To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
31open jobs
13organisations hiring
24violent events in 3 months
78deaths (estimate)
To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
In the first half of the second millennium A.D., northern Mozambican port towns were frequented by traders from Somalia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Arabia, Persia, and India. The Portuguese were able to wrest much of the coastal trade from Arab Muslims in the centuries after 1500, and they set up their own colonies. Portugal did not relinquish Mozambique until 1975. Large-scale emigration, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development until the mid-1990s.
The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free-market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in 1992. In 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His elected successor, Armando GUEBUZA, served two terms and then passed executive power to Filipe NYUSI in 2015. RENAMO’s residual armed forces intermittently engaged in a low-level insurgency after 2012, but a 2016 cease-fire eventually led to the two sides signing a comprehensive peace deal in 2019.
Since 2017, violent extremists -- who an official ISIS media outlet recognized as ISIS's network in Mozambique for the first time in 2019 -- have been conducting attacks against civilians and security services in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. In 2021, Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community deployed forces to support Mozambique’s efforts to counter the extremist group.
presidential republic
In Mozambique, protests can occur at short notice and even peaceful protests can become violent. Road toll gates are particularly vulnerable.
Access to land borders can be affected at short notice, along with public services and transport.
To reduce your personal risk:
African 99% (Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, and others), Mestizo 0.8%, other (includes European, Indian, Pakistani, Chinese) 0.2% (2017 est.)
Makhuwa 26.1%, Portuguese (official) 16.6%, Tsonga 8.6%, Nyanja 8.1, Sena 7.1%, Lomwe 7.1%, Chuwabo 4.7%, Ndau 3.8%, Tswa 3.8%, other Mozambican languages 11.8%, other 0.5%, unspecified 1.8% (2017 est.)
Catholic 27.3%, Islam 19.1%, Pentecostal 16.7%, Saio/Zione 16.3%, no religion 13.5%, other 4.3%, Anglican 1.7%, unknown 1.2% (2017 est.)
Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).
low-income East African economy; subsistence farming dominates labor force; return to growth led by agriculture and extractive industries; Islamist insurgency threatens natural gas projects in north; ongoing foreign debt restructuring and resolution under IMF Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative
35.6 MPopulation2025
37.2 %Urban population2025
$627GDP per capita2025
-0.5 %GDP growth2025
4.4 %Inflation2025
81.4 %Extreme poverty (international line)2022
6.6 %Unemployment2025
61.7 %Adult literacy2022
20.5 %Internet users2024
36.9 %Access to electricity2024
461,745internally displaced people2025
5,105refugees hosted2025
18,972asylum seekers2025
7,326refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025
Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.
Armed Forces for the Defense of Mozambique (Forcas Armadas de Defesa de Mocambique, FADM): Army, Mozambique Navy, Mozambique Air Force Ministry of Interior: Mozambique National Police (PRM; includes the Rapid Intervention Unit, UIR), the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), Border Security Force; other security forces include the Presidential Guard and the Force for the Protection of High-Level Individuals (2025)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham - Mozambique (ISIS-M)
Party names as coded by UCDP, July – September 2026. "Government of …" refers to State forces.
| Actor | Events | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| IS | 19 | 73 |
| Government of Mozambique | 14 | 59 |
Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.
UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
FCDO advises against all travel to Cabo Delgado Province, except for Palma town and the area around Pemba and Afungi.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Palma town and the area around Pemba and Afungi.
FCDO advises against all travel to the districts of Memba and Eráti in Nampula Province.
FCDO advises against all travel to the districts of Mecula and Marrupa in Niassa Province.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Follow FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.
By month: July 7 · August 3 · September 14
| Region | Events | Deaths | Civilians | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabo Delgado | 19 | 72 | 16 | ▼ down |
| Niassa | 2 | 4 | 0 | new |
| Maputo | 1 | 1 | 1 | new |
| Inhambane | 1 | 1 | 1 | stable |
| Sofala | 1 | 0 | 0 | new |
This guide also has safety advice for regions of Mozambique.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Mozambique.
The main threat is from IS-Mozambique (IS-M), a terrorist group with links to Daesh (formerly known as Islamic State) that is mainly active in Cabo Delgado Province, and has carried out attacks in neighbouring districts of Niassa and Nampula Provinces.
IS-M militants have conducted violent attacks using explosives, machetes and firearms across Cabo Delgado, resulting in hundreds of deaths, including civilians and security personnel. They have also engaged in burning vehicles and homes, robberies, looting and threats. In 2021, dozens of people were killed in a large scale attack in Palma, Cabo Delgado Province. In these incidents, security forces have not been able to reach these areas quickly.
