May 13, 2020
Country-Specific Information
Mozambique’s civil aviation authority has suspended international passenger flights effective immediately.
As of May 13, 2020, Mozambique has 104 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 34 in which the patients have recovered. Some new cases found, which are unrelated to previously identified transmission chains, may signify community transmission in Mozambique.
The Mozambican Government has announced a Level-3 State of Emergency through May 30. Some of the measures include:
- suspension of issuance of official documents (e.g. visas and travel documents, vehicle registrations, drivers’ licenses, and marriage certificates);
- automatic extension of all DIRE and temporary visas until June 30, 2020, even if expired;
- automatic extension of drivers’ licenses, identity cards, and car vehicle import clearances until June 30, 2020;
- strict quarantine regime (see information below);
- use of face masks in all public places, on public and private communal transport, and in any gathering of people;
- continued closure of all schools;
- prohibition of cultural, recreational, and sports activities in public spaces;
- closure of entertainment establishments, including museums, theaters, libraries, bars, pools, and gyms;
- closure of all beaches for leisure activities with the exception of fishing;
- suspension of religious services and celebrations in all places of worship;
- reduction of workforce to 1/3 present at work place with turnover of teams every 15 days;
- continued business at markets from 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. subject to recommendation of competent health authorities and implementation of prevention and control measures within the markets;
- penalization of non-compliance with State of Emergency measures under criminal law.
The Ressano-Garcia / Lebombo post near Komatipoort is the only open land border between South Africa and Mozambique, for cargo only. The food supply chain between South Africa and Mozambique has not yet been disrupted by a lockdown in South Africa.
The United States Peace Corps has withdrawn all Volunteers from Mozambique, and the U.S. Embassy has authorized departure for any personnel and family members who are at elevated risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19 or who have requested departure based on a commensurate justification.
Entry and Exit Requirements
No visas (including border visas) are being issued at this time.
The Ministry of Health (MISAU) has implemented screening at airports and other points of entry scanning the temperatures of all travelers.
All arrivals to Mozambique, regardless of citizenship, will be on a mandated 14-day self-quarantine (see quarantine information below).
Quarantine Information
The Mozambican Government has mandated a 14-day self-quarantine for the following:
- all arrivals, regardless of citizenship or prior travel; and
- all persons who have had direct contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The government has asserted the authority to allow for real-time awareness of those in quarantine, including geo-location tools.
Local Resources
Travelers are urged to consult the Mozambican Government portal for information on COVID-19 https://covid19.ins.gov.mz/for the most accurate and updated information in Mozambique.
The Boletim da Republica 64, Series 1 delineates the full list of State of Emergency measures. Please note these were slightly amended on April 8 and will be included accordingly in the Boletim da Republica. An electronic copy of the Boletim can be purchased at https://www.inm.gov.mz/.
Mozambican Government COVID-19 Hotline: 84 146 / 82149 / 1490
MISAU is offering a daily press briefing on the COVID-19 situation and efforts to prevent the spread of the disease.
Other Links
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: https://step.state.gov
- U.S. Embassy Maputo COVID Website
- COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov
- Department of State Global Level 4 Health Alert
- CDC page on COVID-19
- Travel.state.gov Country Information and Travel Advisory page
For information on traveling to or through South Africa: https://za.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
