Travel Report for Mozambique

Country Profile for
Mozambique

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: September 14, 2006 10:01 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:41 EST

Mozambique

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Sections 5 and 8 of this Travel Report have been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Crime, often with violence, is the most significant threat to visitors of

Mozambique

. Frequent crimes include armed muggings, armed car-jackings, home burglaries and petty theft. Street crimes, including mugging, purse snatching, and pick pocketing are particularly prevalent in the capital city Maputo, but also occur in most urban and rural areas. Pedestrians and joggers have been frequently mugged, even during daylight hours. The presence of other pedestrians on the street should not be misinterpreted as an indication of security. Visitors should not walk at night, even in well-known tourist areas. Pay particular attention to your surroundings and do not show signs of affluence, and do not visit beaches alone. Canadians in

Mozambique

should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times.

Crime increases significantly during the Christmas and New Year season.

Visitors should carry identity documents at all times. Urban streets are patrolled by police who frequently carry automatic weapons and require visitors to produce identity and travel documents. Checkpoints are frequent outside Maputo.

There are certain areas in the city of Maputo where pedestrian traffic is not tolerated, most notably in front of the presidential palaces.

Demonstrations can occur and can turn violent. Exercise caution, monitor local news reports, and avoid large crowds and gatherings.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Traffic drives on the left. Travel in convoy is recommended. Overland travel after dark is not recommended. Third-party insurance is required and may be obtained at ports of entry. Torrential rains often cause flooding and extensive damage to roads and infrastructure. During the rainy season (November to March,) the use of a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Public transportation is very limited. Domestic rail service is overcrowded, slow, and inefficient.

Due to residual landmines, overland travellers are advised to remain on well-travelled roads or seek local information before going off-road outside of Maputo and other provincial capitals.

Travellers should keep to the main roads. Overland travel should be undertaken during daylight hours (6 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Contact the Office of the High Commission of Canada in Maputo (see section 7 below) for the latest security and travel information.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for most travel outside Maputo due to poor road conditions. This presents an additional security risk to travellers as these vehicles are frequent targets of carjackings. Bandits are active in border areas and in rural regions, particularly on routes to Mutare,

Zimbabwe

, and to

South Africa

(especially in Moamba).

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from November to March. Cyclones may occur along the coastal area. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behavior. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. It is also against the law to destroy Mozambican currency.

Government facilities should not be photographed without permission.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Mozambique - MAPUTO, High Commission of Canada
Address: Kenneth Kaunda Avenue, Maputo 1138, Mozambique
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1578, Maputo, Mozambique
Tel.: 258 (21) 492-623
Fax: 258 (21) 492-667
E-mail: mputo@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.maputo.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Office of the High Commission of Canada in Maputo and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Mozambican authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on September 1, 2006. However, these requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Foreign Affairs

Canada

’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Mozambique, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Mozambique. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Ensure your passport has at least one blank page for a visa stamp. Amendment pages are not acceptable.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Residency/Employment Visa: Required
Transit Visa: Required

A visitor's stay cannot exceed 30 days, but it is possible to apply for an extension. Mozambican authorities impose a fine for each day that a traveller's visa has expired. As of September 2006, a single tourist visa can be obtained at all ports of entry into

Mozambique

, including the airport, for a fee of US$ 25 (cash payment only). Business, student and transit visitors should obtain their visa either before departing

Canada

or in

South Africa

prior to entering

Mozambique

. Visa conditions are subject to change.

Arriving travellers should ensure that all their paperwork (visas, passports, etc.) has been properly dealt with/stamped before leaving the airport in order to avoid hefty fines at a later date.

An airport tax is charged upon departure.

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination if they are arriving in

Mozambique

from infected areas.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

In 2006, the Government of Mozambique changed its currency. The metical (Mts) has been replaced by the “new family” metical (Mtn). The new currency is exchanged at 1/1000 of the old currency; therefore, the three last zeros are removed from former amounts. The new notes have been in circulation since July 2006 alongside the old. Prices for goods and services are in both formats. By January 2007, the old currency will be out of circulation and no longer accepted. Currency can be exchanged only at locations authorized by the government.

The import or export of local currency is prohibited. Travellers should state the amount of foreign currency in banknotes, cheques and traveller's cheques brought into the country. Only U.S. dollars or South African rand can be exchanged easily in banks or legal secondary exchange bureaus. U.S. dollar traveller's cheques can be changed only in certain banks in Maputo and only for local currency (not U.S. dollars). Credit cards are widely accepted in Maputo, but rarely accepted elsewhere. Most businesses accept payment in meticals, U.S. dollars, or South African rand. Hotel bills must be paid in foreign currency.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Mozambique (capital: Maputo) is located in South-Eastern Africa, bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, South Africa, and the Indian Ocean. The official language is Portuguese. Facilities for tourism in Maputo are steadily improving, but remain limited in other areas. Communications are generally good in Maputo, but poor in rural areas.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities and supplies of medicine are limited throughout the country. Only basic medical care is available locally and any serious condition necessitates an evacuation to South Africa. Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care.

You should be cautious about water-borne and insect-borne diseases. As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Mozambique is high, you should be cautious about any activity involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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