Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution in Mozambique due to crime and health issues. Some areas have greater risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Do Not Travel To:

• Some northern districts in Cabo Delgado Province due to terrorism.

Reconsider Travel To:

• Pemba, the provincial capital of Cabo Delgado, due to threat of terrorism.
• Some sections of the EN1 and EN6 in Sofala and Manica provinces due to crime.

Country Summary: Violent crime, such as mugging, is common.

Mozambique’s health infrastructure is limited: there are only three doctors per 100,000 people, frontline health providers are often poorly trained, and medicine shortages are common.  More than 1.2 million people in Mozambique have HIV/AIDS, representing a sizable population with compromised immune systems.  In the event of a public health emergency, access to an ICU and ventilator support is highly unlikely.   

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Mozambique:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Consider hiring a professional security organization if traveling to the affected areas of Cabo Delgado and Sofala / Manica.
• Be aware of increased government security checkpoints in Cabo Delgado Province.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for Mozambique.
• Have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Some northern districts in Cabo Delgado Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel

There have been frequent attacks by armed extremists, threats of violence, and other forms of assault in the districts of Ancuabe, Ibo, Macomia, Meluco, Metuge, Mocimboa da Praia, Mueda, Muidumbe, Nangade, Palma, and Quissanga in the northern Cabo Delgado Province that borders Tanzania. These groups have used machetes and firearms to conduct lethal attacks and have burned vehicles and homes. While the attacks have been localized, it is possible that such violence could spill over into other districts.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Pemba, capital of Cabo Delgado Province – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Brazen terrorist attacks in multiple districts of Cabo Delgado Province present the possibility that the provincial capital of Pemba could also be vulnerable to attack due to the proximity of violent extremist forces, their increasing sophistication, and the symbolic value of the provincial capital as a target.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Some sections of the EN1 between Chibabava and Gorongosa and EN6 between Chimoio and Tica – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

There have been violent attacks against vehicles, especially trucks and buses, along sections of these highways resulting in serious injuries and deaths. Attacks have occurred on the EN1 between Chibabava and Gorongosa, and along the EN6 between Chimoio in Manica Province and Tica in Sofala Province.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Last Update: Reissued with changes to Travel Advisory level and Level 2, 3, and 4 areas.