The U.S. Embassy Maputo has received multiple reports of violence near the border crossing at Ressano Garcia, with reportedly both Mozambican and South African perpetrators and victims. Additionally, there are unconfirmed reports of barricades being erected in the streets on either side of the border. The possibility exists that the border crossing may close on short notice.
The U.S. embassy strongly advises delaying all road travel to South Africa until the situation stabilizes.
In general, the U.S. Embassy would like to remind travelers of good security practices to follow at all times:
- Always travel with windows up and doors locked.
- Be aware of your surrounding at all times and avoid large crowds.
- If possible, avoid travelling outside major metropolitan areas after dark.
- Keep a fully charged cell phone on your person at all times and maintain important contact numbers.
- Travelers should update themselves via radio/TV news on the situation before traveling to any areas where violence or looting has occurred.
Protest March Against Violence in South Africa
There will be a protest march taking place Saturday, 18 April to show solidarity for the victims of recent violence in South Africa. The participants will gather at the intersection of Avenidas Amilcar Cabral and Eduardo Mondlane around 8:30 a.m. and the march will end at the South African High Commission (intersection of Avenidas Eduardo Mondlane and Julius Nyerere).
U.S. citizens in Mozambique should be aware of this event and be prepared for significant traffic associated with the march. Although it is scheduled to be a peaceful event, large crowds can become unmanageable. The embassy advises to avoid the area and roads where the march will take place.
Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
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 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. M-Th, and from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Tel: 21-49-2797. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance outside of business hours, call the embassy’s emergency after-hours number: 84-306-6480.
