The Ministry of Interior of Mozambique released information indicating that the requirement for pre-arrival communication was initially announced in a statement issued by the Mavalane Crossing Post at Maputo International Airport on April 24.
This measure raised immediate concerns among travel agents due to the absence of such a requirement since the introduction of visa exemptions for tourists from these countries, including Portugal, in May 2023.
The National Immigration Service (Senami) stated in the same announcement that “the mandatory 48-hour pre-arrival communication for entry into the national territory is suspended with immediate effect.” This requirement, initially to be submitted via an electronic platform, was suspended due to “technical constraints in the registration system preventing normal access and data submission by the concerned citizens.”
“It is important to note that, although this requirement arises from the aforementioned legal framework regulating the facilitation of foreign entry into Mozambique, Senami finds it necessary to safeguard users’ rights during the technical enhancement period for the system. Thus, while efforts are underway to fully restore platform functionality, the mandatory pre-communication requirement will be temporarily suspended,” the statement continued.
The service further mentioned that “once technical conditions are met, an official communication regarding the reinstatement of the pre-arrival communication requirement will be issued.”
Mozambique introduced the Electronic Visa (e-Visa) in December 2022 and, on May 1, 2023, implemented visa exemptions for citizens from 29 countries. Additionally, the country revised its investment visa grants for foreign investors, extending periods and simplifying application requirements.
In terms of revenue, Mozambique’s income from foreign tourists exceeded 200 million euros in 2024, with the government projecting a rise to 360 million euros by 2029. The tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP is expected to increase to 6%.
The government has outlined priorities in its 2025-2029 Five-Year Program, focusing on “attracting major international events, positioning the country as an attractive destination for business tourism and events, and fostering tourism marketing strategies with a strong emphasis on digital components.”
Forecasts indicate that by 2029, tourism’s contribution to GDP will rise from 4.02% in 2024 to 6%, with employment in the sector expected to grow from 14,603 to 22,115 workers.
In 2021, the sector accounted for 2.46% of GDP, and by 2023, arrivals in the country surged to over 870,000, with 87% coming from the African continent and 6% from Europe, notably Portugal.
