Safety and Security

Overland travel after dark is extremely dangerous due to road conditions and the increased potential for crime, such as vehicle hijacking. There is an increased potential for accidents due to unseen holes and obstructions, poor lighting conditions, pedestrians on the highways, and other vehicles driving without headlights or with intoxicated drivers. Visitors should be vigilant when driving on city streets as well as the main thoroughfares connecting Mozambique to/from South Africa and other neighboring countries as incidents of vehicle theft, including assault and robbery, have been reported. Both Mozambique and South Africa are considered to have critical levels of crime. Although US citizens have never been targeted, there have been a number of kidnapping incidents reported in recent years. In most cases, criminals targeted wealthy businessmen and their family members in specific local communities. However, all travelers visiting the country should take appropriate security precautions, Please refer to the U.S. Citizen Messages on the U.S. Embassy Mozambique website for more information.

U.S. government personnel who work at the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique are strongly discouraged from overland travel outside Maputo city limits after dark, and are encouraged to travel in convoys of two or more vehicles when outside of the city. They are prohibited from using “chapas” (local minibuses) due to frequent accidents involving these vehicles. Although Mozambique has made great progress in ridding the country of landmines placed during the civil war, there are remaining pockets of residual landmines that still pose a threat. Overland travelers are advised to remain on well-traveled roads or seek local information before going off-road outside of Maputo and other provincial capitals. Road travel on the N-1 national highway in Sofala Province north of the Save River is discouraged because of ongoing security concerns.  

Although demonstrations do occur in Mozambique, they are infrequent and there have been no recent demonstrations against U.S. interests. If any demonstrations do occur, they should be avoided.

Police frequently conduct document checks of drivers, travelers, and pedestrians, often with the intention of soliciting bribes. It is illegal to pay bribes and travelers are discouraged from doing so. It is also required to have proper identification on your person at all times (see Local Laws and Special Circumstances).

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique on Twitter and by visiting the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Although the vast majority of visitors complete their travels in Mozambique without incident, the most serious threat facing U.S. citizens visiting Mozambique is crime. Street crimes, including mugging, purse-snatching, and pick-pocketing are common, both in Maputo and in secondary cities. Carjackings have become rare, but still happen. Visitors must be vigilant when out in public areas and should not display jewelry or other items —even those of low value, like cell phones and personal music devices. Avoid isolated areas.  Visitors should not walk at night, even in well known tourist areas.  Joggers and pedestrians have frequently been mugged, even during daylight hours. It is recommended to avoid walking along the Marginal south of the Southern Sun Hotel, even in groups, and to be very cautious along Avenida Friedrich Engels and Rua Caracol.  All roads and pathways paralleling green space near the southern edge of the city are considered extremely dangerous for pedestrians due to the large number of homeless and criminal elements living amongst the foliage.  U.S. citizens have been assaulted and robbed during daylight hours. 
Mozambican police do not operate at the standard that U.S. citizens are accustomed to in the United States. Visitors should not expect the same level of police service.

Many airline trips from Mozambique to the United States, Europe, or African destinations transit Johannesburg, South Africa. Baggage pilferage is an ongoing problem at Johannesburg's Oliver Tambo International Airport. Travelers are encouraged to secure their luggage, use an airport plastic wrapping service, and avoid placing currency, electronics, jewelry, cameras, cosmetics, running shoes, or other valuables in checked luggage. Having a complete inventory of items placed in checked baggage can aid in processing a claim if theft does occur.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  

There is no local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Mozambique.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.