Mozambique Suspends ETA Pre-Travel Registration for Visa-Exempt Travellers Amid Technical Issues

Travellers planning a visit to Mozambique should be aware of recent changes to the country’s pre-travel registration and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements. Introduced under Decree No. 10/2023, the ETA framework was designed to strengthen border control and streamline arrivals for visitors from 29 previously visa-exempt countries. However, the system’s implementation has faced significant technical challenges, leading to a temporary suspension of the online registration process.

While the ETA requirement remains in force as a matter of law, Mozambique’s immigration authorities suspended the operational rollout in May 2025 after the online platform experienced technical difficulties. As a result, visa-exempt travellers are currently not required to complete the ETA or pre-travel registration before entering Mozambique. There is no official date for when the system will be reinstated, so the situation may change at short notice .

For now, travellers from visa-exempt countries can enter Mozambique without completing the ETA process. However, all visitors must still comply with standard entry requirements, including:

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry
• Proof of onward or return travel arrangements
• Evidence of accommodation for the duration of the stay
• Payment of any applicable entry fees upon arrival, if requested

It is important to note that, despite the suspension, the legal framework for the ETA remains in place. This means that the requirement could be reinstated at any time, and travellers are strongly advised to check for the latest official guidance from Mozambican authorities shortly before departure.

Previously, the ETA system required visa-exempt travellers to register online at least 48 hours before their scheduled departure, with non-compliance potentially resulting in denied boarding or entry.

The process involved submitting personal and travel details via the official government portal and paying a processing fee upon arrival.  However, with the current suspension, these steps are not enforced, and entry is permitted under the standard conditions outlined above.

For Africa’s travel industry professionals, this development highlights the importance of staying up to date with evolving entry requirements across the continent. The temporary suspension of Mozambique’s ETA system offers a window of flexibility for visa-exempt travellers, but the possibility of sudden policy changes means that close monitoring and proactive communication with clients remain essential.

In summary, Mozambique’s ETA pre-travel registration is legally in force but operationally paused. Visa-exempt travellers can currently enter without completing the ETA, but should remain alert to official updates, as the system may be reinstated with little notice. Standard entry requirements—including valid travel documents, proof of accommodation, and payment of any fees—continue to apply for all visitors.