It is advisable to read current travel advice from a state source such as the U.K’s FCO website.

Overall Crime and Safety

Most visits to Mozambique are trouble-free, but street crime, sometimes involving knives and firearms, is common in Maputo and increasing in other cities and tourist destinations. There are some areas in cities which are more dangerous; seek local advice.

Specific areas of concern:

Terrorist activities:  Islamic jihadist groups are reported to have become significantly more active in the northern regions of the country since the discovery of the world’s second largest natural gas field.  See this Security Update for more detailed information. This is on-going and has stretched as far as Pemba. The north of the country, including offshore islands, should be avoided.

Regional districts: The districts of Palma, Mocimboa de Pria and Macomia in Cabo province should be avoided. Insurgents have cut off land access to Mocimboa da Praia and Palma and are limiting sea travel. In September 2020 insurgents attacked three islands close to this part of the coast: Metundo, Quifuqui, and Vamizi. The islands are 10-20 km off the coast and it appears that the insurgents want to control marine traffic between the Quirimbas islands and the coast and block sea access to Mocimboa da Praia. See news report.

In addition, there may be tensions in the Zambezia, Manica and Teta provinces.

Road Safety: Traffic accidents are common due primarily to the condition of the roads, poor driving and vehicle standards.

Caution is advised if travelling inland as the presence of landmines laid during the war is a continuing hazard in spite of de-mining efforts.

Documentation: Certified copies of passports and other relevant documents should be carried at all times and in preference to the originals.

Criminal Activity: Street crime, sometimes involving knives and firearms, is common in Maputo and is increasing in other cities and tourist destinations. Bag-snatching, pick-pocketing and car-jacking are also problems.

Kidnapping: There have been reports of kidnappings, mainly in Maputo, and whilst most victims have been Mozambicans, foreigners have also been targeted.

Maritime issues:

The situation is at crisis point in Mozambique and cruisers should be very cautious about entering the country. OSASA recommend that the coast of Cabo Delgado Province should be avoided and yachts in transit should go north, well offshore, to Richards Bay without stopping if at all possible. Northern Mozambique is a definite no-go area. Further south, it seems that unless you go into a recognised port such as Maputo, you are quite likely to meet with officials of one sort or another.

Some boats are using Bazaruto for shelter en-route, but this needs to be used with caution and only on current advice. Once considered a safe and accepted stopover in the Mozambique Channel,
the Bazaruto Archipelago has seen an increase in yachts anchored here
being boarded and threatened. See this Security Update for more detailed information.

As with Ilha de Mozambique, stopping in Bazaruto for a short time to avoid weather has been possible, but must not be seen as a viable entry into Mozambique. There are no officials there, only construction workers building a resort. See Bazaruto port page for further info.

Remain vigilant on beaches or offshore islands as they are not policed.  Lock up valuables, in particular dinghies, outboard motors and ensure any loose items on deck are well secured. The local perception that foreigners bring Covid-19 may make your reception a hostile one.

See this news item (April 2021) to gain an insight into the problems here.

Check the WhatsApp group Sail to South Africa 2022 and Indian Ocean Passage Facebook Group for regular up to date information on the situation here. OSASA are also a good contact with current updates.

Reported Incidents:

Bazaruto, 2016: Outboard engine stolen from a dinghy at night. The dinghy had been hauled up the side of the yacht which was at anchor.

General Emergency Numbers:

See General Info for more details.

Last updated:  November 2021

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