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?

Travel to Mozambique requires extreme caution, with significant portions of the country entirely off-limits to tourists. The FCDO advises against all travel to areas north of the Rovuma River in Cabo Delgado province, according to current guidance issued in March 2026. The US State Department maintains a Level 3 advisory, recommending travellers "exercise increased caution" due to health issues, crime, civil unrest, and terrorism.

Cyclone Gezani entered the Mozambique Channel on 13 February 2026, bringing sustained winds exceeding 150 kilometres per hour and severe flooding risks to coastal areas from Inhambane to Nampula provinces, according to the Mozambican National Institute of Meteorology.

The Current Situation

Armed groups linked to Islamic State continue operating across northern Cabo Delgado, conducting attacks on civilian targets, infrastructure, and security forces. The insurgency has displaced over 946,000 people since violence began in 2017, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Recent security alerts from the US Embassy in Maputo on 11 February and 1 March 2026 warned American citizens of heightened terrorist threats during the Ramadan period. The embassy specifically cautioned against travel to crowded areas, religious sites, and government buildings across all provinces.

Portuguese and South African military forces remain deployed alongside Mozambican troops in Joint Task Force operations. Despite international intervention, insurgent attacks persist in Palma, Mocímboa da Praia, and Mueda districts.

Regional Safety Breakdown

Cabo Delgado Province: The FCDO advises against all travel north of the Rovuma River. Palma town remains largely abandoned following March 2021 attacks that killed dozens of civilians. Gas extraction projects at the Afungi Peninsula operate under military protection but remain vulnerable to assault.

Nampula and Niassa: Exercise extreme caution. Insurgent activity has spread south from Cabo Delgado, with attacks reported in Eráti and Memba districts during January 2026. Road travel after dark is inadvisable.

Central Mozambique: Renamo opposition party tensions persist in Sofala and Manica provinces. The 2019 peace agreement holds, but isolated incidents of banditry affect the EN1 highway between Beira and Chimoio.

Southern Mozambique: Relatively stable but affected by Cyclone Gezani flooding. Maputo experiences regular petty crime and occasional civil demonstrations. The EN4 highway to South Africa remains operational with police checkpoints.

Crime & Safety

Violent crime rates have increased 23% since 2024, according to Mozambican Ministry of Interior statistics. Carjacking incidents peak between November and March, coinciding with the cyclone season when police resources are stretched.

Armed robbery targets tourists in Maputo's Costa do Sol and Polana neighbourhoods. The popular Feira de Artesanato market sees daily pickpocketing and bag-snatching incidents. Hotel security varies dramatically, with several reported break-ins at budget accommodations during February 2026.

Kidnapping for ransom affects foreign workers, particularly in Tete and Cabo Delgado provinces. South African nationals face specific targeting, with five abduction cases reported since December 2025.

Road safety remains poor, with only 30% of the 30,000-kilometre road network paved. Fatal accident rates exceed 24 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants annually. Driving after sunset is inadvisable due to poor lighting and increased criminal activity.

Entry Requirements & Practicalities

Technical issues with Mozambique's e-visa system have created significant delays for US citizens, according to the US State Department. Processing times now exceed 21 days, compared to the advertised 5-day turnaround.

British passport holders require visas obtained in advance through Mozambican consulates. Tourist visas cost £60 and require proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from endemic areas.

Currency shortages affect ATM availability outside major cities. The metical has depreciated 12% against the pound since January 2026. Credit cards see limited acceptance beyond upmarket hotels in Maputo and Beira.

Fuel shortages intermittently affect northern and central provinces. Petrol stations in Pemba and Nampula reported supply disruptions lasting up to six days during February 2026.

What Travellers Should Do Now

Cancel all travel plans to northern Mozambique immediately. The security situation in Cabo Delgado shows no signs of improvement, with insurgent capabilities actually expanding southward.

Those requiring travel to southern regions should register with their embassy and maintain comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation. Minimum coverage should exceed £2 million given limited local medical facilities.

Monitor weather warnings closely as Cyclone Gezani continues affecting the Mozambique Channel. Flooding has cut road access to several coastal areas, stranding tourists in Vilanculos and Tofo.

Establish reliable communication protocols with family or employers. Mobile network coverage remains patchy outside major urban centres, particularly affecting Vodacom subscribers in rural areas.

Consider postponing travel until after April 2026 when both cyclone season and Ramadan-related security concerns should diminish. The political calendar shows local elections scheduled for October 2026, which may trigger additional civil unrest.

Key Facts:

  • FCDO advises against all travel to areas north of Rovuma River in Cabo Delgado province
  • Over 946,000 people remain internally displaced due to insurgency violence since 2017
  • Cyclone Gezani brought winds exceeding 150 km/h and severe flooding risks in February 2026
  • Mozambique e-visa processing delays now exceed 21 days for US citizens due to technical issues