Mozambique Travel Safety

Road safety

Road conditions in urban areas are generally good, but subject to flash floods during the rainy season. You may need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to travel outside cities and off major highways due to poor road conditions, especially during the rainy season. Drivers do not obey the rules of the road. Traffic accidents are common and frequently involve pedestrians. Do not ride bicycles and motorbikes, due to poor road conditions and lack of respect by other drivers. Travel in convoys. Carjacking is common in Maputo and on roads to South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. Checkpoints are common and you should obey police when asked to stop. Only officers from Mozambique's national police (Policia da República de Moçambique) and, particularly near border crossings, its customs authority (Autoridade Tributária de Moçambique) have the authority to establish checkpoints. If you spot a checkpoint, make sure there are four officers and a clearly visible vehicle. Police sometimes solicit bribes at checkpoints. Travel on official roads and only during daylight hours.

Identification

You must carry photo identification. Police frequently ask visitors to produce ID and travel documents.

Public transportation

Public transportation is very limited. Domestic rail service is overcrowded and slow.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Mozambique, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of precaution during travel.

Crime

Violent crime, such as armed robbery, armed carjacking and home burglary, occurs frequently. Petty crime, such as muggings, purse snatchings and pickpocketing, is common throughout the country. It is particularly prevalent in Maputo. Pedestrians and joggers are frequent targets, even during daylight hours. Thieves also target vehicles parked outside shopping centres, resorts and transportation hubs. Do not leave valuables in cars. Crime increases significantly during the Christmas holiday season. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping occurs rarely and mostly in larger cities, especially Maputo and its largest suburb, Matola. Individuals perceived as wealthy, including foreigners, tend to be preferred targets. Be extremely vigilantAvoid displaying signs of affluence.

Dress and behaviour

To avoid offending local sensitivities. Behave discreetly respect religious and social traditions.

LGBT

Homosexuality is not illegal, but is frowned upon by many, particularly rural or religious, Mozambicans. Attitudes in Maputo tend to be more liberal.

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Do not take pictures of government facilities without permission. There are certain areas in Maputo where you are not allowed to walk, such as roads surrounding presidential palaces and military installations. Photographing government offices, airports, military establishments, residences and the police or officials is illegal without special permission from the Mozambique Information Office (Gabinete de Informação – GABINFO).

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. You must have third-party insurance, which you can obtain at any port of entry. You must carry an International Driving Permit.