Mozambique: Tourism bodies call for travel postponement amid potential protests! [update #6]

update (15 November 2024): According to media reports, the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia Border Post between South Africa and Mozambique has been reopened again.

update (14 November 2024): According to SATSA's latest Mozambique update (13 November 2024), popular tourist destinations and resorts in Mozambique remain largely unaffected, however, visitors should be prepared for potential challenges including delays at the country’s borders, public gatherings in urban centres (which may turn violent) and limited access to some businesses and services. However, there are reports of more protests between 13 and 15 November 2024.
According to news24 on 13 November 2024, the Border Management Authority (BMA) commissioner Michael Masiapato said operations at the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia Border Post between South Africa and Mozambique were temporarily halted for safety reasons.

update (11 November 2024): SABC yesterday reported that operations are gradually returning to normal at the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia Border Post between South Africa and Mozambique.

update (07 November 2024): According to "Club of Mozamnbique", the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia Border Post was opened on this morning. It then got closed again by the Border Management Authority. This follows news that protesters in Mozambique are edging closer to the border despite the Mozambican military being deployed.

update (07 November 2024): SABC reports that the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia Border Post has been partially reopened. SABC is quoting the the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, Michael Masiapato, saying that Mozambique has assured them that it’s safe to partially reopen the port of entry as they have deployed the military to the border.

update (06 November 2024): SATSA has released an update on the current situation in Mozambique. South Africa's Border Management Authority (BMA) announced the temporary closure of the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia Border Post due to safety concerns on the Mozambican side on 05 November 2024.
Key tourism destinations in Mozambique remain unaffected but there have been more reports of unrest in urban areas.
According to SATSA CEO David Frost, opposition leaders suggested that the week-long protest action would culminate in a mass demonstration in Maputo on 07 November 2024. 

The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), a non-profit organization based in South Africa that serves as the leading voice for inbound tourism in the region, in cooperation with Africa’s Eden, a registered non-profit company based in Botswana that focuses on promoting sustainable tourism across several African countries, are encouraging travellers intending to visit Mozambique over the next week to postpone their plans. Following recent election-related unrest, Mozambique’s opposition leaders have called for week-long protest action, including public demonstrations and a national strike, from Thursday, 31 October 2024 to Thursday, 07 November 2024.
According to SATSA/Africa's Eden, the full impact on the tourism industry in Mozambique is currently unclear. However, the next seven days may see public protests across the country as well as mass mobilisation in Maputo. The Lebombo/Ressano Garcia Border Post between South Africa and Mozambique, as well as other key border crossings, may be impacted by civil action. Access to Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Maputo may be intermittently affected by road blockades. Access to healthcare may also be affected in areas with ongoing protests. At this point, popular tourism destinations across Mozambique are planning to remain open and hotels and tourism services to remain operational during the next seven days. We'll keep you posted!

Why international travellers in South Africa should carry their original passport at all times!

The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), a non-profit organization based in South Africa that serves as the leading voice for inbound tourism in the region, is asking all international travellers in South Africa to carry their original, valid passport at all times. The organisation has seen an increase in cases where tourists have encountered serious difficulties due to not carrying their original travel documents and has therefore compiled an essential guide on travel documentation requirements in South Africa.

Here’s what foreign tourists need to know:

The golden rule: original passport is key

Let's clear up a common misconception: a photocopy of a foreign passport is NOT sufficient identification when travelling within South Africa. The South African Department of Home Affairs is crystal clear: travellers must carry their original, valid passport at all times, as stipulated by the Immigration Act No 13 of 2002 (Section 41).

Why the original matters:

• Proof of identity: A traveller’s passport is their official form of identification in South Africa.
• Visa verification: The visa, which is endorsed in the traveller’s passport, proves they are permitted to be in the country.
• Unexpected checks: Authorities can request to see a traveller’s passport at any time.

Crossing Borders within Southern Africa?

Planning a multi-country trip? Travellers need to ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay in each country, and that they have the necessary visas. Visa requirements vary depending on nationality, so always check with the relevant embassies or consulates before travel. [src.]

Passport validity requirements for international travellers in Southern Africa! >>