Mozambique Rolls Out Digital Entry Platform That Covers 183 Countries
A quiet revolution is underway at Mozambique's borders. On 11 February 2026, the country officially switched on a completely redesigned online portal for managing visitor entry, replacing the old system entirely. Powered by VFS Global, the cloud-based platform now processes both eVisa and Electronic Travel Authorisation applications in one place, covering travellers from 183 countries and removing the need for consulate visits altogether. For the African travel trade, this is a structural upgrade that changes how Mozambique should be sold and booked.
Understanding the difference between the two entry mechanisms is essential for advising clients properly. The eVisa is a full digital visa that must be obtained before departure. It applies to nationalities that have traditionally required advance approval, as well as to longer stays and specific travel categories. Applicants complete an online form, upload their passport and supporting documents, pay electronically and receive formal approval before boarding. Because processing times can vary, submitting applications early is strongly advised.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation works differently. It is not a visa but a lighter form of digital pre-clearance linked directly to the traveller's passport. Mozambique now requires citizens of 29 visa-exempt countries to register for an ETA before arrival. The process is quicker and simpler than an eVisa application, but it still demands action before travel. Any client who shows up at an air or land border without the correct digital permission could face serious delays or even be refused entry.
The timing of this reform carries real commercial weight. Mozambique recorded approximately 1.27 million tourist arrivals in 2025, representing a jump of nearly 15 per cent compared to the previous year, while air passenger traffic already exceeded two million in 2024 [[1]](https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/emirates-qatar-airways-ethiopian-airlines-and-south-african-airways-set-for-mozambique-surge-as-uk-us-portugal-and-india-travelers-tap-new-digital-evisa-system-hilton-marriott-and-radisso/). Major international carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways are all positioned to benefit from the expected growth in visitor numbers. On the hospitality side, global brands such as Hilton, Marriott and Radisson are watching developments closely and anticipating a boost to room demand.
For agents packaging safari-and-beach combinations that cross from South Africa into Mozambique by road, the reform is particularly significant. The old system created frequent confusion and inconsistency at land border posts. The digital framework removes much of that uncertainty but shifts the responsibility squarely onto the traveller — and by extension, onto the agent — to ensure everything is prepared before departure.
There is, however, a second story running alongside the visa reform that professionals must keep in mind. The 2025–26 rainy season brought record-breaking rainfall to central and southern Mozambique. Provinces including Gaza, Inhambane, Sofala and Maputo were severely affected, with hundreds of thousands of residents impacted and considerable damage to secondary roads, bridges and rural infrastructure. Cyclone Gezani, although it did not make direct landfall, passed close enough offshore to intensify the rain and generate rough coastal seas, temporarily disrupting diving, boat transfers and recovery operations in already flood-affected areas.
The reassuring news for the travel trade is that international airports remain fully operational, and major beach resorts and safari lodges continue to welcome guests. Primary tourism destinations have not been shut down. Northern Mozambique in particular has been comparatively less affected and offers a reliable option for clients seeking marine and beach experiences without weather complications.
That said, some inland and secondary road corridors in the south and centre are still undergoing repair, meaning travel times may be longer than usual on certain routes. Agents should verify road conditions before confirming self-drive itineraries and build flexibility into schedules where clients are moving through affected provinces. Recommending comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers weather-related disruption should be standard practice for every Mozambique booking this year.
The big picture is encouraging. Mozambique is open, modernising fast and easier to enter than at any point in its history. Those in the African travel trade who master the detail of the new digital entry system and stay informed about on-the-ground conditions will find this destination a rewarding one to champion throughout 2026 and beyond.
