Mozambique Resumes ETA Requirement for Visa-Free Travellers

Mozambique has reinstated its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for travellers from 29 visa-exempt countries, after resolving technical problems that had stalled the system for months. Starting July 31, 2026, eligible visitors must once again obtain an ETA before boarding their flight.

The ETA rule was originally introduced in April 2025 but suspended weeks later due to issues with the online application portal. Authorities say the upgraded platform is now fully functional.

Who Must Apply for the ETA?

The ETA requirement applies only to citizens of 29 countries that otherwise enjoy visa-free entry for short tourism and business trips, including:

• Belgium
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• Russia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• United States
• China
• Indonesia
• Israel
• Japan
• Saudi Arabia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• United Arab Emirates
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Ghana
• Senegal

While these travellers don’t need a traditional visa, they must secure an ETA at least 48 hours before departure.

ETA vs e-Visa: Know the Difference

Mozambique now runs both systems through a single online portal:

• ETA: For citizens of the 29 visa-exempt countries. Covers one entry and stays of up to 30 days, at a cost of about US$48.
• e-Visa: Required for travellers from all other countries, including India, with stay durations of 30 to 90 days depending on visa type.

This fits a broader global pattern of countries preserving visa-free access while layering in digital pre-travel screening.

Mozambique’s New Digital Visa Platform

Mozambique launched a new cloud-based visa platform in February 2026 with technical support from VFS Global, replacing the earlier system responsible for the ETA suspension. The platform offers:

• A single portal for both ETA and e-Visa applications
• Access for travellers from 183 countries
• Multiple visa categories, including tourist, business, crew, sports, humanitarian, and oil and gas travel
• Digital processing linked directly to travellers’ passports

Before You Travel

Key points for travellers heading to Mozambique:

• ETA applications must be submitted at least 48 hours before departure
• ETA holders can stay up to 30 days on a single entry
• Longer stays require an appropriate e-Visa
• Arriving without a valid ETA or e-Visa may result in denied entry

What This Means for Indian Travellers

Indian passport holders don’t qualify for the ETA and must continue applying for a Mozambique e-Visa through the country’s new digital platform before travelling. For Indian travellers departing from hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, or Chennai, the process remains unchanged, an approved e-Visa is still mandatory before departure, and airlines are expected to verify travel authorization prior to boarding.