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Mozambique - Consular Information Sheet
February 1, 2001
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Mozambique, a developing country
in southern Africa, ended a 16-year civil war in 1992. The country
has remained stable following Mozambique's first multi-party elections
in October 1994 and subsequent elections in December 1999. Mozambique
is among the world's poorest countries. Facilities for tourism
in Maputo, the capital city, are steadily improving but remain
limited in other areas, as most of the goods and services taken
for granted in other countries are not yet available. Extensive
flooding in early 2000 damaged much of the country's fledgling
infrastructure. Recovery from the floods could take years.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A visa is required and must be obtained
in advance. Travelers arriving without a visa will not be allowed
to enter and will be turned away at the port of entry. Mozambican
authorities impose a fine of $100 U.S. per day for each day that
travelers overstay the period of validity of their visas. These
fines can be paid in local currency based on the current exchange
rate. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details
from the Embassy of Mozambique, 1990 M Street, N. W., Suite 570,
Washington, D. C. 20036, telephone (202) 293-7146. Overseas inquiries
should be made at the nearest Mozambican Embassy or Consulate.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: The security situation in Mozambique
continues to demand caution. Thousands of landmines laid during
the civil war remain a threat, and overland travelers are advised
to remain on well-traveled roads or to ask locals for information
on the location of minefields. Urban streets are patrolled by
police who frequently carry automatic weapons and whose authority
should not be challenged. Police officers often require visitors
to produce identity and travel documents. Visitors are cautioned
to carry their passport or resident permit (or a notarized copy),
as well as vehicle registration and insurance papers, if applicable,
at all times. Failure to produce the required documents may result
in detention or a fine. Demonstrations or large crowds should
be avoided. Security forces have used deadly force to disrupt
demonstrations.
CRIME: 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,
primarily near the presidential residence and offices, 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.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported
immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate. The pamphlets A Safe
Trip Abroad and Tips
for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa provide useful information
on personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the
region in general. Both are available by mail from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs,
or via the
Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are rudimentary,
and many medicines are unavailable. Maputo's Sommerschield Clinic
can provide general, non-emergency services.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always
valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs
do not provide payment for medical services outside the United
States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment
for health services, but usually do accept credit cards. Uninsured
travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties.
Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your
policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation
and for adequacy of coverage. Serious medical problems requiring
hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States
can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Ascertain whether payment
will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you
will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance
policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for
disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas
insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau
of Consular Affairs brochure Medical
Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via
the Bureau
of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations
and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's International Travelers Hotline
at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747), fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299),
or via the CDC's
Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign
country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions which differ
significantly from those in the United States. The information
below concerning Mozambique is provided for general reference
only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location
or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor
Extensive flooding in early 2000 damaged much of the country's
fledgling infrastructure. Reconstruction of most roads damaged
during the flooding has been successful, and travel on the roads
north of Maputo is once again possible. Additionally, a new toll
road has improved travel between Maputo and South Africa. However,
banditry along major highways continues to threaten the safety
of road travelers. Periodically, the U.S. Embassy has restricted
Embassy personnel from traveling on certain roads or has imposed
certain restrictions on road travel. Embassy personnel are prohibited
from traveling outside cities after dark because of the increased
risk of banditry, poor road conditions in some areas, the poor
maintenance of many vehicles in the country (e.g. no headlights
or rear lights), as well as the threat imposed by livestock that
graze on roadsides. Travel outside Maputo often requires four-wheel
drive vehicles, which creates an additional security risk since
these vehicles are high-theft items. Public transportation is
extremely limited. Travelers contemplating overland travel may
wish to contact the U.S. Embassy for the most current information
on road travel safety.
For additional general information
about road safety, including links to foreign government sites,
see the Department of State, Bureau
of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.
For specific information concerning Mozambique's driving permits,
vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact
the Mozambique Embassy in Washington, DC. For international driving
permits, contact AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial
air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority
to operate such service, between the U.S. and Mozambique, the
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Mozambique's
Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation
safety standards.
For further information, travelers may contact the Department
of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit
the FAA
Internet home page at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/. The U.S.
Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air
carriers for suitability as official providers of air services.
For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers,
travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.
CURRENCY INFORMATION: Currency can be converted only at
locations authorized by the Mozambican government. It is against
the law to destroy Mozambican currency; offenders can expect jail
sentences and fines. Outside of the major hotels, credit cards
are not widely accepted in Mozambique. Many merchants prefer to
be paid in U.S. dollars or South African rand.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S.
citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which
sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States
and may not afford the protections available to the individual
under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe
than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating
Mozambique's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested
or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in
illegal drugs in Mozambique are strict, and convicted offenders
can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For
information on international adoption of children and international
parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site
at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone
(202) 736-7000.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans
living in or visiting Mozambique are encouraged to register at
the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique and obtain
updated information on travel and security within Mozambique.
The U.S. Embassy is located in Maputo at 193 Avenida Kenneth Kaunda,
telephone (258-1) 49-27-97. The after-hours telephone number for
use in emergencies is (258-1) 49-07-23. The Consular Section's
fax number is (258-1) 49-01-14. The
Consular Section's e-mail address is consularmaputo@state.gov.
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