Mozambique Brings Back Mandatory ETA for Visa-Free Travellers After Portal Fix

Mozambique has restored its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for travellers from 29 visa-exempt countries after resolving months of technical issues. From July 31, 2026, eligible visitors must once again secure an ETA before boarding a flight to the country.

The ETA requirement was first introduced in April 2025 but suspended just weeks later after problems with the online application portal. Authorities now say the upgraded system is fully operational.

Who Must Apply for the ETA?

The ETA applies only to citizens of 29 countries that enjoy visa-free entry for short business and tourism visits. These include travellers from:

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

These travellers no longer need a traditional visa, but they must obtain an ETA at least 48 hours before departure.

ETA vs eVisa: Know the Difference

Mozambique now operates both systems through a single online portal.

• ETA: For travellers from the 29 visa-exempt countries. Valid for one entry and a stay of up to 30 days. Costs about US$48.
• eVisa: Required for travellers from all other countries, including India. Depending on the visa type, stays of 30 to 90 days are available.

This reflects a wider trend across international travel. More countries are keeping visa-free access while adding digital pre-travel checks to strengthen border screening.

Mozambique’s New Digital Visa Platform

Mozambique rolled out a new cloud-based visa platform in February 2026 with technical support from VFS Global, replacing the earlier system that led to the ETA suspension.

The platform offers:

• A single portal for ETA and eVisa 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

Travellers heading to Mozambique should keep these points in mind:

• ETA applications must be submitted at least 48 hours before departure
• ETA holders can stay for up to 30 days on a single entry
• Travellers staying longer must apply for an appropriate eVisa
• Arriving without the required ETA or eVisa may result in denied entry

What This Means for Indian Travellers

Indian passport holders are not eligible for Mozambique’s ETA. They must continue applying for a Mozambique eVisa before travel through the country’s new digital platform.

For Indians planning trips from hubs such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, or Chennai, nothing changes. An approved eVisa remains mandatory before departure, and airlines are expected to verify travel authorisation before boarding.

Travelobiz Take

We see this as a practical return to normal after months of disruption. If you’re travelling to Mozambique, check your eligibility early because airlines are unlikely to overlook missing travel authorisation.