handles document upload, a built-in photo editor, and card payment end-to-end.
Step 1 — Prepare your documents
Scan or photograph clean, full-colour copies of each item below before you start the form. The portal rejects blurry scans and anything under the size threshold.
- Passport valid at least six months beyond arrival, with two blank pages
- Recent colour passport photo (white background)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Confirmed hotel booking or a notarised invitation letter from a host in Mozambique
- Proof of financial means (bank statement, card limit, or similar)
You can use Wego to book a flexible hotel in Maputo or the Bazaruto area to satisfy the accommodation proof requirement.
Step 2 — Fill in the online form
Head to evisa.gov.mz and create an account. Select the right category:
- ETA — if you hold a UAE or Saudi passport
- Tourist eVisa — for Indian passport holders visiting for leisure, holiday, or family
- Business eVisa — for meetings, conferences, research, or short assignments
Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport. A single mis-typed letter is the most common cause of rejection.
Step 3 — Pay and wait
Fees are charged via international credit or debit card at the end. Once payment clears, you’ll get a confirmation email with a reference number.
- ETA processing: typically within 48 hours, but apply 3–5 days ahead to be safe
- eVisa processing: approximately 5 business days for a complete application
Your approved ETA or eVisa arrives as a PDF by email. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone — immigration officers at Maputo International Airport may ask for either.
At the airport: what to expect on arrival
Your approved PDF is only half the equation. The actual stamp that lets you into Mozambique is issued by an immigration officer on arrival, and there are a few things to get right.
Required at the border
- Printed or digital ETA/eVisa approval
- Passport matching the application details
- Proof of accommodation and return ticket (officers sometimes ask)
- Yellow fever certificate if arriving from a country on the WHO risk list
Most Indian and GCC travellers fly via Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, or Doha, then connect to Maputo, Vilanculos, or Pemba. Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Emirates all run same-day connections worth comparing for transit time.
Paying the on-arrival fee
Even with an ETA, a separate visa-on-arrival government fee may apply at the port of entry for certain categories — bring US dollars in small denominations, as card machines at smaller entry points can be unreliable. Keep the receipt until you leave the country.
Common mistakes that get applications rejected
The new portal has cut processing times, but it’s also stricter about documentation. These are the errors that keep tripping travellers up in 2026.
Applying too late
The ETA requires a minimum 48 hours before departure, and the eVisa realistically needs at least a week to be safe. Don’t assume you can apply the night before — travellers have been denied boarding at Dubai and Mumbai airports for unapproved applications.
Low-quality photo or passport scan
The portal’s built-in photo editor helps, but the system still rejects images that are too dark, cropped wrongly, or taken against a patterned background. Use plain white, natural light, and keep your shoulders square to the camera.
Mismatched passport details
If the name, date of birth, or passport number on your form doesn’t exactly match your passport, the application will either be delayed or refused. Double-check before you pay — edits after submission are painful.
Using unofficial third-party sites
Several lookalike websites charge 3–5x the official fee and provide no advantage. The only official portal is evisa.gov.mz. Anything else is a middleman at best and a scam at worst.
Quick planning tips for GCC and Indian travellers
Mozambique rewards travellers who plan around the season. The dry season, May to October, is peak for diving in Bazaruto and safaris at Gorongosa, and it aligns neatly with the GCC school breaks and Eid holidays. Book both flights and your ETA or eVisa at the same time — demand spikes from June and fees rarely drop.
For South Indian travellers, the most efficient routing is via Doha or Addis Ababa into Maputo or directly to Pemba if you’re heading for the Quirimbas. From the UAE, Emirates and Qatar Airways offer one-stop options, with Maputo flight fares typically cheapest 6–8 weeks out. Indian travellers starting in the south can also check connecting flights from Mumbai.
If you’re extending a Southern Africa trip, remember the ETA and eVisa are single-entry. Cross into South Africa or Eswatini and you’ll need to apply again to return — plan the overland route accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UAE residents with non-UAE passports need a Mozambique eVisa?
Yes. The ETA waiver is based on passport nationality, not residency. An Indian passport holder living in Dubai still needs the full eVisa; a UAE or Saudi passport holder qualifies for the ETA only.
Can I still get a visa on arrival in Mozambique?
A visa on arrival is available at major airports such as Maputo, Vilanculos, Pemba, and Beira, but the authorities strongly encourage pre-arrival applications. Airlines may deny boarding if you don’t have at least an ETA or eVisa in place.
How long is the ETA valid after approval?
The ETA is typically valid for a single entry with a stay of up to 30 days, and must be used within a specific window shown on your approval PDF. Check the dates carefully — you cannot extend it once in Mozambique.
Can I apply for a group or family on the same application?
Each traveller files a separate application on evisa.gov.mz, including infants and children. You can manage multiple applications under a single account, but each one requires its own documents, photo, and fee payment.
Sources
- Government of Mozambique — Official eVisa and ETA Portal (evisa.gov.mz)
- VFS Global — Mozambique e-Visa platform launch media release (February 2026)
- eTurboNews — Mozambique launches e-Visa platform to boost tourism and business travel
- VisasNews — Mozambique ETA mandatory for travellers from 29 visa-exempt countries
- VisasNews — Mozambique eVisa and ETA portal makeover (February 2026)
- High Commission of India, Maputo — Visa information for Indian nationals
- High Commission for the Republic of Mozambique (UK) — Visa section
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
