Mozambique: Almost 30,000 entered country under simplified visa system last year

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Mozambique: Almost 30,000 entered country under simplified visa system last year

4:47 CAT | 04 Mar 2024

FILE - For illustration purposes only. [File photo: Lusa]

Mozambique has issued almost 30,000 border visas since the implementation in May of the decision to facilitate and exempt tourists from low-risk countries from visas, according to government data to which Lusa had access today.

In the budget execution report for the fourth quarter of 2023, the government recalls that “a platform was created for requesting visas online and the exemption of tourist and business visas for a list of low-risk countries” totalling 29 states, which, up until December, 2023, “resulted in the issuance of 28,963 visas requested by visitors”.

“The measure has made Mozambique more competitive and facilitated access to the country for potential investors,” the document adds.

The Mozambican government had already stated, in the third quarter budget execution report, that the decision to facilitate and exempt tourists from low-risk countries from visas increased the number of visits to the country by 34% in the first 90 days of implementing the measure.

Mozambique introduced electronic visas (e-Visa) in December, 2022, and on May 1st granted visa exemption for citizens of 29 countries, in addition to also reviewing the measure granting investment visas for longer periods to foreign citizens who hold investment in Mozambique, simplifying attribution requirements.

The government estimates “average expense” for visitors at US$110 per diem and an average visit time of four days, so each visitor represents US$440 “of new funds” for the economy.

“The increase in visitors to the country as a result of this measure represents growth in the sector and a multiplier effect on the Mozambican economy,” the report adds.

The Mozambican government had announced in August that more than 13,000 foreign citizens entered Mozambique under the visa exemption measure introduced in May, the vast majority of them tourists, including from Portugal.

READ: Mozambique: participates in Portugal’s largest tourism fair, Lisbon Travel Market

According to data provided by Minister of Culture and Tourism, Eldevina Materula, of these exemptions, “more than 10,000 people” entered Mozambique with visas granted at the border, “for the purpose of tourism” and “the remaining 3,000 for business”.

“This is a clear sign that the measures taken by the government are having the effect of boosting our sector,” Minister Materula said in August. “With these measures, we clearly have a new pattern of tourists, with American, British, Portuguese, Chinese and German tourists standing out as the five main categories.”

READ: Mozambique: Visa waiver for 29 countries effective since Monday

Source: Lusa