Mozambique

As a foreigner, you must always have your passport with you. Police patrols and checkpoints are common, and they will not accept copies or photos.

Do not hand over your passport to anyone other than an official. Ask to see their ID if in doubt.

It is illegal to drink alcohol on public beaches.

If you are convicted of drug use, possession or trafficking, you can expect to get a long prison sentence and a fine.

All known minefields in Mozambique have been cleared. In the central and southern provinces of Sofala, Tete, Manica, Gaza, Inhambane and Maputo, mines may still exist in remote areas away from main routes. Get advice from district authorities if you plan to travel in these areas.

It is illegal to photograph government offices, airports, military establishments, residences and police or officials without special permission. If in doubt, do not take pictures.

There are no laws against same-sex sexual activity. Attitudes in Maputo tend to be more liberal than in more remote rural areas of the country. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Make sure you can access money in a variety of ways. Travellers’ cheques are not commonly accepted, Mastercard is not always accepted across the country. US dollars and South African rand are the main exchange currencies.

Credit cards, are increasingly accepted in the larger cities. You should tell your bank before using your card in Mozambique.

Cyclones and floods are common during the rainy season from November to April. They often cause landslides, which result in road closures and disruption to travel and public transport.

Monitor local reports and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization and the National Meteorological Institute (in Portuguese).