See regional risks.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals, such as:
Stay aware of your surroundings, stay up to date with local media reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.
Due to the presence of groups with links to Islamist extremism, there is a threat of kidnap in Mozambique. The threat is particularly acute in Cabo Delgado Province, as well as neighbouring districts of Niassa and Nampula Provinces.
British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
The long-standing policy of the British government policy is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
If you work in Mozambique, you should follow your employer’s security guidelines. Employers are strongly advised to take professional security advice, be vigilant at all times and review security measures regularly. Keep others informed of your travel plans and vary your routines. Make sure your accommodation is secure and consider pre-deployment training or travelling under close protection, particularly if working in Cabo Delgado.
In Mozambique, protests can occur at short notice and even peaceful protests can become violent. Road toll gates are particularly vulnerable.
Access to land borders can be affected at short notice, along with public services and transport.
To reduce your personal risk:
Street crime is common in Maputo and is increasing in other cities and tourist destinations. This has involved knives and firearms. There are some areas in cities which are more dangerous – seek local advice. Beaches and offshore islands are not policed.
You can reduce the risk from pickpocketing and mugging by:
If you want to report a crime, contact the local police to get a police report. Also report stolen passports to the British High Commission in Maputo and the Mozambican immigration authorities.
There is a risk of carjacking. Keep your car doors locked and windows closed while driving. Be particularly vigilant when you arrive at or leave residential properties after dark. Avoid driving alone at night.
Do not pick up strangers or stop to help distressed motorists or pedestrians. Hijackers sometimes use these techniques to trick motorists into stopping their vehicles. If in doubt, drive directly to a police station.
Some visitors to Mozambique report being victims of police harassment and intimidation, including robbery and requests for bribes. If a police officer threatens you or asks for a bribe, report this to the British High Commission for awareness.
There have been kidnappings for ransom reported in Mozambique, mainly in the capital of Maputo. Kidnaps are generally for financial gain or motivated by criminality. While most victims have been Mozambicans, kidnappers may also target foreigners. Business owners are likely to be at increased risk of this activity. If you work in Mozambique, follow your employer’s security guidelines. Be vigilant at all times.
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.
If you are planning to drive in Mozambique, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Mozambique for up to 90 days. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
After 90 days, you must have an IDP or a Mozambican driving licence.
Drink-driving is a serious offence in Mozambique. If you are tested and found to have more than three-quarters of England’s legal limit of alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.
You are legally required have third-party insurance, which you can buy at most land borders. Traffic police may give you an on-the-spot fine if you cannot show your licence and ownership and insurance documents.
You must always carry 2 reflective triangles in your vehicle and wear a reflective vest when repairing, loading or unloading a vehicle. If you cannot produce the 2 triangles and 2 vests, you can get an on-the-spot fine.
Police officers frequently stop drivers to check paperwork and sometimes try to extract bribes. If police are fining you for no clear reason, ask for a written fine you can pay at a police station.
Only travel by road outside major cities during daylight. Where possible, keep to major roads and travel in convoy in rural areas. Fuel supplies at petrol stations throughout Mozambique can be unpredictable and inconsistent, including in major cities. Where fuel is available, queues can be long. Travellers are advised to check with tour operators in advance to ensure sufficient fuel is available for any organised travel, and to allow extra time for journeys.
Traffic accidents are common in Mozambique due to poor road conditions and low driving standards. Watch for pedestrians on the roads.
Low-lying areas around major rivers flood regularly and at short notice during the rainy season from November to April, making many roads impassable including in the capital, Maputo. Check conditions before travelling. Make sure you have emergency supplies, including a first aid kit.
Overland travel on public transport can be hazardous due to vehicles being in an unsafe condition. If you doubt a vehicle’s condition, make alternative arrangements.
There is a significant risk of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. Pirates can attack up to 1,000 nautical miles from the Somali coast or more. The threat assessment of the combined international naval counter-piracy forces is that sailing yachts should not enter the designated high-risk area, due to the risk of hijacking.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
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).
This section has safety advice for regions of Mozambique. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
FCDO advises against all travel to Cabo Delgado, except Palma town and the area around Pemba and Afungi, due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism and clashes between insurgents, armed vigilante groups and Mozambican security forces.
Security forces have set up roadblocks throughout the province.
There are no direct flights between Palma town and Maputo and we advise against travelling there by road.
FCDO advises against all travel to the districts of Memba and Eráti in Nampula Province due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism.
Groups with links to Islamist extremism have previously carried out attacks in the Mecula, Mavago and Marrupa districts of Niassa Province.
