Lifting of Sofala Province Travel Restrictions

In light of recent developments including the signing of a peace deal between Renamo and the Government of Mozambique, the declaration by Renamo leaders that there will be no return to war, the relatively peaceful elections, and the recent drop in violence throughout Sofala province, the U.S. embassy is pleased to announce that it is lifting travel restrictions for U.S. Government officials traveling to and through Sofala Province, and it is no longer advising U.S. citizens against travel to or through the region. All travelers are still strongly encouraged to observe prudent security measures throughout Mozambique.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Mozambique enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov.  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  Read the Country Specific Information for Mozambique.  For additional information, refer to the Traveler’s Checklist on the State Department’s website.

Contact the U.S. embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.

The U.S. Embassy in Maputo is located at 193, Avenida Kenneth Kaunda, and is open 0730-1730 M-Th, 0730-1130 F, Tel: 21-492-797.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance outside of business hours, the emergency after-hours number for the U.S. Embassy is 84-306-6480.