Business Customs

In Mozambique, personal relationships are considered a crucial aspect of business. Whether engaging in international or domestic business, understanding and building trust with partners is highly valued. Newcomers to the market should expect to conduct business in person, as relying solely on email or phone communications without first establishing a personal relationship is uncommon and can be challenging. A significant portion of the business community has South Asian roots, and many Mozambican entrepreneurs involved in international trade leverage personal connections in Portugal, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Brazil, India, and the Middle East for their business dealings.

Mozambican business culture tends to be more social and flexible compared to the punctuality often expected in U.S. business settings. While meetings may start on time, larger gatherings, especially those involving notable figures, often run behind schedule. Speakers frequently exceed their allotted time, and it is important to remain patient and flexible. Business cards are typically exchanged as part of introductions, although some sophisticated contacts have switched to “e-cards” or WhatsApp QR Codes.

Building and maintaining a good reputation with government officials and local clients is critical. The business community in Maputo is relatively small, and many people know one another. It is common for competitors in one area to be partners in another, and business connections are often forged from shared school or university experiences. The concept of “family” in Mozambique extends beyond biological ties, to include close business partners and friends, which means that information tends to spread quickly, and privacy can be limited.

Investors should exercise caution when selecting partners, as questionable business practices, such as tax evasion and corruption, are normalized. Although Mozambique has recently redefined accounting standards to meet international norms, implementation remains weak, and many small and medium-sized enterprises do not maintain accurate financial records. Concepts such as accounting, depreciation, and asset management are still not fully understood by many businesses, particularly outside the largest companies.

Lastly, it is important to note that Mozambican drivers follow left-hand traffic rules and use right-hand drive vehicles.

Travel Advisory 

Travel information from the U.S. Department of State is available online.

Johannesburg, South Africa, serves as the regional air travel hub for Southern Africa. South African Airlink (SAA) and Mozambique Airlines (LAM) offer multiple daily 45-minute flights between Johannesburg and Maputo. Direct international flights to Mozambique also come from Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Doha, Harare, Istanbul, Kigali, Lisbon, Luanda, and Nairobi. Airlink has reestablished a direct route between Maputo and Cape Town. Airlines that fly into and out of Maputo are as follows:

• LAM Mozambique Airlines
• SSA Airlink
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Qatar Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• Kenya Airways
• TAP Air Portugal

Domestic flights within Mozambique are available through LAM, but fares can be high.
There is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Mozambique.

Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens wishing to enter Mozambique for the purposes of tourism or business are not required to obtain a full visa at this time, entering instead on the visa exemption program, with details located on Mozambique’s eVisa Portal. Note that entering Mozambique to visit family or friends is a different entry category and requires a visitor visa. U.S. citizen business and tourist travelers are encouraged to register for the visa exemption program at least three days in advance of entering Mozambique using the eVisa Portal. If the eVisa Portal is not working, then travelers can register upon arrival at a Mozambican port of entry. Documents required for the visa exemption program change frequently but currently include a passport with at least six-months validity, hotel and round-trip flight reservations. 

Trips spanning more than 30 days require the receipt of an approval to remain extension from the provincial Direcção Nacional de Migração closest to the traveler. Administrative fees may apply. Travelers may stay no more than 90 days (consecutive or interrupted) in a year. Travelers are eligible for the tourist and business visa exemption program only if they do not intend to reside with a citizen or resident of Mozambique during their stay in the country. Due to the absence of a physical visa in travelers’ passports, the Direcção Nacional de Migração encourages travelers under this category to retain their receipt as proof of payment while in Mozambique. Tourist and business travelers from countries not eligible for visa exemption must apply for a visa using the electronic visa (e-visa) platform. 

Travelers intending to reside with a citizen or resident of Mozambique during their stay in the country must obtain a visitor visa. Travelers must submit a notarized letter of support from their host as well as proof of the host’s status in Mozambique (i.e., valid visa, foreign residency document known as a DIRE, or passport) with the application. Contact the nearest Mozambican embassy for information on applying for a visitor visa. Sometimes embassies will require travelers to first register through the eVisa Portal for pre-approval before sending a visitor visa application to the embassy for processing. In addition to tourist, business, and visitor visa pre-approvals, the eVisa Platform also provides pre-approvals for those engaging in crew member travel, humanitarian assistance efforts, sports and cultural activity participation, and investment.

Pre-approvals do not guarantee entry to Mozambique. Travelers must be sure to carry all required documents for their visa exemption or visa category for official review and acceptance at the time of arrival in Mozambique.
All travelers except those traveling on diplomatic, courtesy, and official visas have associated fees. Visa-related fees are assessed and paid only at the following locations: embassies or consulates, local immigration offices once in Mozambique, and ports of entry (i.e., air, land, and sea borders). Fees are payable by credit card and local currency. Currency exchange options may be available at larger ports of entry for those not in possession of a credit card or local currency. Fee payment is not requested online.

Please also visit the Embassy of the Republic of Mozambique’s website to review entry and exit requirements. Visa queries can be directed to the Mozambican Embassy of Mozambique located at 1525 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 or by phone at (202) 293-7146 between the hours of 3-5 p.m. or online at Portal eVisa de Moçambique.

Travel to Mozambique often requires transit through South Africa. If traveling with minors, please visit the South African Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date requirements as the requirements can change without notice.

U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following link(s):  State Department Visa Website.

