The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office maintains its advisory against all travel to northern Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province as Islamic insurgency violence continues to destabilise the region through March 2026.

Is Mozambique Safe to Travel to in 2026?

Mozambique presents significant safety challenges requiring careful risk assessment. The US State Department, Australian Government, and Canadian authorities all advise exercising increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and terrorism threats. The security situation remains fluid with higher risk levels applying to specific regions.

The FCDO's continued advisory against travel to areas north of the Rovuma River in Cabo Delgado reflects ongoing instability from Islamic State-affiliated groups. This represents the most severe travel restriction for Mozambique territory.

The Current Situation

Islamic insurgents have conducted attacks across Cabo Delgado province since October 2017, targeting civilians, infrastructure, and security forces. The conflict has displaced over 946,000 people according to UN figures from February 2026. Attacks have occurred in Mocímboa da Praia, Palma, Macomia, and Muidumbe districts.

Southern African Development Community forces deployed 2,916 personnel to support Mozambican military operations as of January 2026. Despite international intervention, insurgent activity continues with reports of ambushes, kidnappings, and village raids occurring monthly.

The humanitarian crisis has worsened access to northern gas projects worth $60 billion, including TotalEnergies' Afungi LNG facility which remains suspended. Port operations at Mocímboa da Praia face regular disruption.

Civil unrest stemming from disputed election results in October 2024 continues to affect urban centres. Protests in Maputo, Beira, and Nampula have resulted in road closures, property damage, and clashes with security forces.

Regional Safety Breakdown

Cabo Delgado Province: The FCDO advises against all travel to areas north of the Rovuma River. Pemba, the provincial capital 538km north of Nampula, experiences periodic security incidents. The coastal corridor from Mocímboa da Praia to Palma remains particularly dangerous.

Maputo and Maputo Province: Violent crime rates remain elevated with 847 reported armed robberies in the first quarter of 2026, according to police statistics. Carjackings occur frequently along the EN4 highway connecting to South Africa. The Maputo-Catembe bridge area sees regular criminal activity.

Central Provinces: Sofala, Manica, and Tete provinces face lower-level security risks. Beira port area experiences periodic unrest. The Tete mining corridor sees occasional banditry targeting transport vehicles.

Southern Provinces: Gaza and Inhambane maintain relative stability but experience seasonal flooding risks. Tourist areas around Tofo and Vilanculos report isolated incidents of theft and assault.

Crime & Safety

Armed robbery affects all major urban centres with criminals targeting vehicles, businesses, and pedestrians. Maputo recorded 2,341 violent crimes between January and March 2026, representing a 23% increase from the previous year according to Ministry of Interior data.

Kidnapping incidents have increased 35% since 2024, with both foreign nationals and wealthy locals targeted. Cases typically involve ransom demands between $10,000 and $250,000. The Mozambican Association of Banks reported 127 ATM attacks in 2025.

Maritime piracy remains a concern along the northern coastline. The International Maritime Bureau recorded three attempted boardings off Cabo Delgado in early 2026. Fishing vessels and cargo ships face particular risks.

Gender-based violence affects female travellers disproportionately. The UN Women office in Maputo documented increased harassment and assault cases in tourist areas during 2025.

Entry Requirements & Practicalities

British nationals require visas obtainable at Mozambican missions or on arrival at Maputo, Beira, and Nampula airports. Single-entry tourist visas cost $50 for 30-day stays. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are mandatory for travellers arriving from infected areas.

The healthcare system faces significant capacity constraints. Maputo Central Hospital serves as the primary referral facility but lacks advanced trauma capabilities. Medical evacuation to South Africa costs between $15,000 and $45,000.

Communications infrastructure remains unreliable outside urban centres. Mobile coverage reaches 67% of the territory according to regulatory authority statistics. Internet connectivity averages 12.3 Mbps in Maputo but drops below 2 Mbps in rural areas.

Currency restrictions limit metical exports to MT10,000. ATM availability is concentrated in major cities with frequent cash shortages reported. Credit card acceptance remains limited outside international hotels.

What Travellers Should Do Now

Monitor FCDO travel advisories daily as security conditions change rapidly. Register with the British Embassy in Maputo through the gov.uk platform. Maintain emergency funds in multiple currencies including US dollars and South African rand.

Avoid all travel to Cabo Delgado province north of the Rovuma River. Travellers to other regions should use reputable ground transport operators and avoid road travel after dark. The EN1 highway experiences regular criminal activity between Xai-Xai and Maputo.

Secure comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation and conflict-related incidents. Standard policies may exclude terrorism-related claims requiring specialist coverage.

Establish communication protocols with family or employers including regular check-in schedules. Download offline maps and maintain backup power sources for electronic devices.

Consider postponing non-essential travel until security conditions improve. Business travellers should coordinate with local security providers and avoid predictable routines.

Key Facts:

  • FCDO maintains advisory against all travel to northern Cabo Delgado province
  • Over 946,000 people displaced by insurgency violence since October 2017
  • Violent crime in Maputo increased 23% in first quarter 2026
  • Medical evacuation to South Africa costs $15,000-$45,000