The cost of single-entry visas to Mozambique that are applied for in foreign travellers’ home countries has been doubled with immediate effect. This comes after a decree was signed by Interior Minister Basilio Monteiro and Economy and Finance Minister Adriano Maleiane.
However, border visa pricing remains unaffected. These can be acquired when you enter Mozambique over land, by sea or by air, says Natalie Tenzer-Silva of Dana Tours in Mozambique, according to Tourism Update. Border visas allow for dual entry within a 30-day period.
Also read: SA travellers could gain visa-free access to these nations
South Africans do not require a visa to enter Mozambique, however the country’s government is making it more expensive for those in countries like the UK and United States that do require visas to visit if they purchase the visa before they travel.
This move stands in stark contrast to South Africa’s Home Affairs’ recent move to waive visa requirements for seven countries, in the hope that they will do likewise to facilitate international travel.
According to Tourism Update, Matthias Wichelhaus, the product and marketing manager for Pure Africa, says the visa increases are ‘a very, very bad decision’.
‘People are often already unsure about visiting Mozambique because of the political situation and the visa increases will just add to that reluctance,’ he said.
‘We offer several bush and beach packages that allow foreign tourists to travel between the Kruger National Park [in South Africa] and Mozambique, and the visa fee increase will affect these,’ Wichelhaus adds.
New pricing
A 30-day single-entry visa has gone from US$50 (about R714) to US$102 (about R1,500), while those valid for between 31 and 60 days now cost US$203 (about R2,900).
Visas valid for up to 90 days now cost US$305 (R4,360).
Tourists wanting to avoid the extra cost can purchase a visa upon entry to Mozambique.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
