Travel Warning for Mozambique – 9 districts to avoid

Travel warning for Mozambique after dissatisfaction with municipal elections

The latest FCO travel insurance warning for Mozambique was issued by the FCO recently (17 October 2023).

FCDO travel warning for Mozambique for all travel in the following regions:

The districts of Mueda, Nangade, Palma (except Palma town), Mocimboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Meluco, Macomia, Quissanga and Ibo in Cabo Delgado province, including the islands off the coast.

The FCDO travel warning for Mozambique for all but essential travel in the following regions:

The rest of Cabo Delgado province, including Palma town, the districts of Memba and Erati in Nampula province. Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Mozambique’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance for Mozambique and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Municipal Elections

Municipal elections passed largely peacefully on Wednesday, 11 October. As the results began to filter through allegations of irregularities have followed with demonstrations in various parts of the country. Protests, which can turn violent without warning, are likely to continue from 17 October. Please stay away from crowds, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

Terrorism

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Mozambique. There has been an increasing intensity of attacks in areas of Cabo Delgado province dating back to January 2019. There was a large-scale attack on Palma in March/April 2021 in which dozens of people were killed. Since May/June 2022 there has been a series of attacks in the Ancuabe, Metuge and Chiure districts of Cabo Delgado and in the Memba and Erati districts of Nampula province just to the south.

Although there have been no recent reports of terrorism attacks in the Mecula, Mavago and Marrupa districts of Niassa Province, you should remain vigilant in these areas, as the situation may change with no prior warning. Militants have used explosives, machetes and firearms to conduct lethal attacks, as well as burning vehicles and homes.

Attacks have been carried out on the mainland and on islands off the coast, including in areas frequented by foreigners. There is an increased security presence in the province, including roadblocks, and there are regular clashes between militants, armed vigilante groups and Mozambican security forces. There is also a threat of kidnap in Mozambique, which is particularly acute in northern districts of Cabo Delgado province.

Tropical Cyclones

Coastal areas are at risk from tropical cyclones during the rainy season (November to April). Widespread flooding can also occur around river basins, especially the Zambezi, Licungo, Pungue, Buzi, Limpopo and Save. The rainy season (November to April) will also make roads harder to pass and make some areas impassable.

There continues to be a risk of cyclone and tropical storm weather systems during the rainy season (November to April). These may lead to widespread damage to infrastructure as well as disruption to basic services including communications, power and water supplies.

You should monitor the National Meteorological Institute (in Portuguese) for the latest information and follow instructions from the local authorities.

Traffic Accidents

Traffic accidents are common due to the condition of the roads, poor driving and vehicle standards. Always drive carefully and be aware of pedestrians using the roads. If you’re travelling by road, make sure you have relevant documents with you at all times and monitor local media for traffic updates.

Crime

Most visits to Mozambique are trouble-free, but violent crime does occur and there have been cases of criminal kidnappings. You should take extra care.

Piracy remains a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

How to Protect Yourself

Although the travel warning for Mozambique always sounds quite alarming, Mozambique is one of our favourite places and we think it wise to use your own common sense based on the information that is provided and ensure that you get travel insurance. The reality is that the FCO travel warning shows the most problems are occurring in the North of the country out of most of the popular tourist attractions. Our Africa, Asia, Indian Ocean travel insurance provides ideal cover for travel to Mozambique.