Travelling through Mozambique on your way to another destination may involve a brief stop, and this is where the transit visa process comes in. Understanding how the transit process works ensures a smooth and hassle-free journey, whether you are changing flights or crossing borders by road. This guide provides a clear overview of what to expect and how to prepare.
Instances Where a Transit Visa is Needed
You will need a Mozambique transit visa in the following situations:
- You must leave the airport for any reason, including overnight layovers or terminal changes.
- Your airline requires you to collect and re-check your baggage in Mozambique.
- You are crossing Mozambique by land to reach a neighbouring country.
- Your flight connection does not allow you to stay within the international transit area.
- If your next destination requires additional travel documents, you will need to clear immigration before boarding your connecting flight.
Who Does Not Need a Transit Visa?
You do not need a transit visa if:
- You stay inside the international transit area of the airport and do not pass immigration, with your luggage checked through to your final destination.
- Your nationality is exempt from Mozambique visa requirements, and the exemption applies to short transit stays.
Transit Visa Validity
The Mozambique transit visa is valid for 3 to 7 days (depending upon the applicant’s nationality) and is issued as a single-entry permit. Once you leave the country, the visa cannot be reused.
Requirements for Transit Visa
Documents required for a Mozambique transit visa are as follows:
- Passport or Similar Travel Document
The passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the date of application and have sufficient blank pages.
- Completed Application Form
- The applicant must fully complete and sign the transit visa application form.
- The form can only be filled out in English, Portuguese, or French.
- It must be completed in capital letters using black or blue ink.
- No abbreviations or acronyms are allowed.
- Recent Passport-Sized Photograph
- Applicants must submit one recent and clear passport-sized photo.
- Entry Visa for Final Destination
- A valid entry visa or residence permit for the country you are travelling to after Mozambique must be provided (if required by that country).
- Proof of Means of Subsistence
- Applicants must provide evidence of sufficient financial means to support themselves during their transit/stay.
- Travel Itinerary (Ticket & Booking Confirmation)
- A copy of the airline ticket or travel booking must be provided.
- The ticket must be round-trip, or it must clearly show onwards travel to the final destination.
Fee for Transit Visa
Visa fees vary by embassy. Please check the fee details directly with the Mozambique Embassy or High Commission in your country.
How to Apply for a Mozambique Transit Visa?
If your journey passes through Mozambique, here is how to apply for your transit visa smoothly and without delays.
Please gather all the necessary documents. Ensure they are valid.
Collect the visa application form from the Mozambique Embassy or High Commission in your country, complete it, and submit it along with all required supporting documents.
Note: Include the entry and exit border/airport in the form.
Pay the applicable fee (normal or urgent processing), following the payment method instructed by the embassy.
Your application will be reviewed, and processing typically takes up to 7 days, depending on whether you selected normal or urgent service.
The Embassy/High Commission will stamp the visa into your passport once approved. Then you can collect your passport and continue your travel.
Note:
Vaccination proof may be required if coming from/through a yellow fever pandemic country.
Upon Arrival in Mozambique
Upon arrival, present your passport and transit visa at immigration. You may also be asked to present your onward travel ticket. If required, collect and re-check your baggage, then follow the signs to your connecting flight. Ensure that you depart within the visa validity period.