The Mozambican government has officially launched a new version of its e-Visa and Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) application portal, now operated with the support of VFS Global.
Unveiled today in Maputo, the platform reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing public administration and streamlining procedures for international travelers.
In May 2025, Mozambique introduced a requirement for travelers from 29 countries that are unilaterally visa-exempt to obtain an ETA prior to departure. However, the measure was suspended about ten days later, with authorities citing technical issues affecting the previous version of the portal.
That episode highlighted the limitations of the existing system and accelerated a comprehensive overhaul of the platform.
Official launch in Maputo
The new portal was presented during the first National Conference on Digital Transformation, organized by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation (MCTD).
Held in Maputo, the conference brought together representatives from public institutions, civil society, the private sector, and international partners. Its primary goal is to advance the digitalization of public administration in Mozambique, aligning it with national priorities for digital governance and technological inclusion.
At the event, Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation Américo Muchanga emphasized that the electronic visa platform is part of a broader effort to digitize public services, making administrative procedures faster, more transparent, and more accessible to citizens and investors.
“The implementation of this platform aims not only to simplify the visa application process, but also to strengthen user confidence in the government’s digital services by promoting a more efficient and secure experience,” the minister said during the ceremony.
e-Visa and ETA: Mozambique clarifies entry rules
The updated portal also aims to clearly distinguish between two separate entry mechanisms: the electronic visa (e-Visa) and the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
An e-Visa is a visa issued by the Mozambican government that authorizes the holder to enter the country for specific purposes such as tourism, business, sports, or investment.
It is a full visa, allowing entry and stay in Mozambique under the conditions and duration specified (30, 60, or 90 days, etc.). Applications must be submitted online prior to travel, and once approved, the visa is digitally linked to the traveler’s passport.
An ETA, by contrast, is not a visa. It is a pre-travel authorization required for certain visa-exempt travelers before traveling to Mozambique.
The following 29 countries are unilaterally exempt from short-stay visa requirements but must still register online and obtain an ETA before arrival:
- Belgium, Canada, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.
Procedures, required documents, fees, and processing times
According to information presented at the conference, the new system enables applicants to submit and track their visa applications entirely online, eliminating the need to visit consulates in person and helping reduce processing times.
On the official portal evisa.gov.mz, applicants must first upload several documents: a passport photo, a copy of their passport, proof of financial means, a hotel reservation, and a flight ticket.
Travelers are also required to specify the purpose of their stay, date of arrival, mode of transportation (flight number, vessel name, or vehicle identification), as well as the province, district, and address where they will be staying in Mozambique. Full contact details of the applicant are also required.
The redesign of the portal comes with a significant increase in fees.
For citizens of the 29 visa-exempt countries, the ETA now costs approximately $48 (about €40), compared to roughly $10 under the previous system. The electronic visa is now priced at approximately $190 (about €160), up from $160 previously. The higher fees are linked to the transition to a platform operated by an external service provider, namely VFS Global.
As for processing times, standard electronic visa applications are expected to be processed within six to nine business days from the submission of a complete application and payment of the required fees.
For the ETA, authorities recommend applying at least 48 hours before the planned departure to ensure timely approval.
