Mozambique Travel Update 2026: New eVisa & ETA system launched as flood recovery continues

Mozambique has introduced a new digital eVisa and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in February 2026, significantly modernising its entry procedures for international visitors. The reform simplifies border processing and reduces historic uncertainty at land crossings - particularly important for self-drive and safari-and-beach travellers.

The rollout comes as the country continues recovering from a severe 2025–26 rainy season, compounded by heavy rainfall linked to Cyclone Gezani.

Mozambique eVisa & ETA 2026: What travellers must check before departure

Mozambique's new digital entry framework includes two separate mechanisms - and travellers must confirm which applies to their nationality before departure.

eVisa (Electronic Visa)

An eVisa is a full visa issued digitally prior to travel.

It generally applies to:

• Nationalities that previously required a visa in advance
• Longer stays or specific travel categories

The process typically involves:

• Completing an online application
• Uploading passport and supporting documentation
• Paying the visa fee electronically
• Receiving formal digital visa approval
• Presenting the eVisa upon arrival

Processing times vary, so applications should be submitted well ahead of travel.

ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)

An ETA is not a traditional visa. It is a digital pre-travel authorisation linked electronically to your passport.

It generally applies to:

• Visa-exempt nationalities
• Short-term tourist visits

The ETA requires:

• Online registration before departure
• Confirmation prior to boarding

While simpler than an eVisa, it still requires action before travel. Arriving without the correct digital authorisation may result in delays at air or land borders.

For travellers combining South Africa and Mozambique by road, the system removes much of the previous paperwork uncertainty — but shifts responsibility to travellers to prepare digitally in advance.

Mozambique flooding update – February 2026

The 2025–26 rainy season brought record rainfall to central and southern Mozambique, particularly affecting parts of Gaza, Inhambane, Sofala and Maputo provinces. Hundreds of thousands of residents were impacted, and significant damage occurred to secondary roads, bridges and local infrastructure.

While major airports and primary tourism hubs remain operational, recovery work is ongoing in several inland and rural districts. Some secondary road corridors continue to experience slower travel times due to repair work.

Key travel considerations:

• International airports are operating normally
• Major beach resorts and safari lodges remain open
• Some inland road access routes require condition checks before departure
• Infrastructure restoration is progressing but not yet fully complete in all districts

Northern Mozambique has been comparatively less affected and remains a stable option for travellers seeking beach and marine experiences.

Cyclone Gezani
 
Cyclone Gezani did not make direct landfall in Mozambique. However, its offshore passage intensified rainfall and generated rough coastal seas, temporarily slowing flood recovery efforts and affecting marine conditions.

Short-term impacts included:

• Rough sea conditions affecting diving and boat transfers
• Temporary weather-related delays to coastal activities
• Localised transport disruptions in already flood-affected areas

There has been no nationwide collapse of tourism infrastructure, but weather-related flexibility remains advisable in certain southern and coastal regions.

What this means for international travellers in 2026

If you are planning travel to Mozambique this year:

• Confirm whether you require an eVisa or ETA
• Apply or register well before departure
• Allow flexibility if travelling through southern or central provinces
• Verify road conditions for long self-drive transfers
• Consider routing through major air gateways where possible
• Ensure comprehensive travel insurance covers weather-related disruption
• Maintain malaria precautions where applicable

For most leisure travellers - particularly those flying into primary hubs - Mozambique remains open and accessible.

Bottom line

Mozambique is open for tourism, and the launch of the digital eVisa and ETA system represents a meaningful structural improvement for international visitors.

However, parts of the country are still recovering from severe flooding during the 2025–26 rainy season, with additional rainfall linked to Cyclone Gezani slowing repair operations in some areas. Travel in affected southern and inland regions requires flexible planning and up-to-date route verification.

For safari-and-beach travellers combining South Africa and Mozambique, conditions are manageable - but advance digital entry preparation and smart routing are essential.

 

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