Go with a plan.
Mozambique's safety score rose to 58 today from 49 yesterday, though the US, UK, and Canada maintain level 2 advisories and a global measles notice remains active.
Governments, one trip
What they're telling their own citizens about Mozambique
The real score
The breakdown
See it from your perspective
Go with a plan.
The general Sketch Score, unweighted for any specific traveler.
Don't fall for it
Scams to know
Police extortion
Police officers attempt to extort money from tourists. Counter this by mentioning the anti-corruption hotline or your embassy to verify fines and always demand a receipt.
Airport staff theft
Airport security personnel may pilfer cash, credit cards, and valuables from travelers. Minimize risk by carrying minimal cash and using travel cards.
Staying healthy
What to watch out for, health-wise
Active notices
- • Global Measles
Vaccines
Recommended:
From people who've been there
Local know-how
Staying safe
- •Risks are much the same as many other countries in Africa (and significantly less than some, including parts of South Africa).
- •But in general the Mozambican people are extremely warm and friendly and you will encounter far less hassle than in almost all of the countries surrounding it.
- •Police: In Mozambique the police do not exist to help you, only to try to extort money from you. Do not trust them under any circumstances.
- •Insisting on being taken to a police station is unlikely to improve your situation, with the exception of in Maputo, the police have been known to rob tourists blind and throw them in a cell.
- •If you have cause to go to a police station (e.g., filing a police report for insurance purposes after a theft), do not take any valuables or excessive currency with you and try to always go with someone else.
- •At airports: While airport security personnel typically prioritize ensuring the safety of passengers and aircraft, there have been reported cases of opportunistic individuals taking advantage of their po…
Staying healthy
- •Malarial prophylaxis is essential in all parts of Mozambique.
- •Mind what you eat. As common in most countries in the world, if you are concerned about the standards of hygiene in a place, don't eat there. Do not have unprotected sex. As in many parts of…
Adapted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA — edited by travelers, not us.
Real talk
What travelers actually say
Travelers planning trips to Mozambique focus on navigating between Beira, Gorongosa, Tofo, and Vilankulos. Safety concerns remain a primary topic for those visiting, specifically regarding how the region compares to other African destinations like Cape Town. The logistics of moving between these locations involve a mix of domestic flights, taxis, and public transportation. While travelers seek advice on the safety of the north and the feasibility of driving versus flying, there is no consensus on specific crime statistics or verified scams. The primary objective for visitors is balancing time between diving, snorkeling, and surfing spots while managing the complexities of travel infrastructure across the country.
“Also interested to hear opinions on safety, is it similar to Cape Town?
— r/travel
“How is it with safety in the north of Moz? Any current informations?
— r/travel
“Seems like a lot of flying - is any of this better done driving or with hire car?
— r/travel
Pack this, know this
The little things that trip people up
Plug & voltage
C / F / M · 220V
Driving side
left
Emergency
police: 119 / ambulance: 117 / fire: 198
Show the receipts (11 sources)
- us-state — observed 2026-07-12
- uk-fcdo — observed 2026-07-12
- ca-gac — observed 2026-07-12
- worldbank-political — observed 2026-07-12
- worldbank-policeTrust — observed 2026-07-12
- cdc-health — observed 2026-07-12
- wikivoyage — observed 2026-07-12
- reddit — observed 2026-07-12
- unodc — observed 2026-07-12
- acled-hdx — observed 2026-07-12
- lgbtq-legal-wikipedia — observed 2026-07-12