FCDO advise against all travel to the Mecula and Marrupa districts of Niassa Province. There have been recent lethal attacks there within Niassa Special Reserve at hunting lodges visited by international tourists. Groups with links to Islamic extremism have previously carried out attacks in the Mavago district as well, stay aware of your surroundings in this area, as the situation may change without warning.
63.8yearsLife expectancy2024
59.4per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024
99per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023
295.1per 1,000 people at riskMalaria (new cases)2024
0.18per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2022
66.6 %Basic drinking water access2024
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Mozambique is currently experiencing a cholera outbreak in central and northern areas of the country. See information on cholera.
Call 848888 or 823388 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Mozambique including:
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Mozambique where some staff will speak English.
Hospital facilities are of a lower standard compared to the UK, especially in the north of the country. In cases of serious illness or injury, medical evacuation to South Africa or the UK may be necessary.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Mozambique’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Mozambique set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Mozambican High Commission in the UK.
To enter Mozambique, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Make sure you get your passport stamped with the correct dates before leaving the immigration desk.
You need at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
If you’re entering Mozambique with a child under the age of 18, you will need to present an unabridged birth certificate listing both parents. Where the child is travelling with one parent, or without either parent, a notarised parental consent affidavit (not older than three months) is required.
British passport holders must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to Mozambique for tourism or business visits of up to 30 days.
You can apply for an ETA through the official Mozambique eVisa portal at least 5 working days before you travel. You must pay online when you apply. You cannot pay on arrival at the border.
The fee is approximately 47 US dollars, including a 37 US dollars visa fee and a 650 Mozambican Metical processing fee. Processing can take at least 5 working days. You should apply well in advance of your travel date.
When you arrive in Mozambique, you may be asked to show:
You should carry a printed copy of your approved ETA and payment confirmation, as immigration officials may ask to see them when you enter or leave Mozambique.
Not all lands borders are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Check the opening times directly online. Land border crossings into neighbouring countries can be restricted, blocked or closed at short notice.
It can take a long time to clear border formalities at the Lebombo-Ressano Garcia land crossing from South Africa, especially during holiday periods. There can be delays if you are travelling on public transport. Allow time to get to your destination before nightfall.
There have been armed robberies close to the Lebombo border in Nelspruit. These often take place in the queue for the border, mainly after dark. When you stop at junctions or in queues, stay alert and ensure you have space to turn and drive off.
If you’re planning to enter South Africa before or after you visit Mozambique, or if you’re planning to travel through South Africa, check the travel advice for South Africa.
To enter Mozambique, you must have a certificates to prove you’ve had:
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Mozambique guide.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Mozambique. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Declare 10,000 Mozambican meticais or more in cash. Declare foreign cash or travellers cheques if the value is 5,000 US dollars or more.
Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.
Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.
Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:
See jobs in MozambiqueFunding ↗Tenders ↗Train in field security
Violence over the last 3 months, jobs and passages of official advice that mention the region.
19 events · 72 deaths · 16 civilians
FCDO advises against all travel to Cabo Delgado Province, except for Palma town and the area around Pemba and Afungi.
The main threat is from IS-Mozambique (IS-M), a terrorist group with links to Daesh (formerly known as Islamic State) that is mainly active in Cabo Delgado Province, and has carried out attacks in neighbouring districts of Niassa and Nampula Provinces.
1 event · 1 death · 1 civilian
Street crime is common in Maputo and is increasing in other cities and tourist destinations. This has involved knives and firearms. There are some areas in cities which are more dangerous – seek local advice. Beaches and offshore islands are not policed.
If you want to report a crime, contact the local police to get a police report. Also report stolen passports to the British High Commission in Maputo and the Mozambican immigration authorities.
2 events · 4 deaths
FCDO advises against all travel to the districts of Mecula and Marrupa in Niassa Province.
The main threat is from IS-Mozambique (IS-M), a terrorist group with links to Daesh (formerly known as Islamic State) that is mainly active in Cabo Delgado Province, and has carried out attacks in neighbouring districts of Niassa and Nampula Provinces.
1 event · 1 death · 1 civilian
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.
1 event · 0 deaths
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.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
FCDO advises against all travel to the districts of Memba and Eráti in Nampula Province.
The main threat is from IS-Mozambique (IS-M), a terrorist group with links to Daesh (formerly known as Islamic State) that is mainly active in Cabo Delgado Province, and has carried out attacks in neighbouring districts of Niassa and Nampula Provinces.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
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.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
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.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
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.
This briefing gathers public information to prepare a mission. It does not replace your organisation's security analysis, your security focal point's instructions or the country's authorities.