Travel to Mozambique
Flying to Mozambique
Maputo International Airport (MPM) is Mozambique's main international gateway and is located approximately 6km (4 miles) northwest of central Maputo. The airport handles flights from destinations elsewhere in Africa and provides connections to Portugal, the Middle East and other international destinations through regional hubs.
Other airports receiving international or regional flights include Beira International Airport (BEW), Nampula Airport (APL), Pemba Airport (POL) and Vilankulo Airport (VNX). Vilankulo is an important gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, while Pemba provides access to northern Mozambique and the Quirimbas region.
International airlines serving Mozambique include TAP Air Portugal, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Airlink and South African Airways, while LAM Mozambique Airlines operates domestic and regional services. Flight routes and frequencies can change, particularly at smaller airports, so travellers should check current schedules when planning connections.
Airport facilities vary considerably. Maputo International Airport has ATMs, currency exchange services, car hire desks, cafés and shops, while facilities at smaller airports are generally more limited. Taxis and pre-arranged transfers are available at the principal airports, and many hotels and lodges can arrange airport transfers.
Flight times:
From London to Maputo: 14 to 16 hours (with a layover).
Travel by rail
International passenger rail services to Mozambique are limited. Passenger trains operate between Johannesburg and Maputo via the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border crossing, although services and timetables can change and travellers should confirm current schedules before departure.
Rail connections also link Mozambique with neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi, but these routes are used primarily for freight.
Driving to Mozambique
Mozambique shares land borders with Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Eswatini, with numerous border crossings providing access from neighbouring countries. The busiest routes include crossings from South Africa and Eswatini towards Maputo, from Zimbabwe towards Chimoio and Beira, and from Malawi towards Tete, Nampula and northern Mozambique.
The main road from South Africa enters Mozambique at the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border crossing and continues to Maputo along the EN4 toll road. Other commonly used crossings include Kosi Bay/Ponta do Ouro from South Africa, Namaacha/Lomahasha from Eswatini and Machipanda/Forbes from Zimbabwe.
International buses and coaches operate between Maputo and destinations in neighbouring countries, particularly Johannesburg and Mbabane. Long-distance bus and minibus services also cross borders from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Tanzania, though schedules and standards vary.
Travellers entering Mozambique with a private or hired vehicle should carry the vehicle registration documents, proof of insurance and written authorisation from the owner if they are not the registered owner. Temporary importation and third-party insurance requirements may apply, and travellers should confirm the current documentation requirements before departure.
Border crossings can become busy during weekends, public holidays and peak travel periods, particularly on routes from South Africa. Travellers should allow sufficient time for immigration and customs procedures and check the operating hours of smaller border posts before travelling.
Getting to Mozambique by boat
Mozambique's principal seaports include Maputo, Beira, Nacala and Pemba, all of which primarily handle commercial shipping. There are no scheduled international passenger ferry services.
Cruise ships:
International cruise ships occasionally call at ports including Maputo and the islands of the Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos as part of Indian Ocean and southern African itineraries.
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