Currency

The metical (plural: meticais) is the official currency of Mozambique. The U.S. dollar, euro, and South African rand are also commonly used for business transactions. VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted at point-of-sale (POS) terminals and ATMs, though American Express is not commonly accepted. While ATMs and POS machines are prevalent in urban areas, they are limited in rural regions. U.S. travelers are advised to convert some foreign currency into meticais for convenience.

Telecommunications/Electronics

Telephone and wireless services are dependable in major urban centers. Mobile phone coverage (GSM standard) extends to all provincial capitals and many district capitals, with 4G mobile internet services available in urban areas. Both Tmcel and Vodacom have roaming agreements with most South African, European, and U.S. mobile operators. Many hotels and restaurants in cities provide internet access via business centers or Wi-Fi. Internet cafes are also available in provincial capitals and some secondary cities. Travelers from the United States should be aware that Mozambique uses plug types C, E, and F, so a travel adapter is necessary. The standard voltage is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz

Transportation

Basic services for business travelers are available in Maputo, Beira, and to a lesser extent in other major cities. However, outside of these urban centers, arranging travel and accommodation can be challenging. In Maputo and other cities with airports, rental cars with drivers are offered by companies such as Imperial, Sixt, and Europcar (through the National Car Rental network).

Language

Portuguese is the official language of Mozambique and is widely spoken in urban areas and provincial capitals, as well as by government officials. In many rural areas and smaller villages, local languages are predominantly used. While English is understood by many in the business community and some senior government officials, particularly in the capital, Maputo, it is not widely spoken in other parts of the country.

Health

Medical facilities in Mozambique do not meet U.S. standards, and most healthcare providers do not speak English. Medicines may not always be available, so travelers relying on routine prescription medications should bring an adequate supply for the duration of their stay. Both public and private medical facilities are available in Maputo, but payment is typically required at the time of service, and in some cases, upfront payment is demanded. While some private clinics accept credit cards, many medical facilities do not. Outside of Maputo, medical care can range from basic to non-existent, and providers generally expect immediate cash payment.
Malaria is prevalent in Mozambique, particularly in rural areas and the central and northern regions. Travelers are strongly advised to take malaria prophylaxis. 

The malaria strain Plasmodium falciparum, which is resistant to chloroquine, is common in the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking anti-malarial medications such as mefloquine (Lariam), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone), all of which should be started before arriving in Mozambique. Taking the appropriate anti-malarial drug significantly reduces the risk of contracting the disease. Gastrointestinal illnesses are also common, so travelers should drink bottled water instead of tap water and avoid consuming undercooked meat or seafood.

Immunizations

All travelers to Africa should carry a World Health Organization (WHO) yellow fever vaccination card as proof of vaccination. This card is required for entry to most African countries for travelers over one year of age. Although some countries may not officially require proof of yellow fever vaccination, enforcement of this rule can be inconsistent. To avoid potential issues, especially if traveling through or having a layover in a yellow fever-endemic country, it is strongly advised that all travelers over one year of age carry the yellow WHO card, even if a country’s policy states otherwise. A record of other vaccinations, either on the yellow card or a separate form, is recommended but not mandatory.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for entry into Mozambique.

Other recommended immunizations include:
•    Hepatitis A
•    Typhoid fever
•    Hepatitis B
•    Rabies (for prolonged stays or activities involving direct contact with wild animals)
•    Influenza

Travelers should also ensure their routine immunizations, including Tetanus/Diphtheria (Tdap or Td), Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR), Polio (IPV), and Varicella, are up to date.

Illness Prior to Travel: If you are experiencing symptoms of influenza-like illness, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, or fatigue, you should not travel. You may resume travel after being free of fever (100°F or 37.8°C) or any signs of fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications. Note that flights arriving in Maputo may undergo specific health screenings.
For more information on vaccinations, health precautions (such as safe food and water practices, and insect bite protection), and travel health advice, contact the CDC’s international traveler hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (+1-877-394-8747) or visit the CDC website. For updates on infectious disease outbreaks abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website.

The Department of State recommends U.S. citizens check with their medical insurance provider to confirm if their policy covers overseas medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. For more details on medical insurance abroad, see the Department of State’s information on medical insurance overseas.

Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays

Local time is GMT +2.

Business hours are generally 8:00am to 5:00pm, while government offices function from 7:30am to 3:30pm. It is common for NGOs and diplomatic institutions to close early on Fridays, with closing times ranging from 11:00am to 3pm.

National Holidays in Mozambique:

• January 1             New Year’s Day
• February 3           Mozambican Heroes Day
• April 7                  Mozambican Woman’s Day
• May 1                   Worker’s Day
• June 25                 Independence Day
• September 7        Lusaka Agreement Day
• September 25      Revolution Day
• October 4             Peace and Reconciliation Day
• November 10       Maputo Day (Maputo city only)
• December 25       Family Day

Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings

Product samples with no commercial value can be imported duty-free. Samples with commercial value may also be imported duty-free for up to 12 months. Samples intended for exhibitions can be imported on a temporary basis but cannot be sold or removed from the exhibition without customs approval. Customs officials will require a guarantee equal to 10% of the actual duty payable, and the goods must be re-exported within 180 days after the exhibition closes. This period may be extended up to one year. If the goods are not re-exported within the allowed timeframe, they will be considered as imported for consumption and will be subject to normal customs procedures. Currently, Mozambique does not accept the ATA Carnet for the import and re-export of exhibition materials.