Mozambique Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Mozambique trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Mozambique is generally safe for tourists in beach and tourist areas, with Maputo and coastal destinations welcoming thousands of visitors annually without incident. The main risks are petty theft in crowded urban areas, road safety issues, malaria, and the ongoing security situation in Cabo Delgado province in the far north.
Mozambique offers pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich Portuguese-African culture along Africa's southeastern coast. From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilha de Moçambique to the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago, this tropical paradise combines world-class diving, fresh seafood, and warm hospitality in one of Africa's most underrated destinations.
Current Advisory
Exercise increased caution. Cabo Delgado Province: Do Not Travel due to ongoing armed conflict. Maputo and southern beach destinations: Exercise Normal Caution with awareness of petty crime.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise increased caution due to crime and civil unrest. Do not travel to Cabo Delgado Province.
Government of Canada
Exercise a high degree of caution due to high crime rates. Avoid Cabo Delgado Province and some urban areas after dark.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Unofficial Guide Hassle
At tourist sites in Maputo and Ilha de Moçambique, unofficial 'guides' may attach themselves to you and demand payment for unrequested services at the end.
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed taxi drivers at Maputo Airport and tourist areas quote inflated prices to new arrivals. Prices can be 3-4x the standard fare.
Beach Vendor Pressure
Persistent craft vendors at Tofo, Vilanculos, and beach areas can be overwhelming, with some becoming aggressive if you engage or pick up items.
Money Changing Scams
Unofficial money changers on streets may offer good rates but use sleight of hand to underpay or pass counterfeit notes.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Avoid travel after dark outside tourist areas
Do not travel to Cabo Delgado Province
Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps
Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying wealth
Stay informed about local demonstrations
Register with your embassy upon arrival in Mozambique and keep their emergency contact number saved.
Malaria is endemic - take prescribed antimalarials, use DEET repellent, and sleep under treated nets especially in northern regions.
Carry photocopies of your passport; police may request ID at checkpoints especially outside Maputo.
Be cautious at ATMs; use machines inside banks or hotels and avoid withdrawing cash after dark.
Petty theft is common on crowded chapas (minibuses) - keep bags on your lap and valuables in a money belt.
Swimming in unfamiliar ocean areas carries rip tide risk; ask locals before entering the water at new beaches.
Never drive after dark outside cities due to animals on roads, potholes, and absent street lighting.
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Mozambique is manageable for solo travelers who exercise normal caution. Maputo and beach towns are popular with solo backpackers. Use Uber in Maputo, avoid walking alone after dark in cities, stay in social hostels for security tips, and register with your embassy.
Female Travelers
Female solo travelers are generally well-received and respected in Mozambique. Normal precautions apply: use ride-apps after dark, avoid isolated beaches alone at night, dress modestly in northern Islamic communities. Tofo and Vilanculos are particularly female-traveler-friendly with active backpacker scenes.
Families
Family-friendly with the right preparation. Southern beach destinations are safe and excellent for families. Malaria prevention is critical for children - consult a pediatrician about appropriate prophylaxis. Swimming only in areas confirmed safe by locals - rip currents can be dangerous at some beaches.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex acts are technically illegal in Mozambique but prosecutions are rare. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract negative attention, especially in conservative northern communities. Maputo and tourist beach areas are relatively tolerant. Discretion advised.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever (required if arriving from endemic country). Rabies for remote areas. Malaria prophylaxis essential for all areas and all seasons.
Water Safety
Tap water unsafe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. 5-liter bottles from supermarkets are good value. Avoid ice unless certain of source.
Food Safety
Cooked food from established restaurants is generally safe. Avoid raw salads washed in tap water at lower-end establishments. Seafood should be freshly cooked and hot.
Medical Facilities
Maputo has Hospital Central de Maputo and private Clínica de Sommerschield for emergencies. Facilities limited in beach areas - medevac insurance strongly recommended for serious illness.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Mozambique
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide