MOZAMBIQUE BORDER GATE TIMES

Lebombo / Ressano Garcia

06h00 - 24h00

South Africa Border - from Komatipoort

TEL: 013 793 7311

Public Holidays: 24hrs Open

Lomahasha / Namaacha

07h00 - 22h00

Swaziland Border - from Mbabane or Manzini

TEL: +258 21 960090

Kosi Bay / Ponta do Ouro

08h00 - 17h00

KwaZulu Natal Border (SA) from Kosi Bay - ( into Ponta do Ouro, Ponta Malongane & Ponta Mamoli.

TEL: 035-592 9181

Pafuri / Limpopo

08h00 - 16h00

Limpopo Border - 200km east of Musina

TEL: 013-735 6882

Zimbabwe / Machipanda

06h00 - 18h00

Zimbabwe Border - from Mutare -  (into Manica Province )

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Nyamapanda / Cuchamano

06h00 - 18h00

Zimbabwe Border - from Harare - (en-route to Tete)

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Malawi / Zobue

06h00 - 18h00

Malawi Border (en-route to Tete or Mutarara)

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Malawi Border - From Nsanje - (en-route to Tete or Mutarara - Zambezi River)

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Malawi / Milange

06h00 - 18h00

Malawi Border - South East of Malawi - (en-route to Mocuba

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Malawi / Mandimba

06h00 - 18h00

Malawi Border -  Between Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe is the town Mangochi. From here travel over the Manghochi Muluzi Bridge and on the M3 to the border (en-route to Lichinga or Cuamba

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Tanzaniq / Namoto

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Tanzania Border - Ruvuma River - A makeshift ferry made by the locals can take your 4X4 across the river (can be risky and you can wait several days for a ferry), but only during high tide.

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Kruger National Park / Giriyondo

Kruger Park Gate Times

Kruger National Park Giriyonda Border Post - North of Letaba Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park into The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (Mozambique).

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Businesses are closed on the following Mozambican holidays.

• New Year's Day--January 1
• Mozambican Heroes Day--February 3
• Mozambican Women's Day--April 7
• Workers Day--May 1
• Independence Day--June 25
• Lusaka Agreement--September 7
• Armed Forces Day--September 25
• Family Day/Christmas Day--December 25

According to Barbara Mommen, CEO for the Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative (MCLI):-

BEFORE YOU GET TO MOZAMBIQUE

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING SOUTH AFRICA

A valid acceptable passport or travel document good for a sufficient period to cover your intended stay.
A valid visa, if required.
Sufficient funds.
A return or onward ticket.
At least two blank pages in your passport.

PASSPORT

You need a passport valid for at least 6 months after you intend leaving Mozambique. Visitors can be asked to provide proof of outgoing travel documents or sufficient funds to provide for their needs during their stay.

The law requires you to carry identification at all times and you may be asked to produce your documents by the police. Rather than carry original documents, make a copy of your passport and other important documents and have them NOTARISED and store your original documents safely.

VISAS

Citizens of all countries except Malawi, Mauritius and South Africa need an entry visa to visit Mozambique.
Visas must be obtained at Mozambican diplomatic embassies and missions spread around the world before entering the country.
Allow at least 7 days for this
Visas can be arranged at the Kosi Bay border, if necessary.
It is advisable to request a receipt , as a “visa” at the Kosi Bay border comes in the form of an entry stamp which is valid only
for Ponta do Ouro and surrounds (not for travel further North).

For contact details see Embassies & Consulates. Visas are obtainable at Ressano Garcia Border Post as well as Kosi Bay

Where to make further inquiries about visas?
See the Department of Home Affairs’ immigration services page (http://www.home-affairs. gov.za)
Check the list of South African offices abroad for information on where to apply in your own country.
Home Affairs contact centre: +27 11 461 9252 (overseas callers), 0800 60 11 90 (within SA), csc@dha.gov.za

What’s the difference between a visa and a temporary residence permit?
A visa allows you to proceed to a South African port of entry. A temporary residence permit will be issued to you at the port of entry. It replaces your visa, and regulates the duration and purpose of your stay in South Africa.
What if I want to stay in South Africa for longer?
It is best to request the full duration of your intended visit when you first arrive, as extensions are subject to additional fees. If you wish to extend your stay further, you must keep your temporary residence permit valid by applying for an extension at your nearest Home Affairs customer service centre in South Africa. You should do this well before your permit expires.
Get your visa before leaving for South Africa
If you are subject to visa requirements, you should apply for your visa at least four weeks before your departure for South Africa, and await the outcome of your application before departing. Visas are not issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged to insist on visas before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged by law to refuse you entry to South Africa and to place you on a return flight to your country.

VEHICE
REQUIREMENTS

If you are bringing in a vehicle :

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON ESSENTIAL VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS IN MOZAMBIQUE

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

There is no restriction on how much money can be brought into the country. If you bring in more than the equivalent of US$5000,00, then you must fill in a declaration form at the customs desk at the entry border. This is so that you will be allowed to leave with more than US$5000,00 at the end of your holiday. Money can be exchanged for meticais at banks and Bureau de Change branches. It is advisable to change your money before entering Mozambique.
Avoid using the private people at the border trying to tempt you to exchange with them, not only is it illegal, but you stand a very good chance of being ripped off.
Foreign currency can be used to settle transactions, in fact some vendors prefer this sort of transaction, but this is more applicable in the southern parts of Mozambique.

NB;PLEASE TAKE NOTE: When ordering foreign exchange, it is mandatory that clients also complete the attached travel declaration form.
Foreign currency will only be processed on production of a valid air ticket, passport, and proof of residential address.

BORDER CROSSING POINTS

INTO MOZAMBIQUE FROM:-
MALAWI; Cobue, Intre Lagos, Mandimba, Zobue.
SOUTH AFRICA:- Komatipoort/Ressano Garcia, Ponta do Ouro/Kosi Bay, Giriyondo, Pafuri.
SWAZILAND:- Namaacha/Lomahasha, Siteki/Goba
TANZANIA:- Namuiranga/Mwambo Border hours 06h00-18h00 (Crossing Rovuma River on a max 10 ton motor ferry at high tide)
ZAMBIA:- Chassacazita, Zumbo
ZIMBABWE:- Machipanda, Mukumbura, Nyama-panda.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

CLICK HERE

Inoculations (CLICK HERE)against disease like hepatitis, tetanus yellow fever etc are not required to enter Mozambique. It is recommended however to consult your own doctor before your trip and it would be wise to take precautions against diseases such as hepatitis, malaria (very important), tetanus and also yellow fever. If on your return home you do not feel well then notify your doctor that you have been in Mozambique with possible exposure to these diseases. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

AT THE BORDER

FOREIGN EXCHANGE; Do not utilise the people on the side of the road. Not only is this illegal but you stand a very good chance of being ripped off.

SOUTH AFRICAN SIDE
Enter the border building and complete a vehicle temporary export document and gate pass, have them both stamped Proceed to immigration, with your passports, where they will be stamped.
You will then be allowed through the South African side to the Mozambican side of the border crossing
MOZAMBIQUE SIDE
You will receive a gate pass on entering Mozambique, make sure that you obey the directions and signals of the border officers and that you stop or park where they show you. Proceed to the immigration building.
Do NOT to let the locals, help you, with the paperwork. Customs officials are not allowed to receive money, but helpers are, so they work together.
This means that together they will go through your belongings, to find something, to make you pay for, where as the customs officials on his own is less likely to go through your belongings.
All passengers plus the driver must personally go through passport control at the immigration desk on the right as you walk in. in order to be allowed to enter Mozambique.

You will have to pay R17.50 cash, per passport request a receipt.
The driver will take the gate pass and temporary export permit to the customs desk across the room get them stamped and pay road tax MTn 26.50 (+- R7.00) at the Vehicle Registration desk (Rands not accepted).

Normal cameras and personal goods do not need to be declared, although if you are uncertain, ask.
If you are taking anything of high value or electronic equipment through. declare the items.
Items like laptops must be declared AND TAKE NOTE, fill in a separate form for each person. I have had an experience where I entered Mozambique with a friend and we declared our two laptops on one form. I exited 3 days before my friend from Kosi Bay border post,with no problem and he exited from Ressano Garcia 3 days later. When he went through customs they asked him where the other laptop was and no amount of explanations sufficed.
They stated that he had sold the other laptop and was liable for R5000,00 duty. It cost him a bribe of R100,00 to avoid this blatant manipulation and threat.

Very important -make sure that you have your 3rd party insurance.
Exit the building and find a customs official, usually dressed in a blue uniform, with orange pull-over, he will check your vehicle to see that no forbidden goods or plants are being brought into Mozambique. He will sign your gate pass. This form you hand to the officer at the gate, who will then allow you through into Mozambique.

You are allowed to take through, 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco, 1 litre of spirits, 2.25 litres of wine, 50 mls of perfume and goods not exceeding the equivalent of US$200,00.
No drugs, firearms, ammunition or explosives may be taken into Mozambique.
For fuel requirements click here

YOU NOW ARE IN MOZAMBIQUE

RESSANO GARCIA TO MAPUTO

Maputo from Ressano Garcia is 120 km's on the freeway and has 2 toll gates before entering Maputo.
Be very careful to keep to the speed limits, as if you transgress the speed limits, you are liable to a fine, of roughly R500,00, for your failing to do so.
Do not cross solid white lines and, wear your seat belts, front and back seats.

After 45Km you will come to the first toll gate, Moambo. These prices are according to TRAC's latest brochure.

Class 1 (light vehicles) - MTn 95.00
Class 2 (medium heavy vehicles) - MTn 236.00
Class 3 (large heavy vehicles) - MTn 471.00
Class 4 (extra large heavy vehicles) - MTn 707.00
You can pay in US$ or Meticais or SA Rands, change will be in meticais.
After another 35Kms you come to a set of traffic lights. Turn, LEFT.

After 53Kms you will come to the second tollgate, Maputo.

Class 1 (light vehicles) - MTn 17.50
Class 2 (medium heavy vehicles) - MTn 58.00
Class 3 (large heavy vehicles) - MTn 116.00
Class 4 (extra large heavy vehicles) - MTn 174.00

You can pay in US$ or Meticais or SA Rands, change will be in meticais.

After traveling about 3Kms, you will see a sign to Xai-Xai, just before you cross over a large bridge. You go straight for Maputo or turn left for Xai Xai and the Lagoon Coast to Inhambane.

As you enter the outskirts of Maputo, the first time visitor, is confronted by the chaos and mayhem of Maputo traffic, let alone the "kamikazi" taxi drivers, who will push in front of you with no regard whether they bump you or not. They are a law unto themselves and you should do your best to ensure that you do not become involved in an accident.
The closer you get to Maputo itself the more you will have to keep your eyes peeled for traffic lights.
There is normally only one light per intersection and that is on the left hand side of the intersection. If you go too far over the white line you won't see the traffic light as you would have gone too far past it.
You finally with much concentration enter Maputo after the big traffic circle on the AVENIDA 24 DE JULHO.
Give way to the right at traffic circles and traffic on the circle has the right of way.

At the end of Av 24 de Julho you turn left into AV. JULIUS NYERERE. After two blocks AV.EDUARDO MONDLANE will be on your left.
If you should choose to travel down this avenida do not do a "U" turn as it is forbidden and strongly enforced.
Four blocks further on on the right is the well known Polana Hotel on your right.
Beyond the Polana are the offices of the President of Mozambique. You are not allowed to photograph these buildings and if you are walking, make sure that you are on the opposite side of the street to them.
Places to see:in Maputo.
History of Maputo

FROM KOSI BAY BORDER TO PONTA DO OURO AND PONTA MALONGANE AND MAMOLI

Kosi Border Time: 08h00 - 17h00 GPS coordinates? For Kosi Bay border post: 26°52.220'S; 32°49.530'E
When you arrive at the border from Manguzi on the South African side, if you don't have a 4x4, you can arrange to have your motor car placed in secure parking, at the border post for the duration of your stay.
The cost is.R25.00/R30.00 per vehicle per day and there is a 24 hour guard. Make arrangements for a border shuttle pick up before hand if you are in a motor car.
You pay an entry fee of R17,50 per person (per passport)
Third party insurance plus temporary import duty for your vehicle; and
temporary import licence for all additional vehicles, such as a boat/trailer/wet bike are required.
There are certain restrictions regarding importing South African alcoholic drinks and cigarettes.
Ponta do Ouro is about 15 kms from the border, because of the sand roads, it takes about 35 minutes to get there.
You will need a 4x4 or at minimum a 2x4 diff lock, you cannot get to Ponta do Ouro by car.

Remember to let your tyres down for driving in soft sand. How much to deflate depends on the size of your tyre and the load you are carrying, there is no hard and fast rule. A rule of thumb is to deflate until you can see a discernable bulge (not too big) at the bottom of your tyres. Remember you can always deflate some more, but if you don't have a pump you cannot re-inflate.
Depending on your experience of driving in soft sand, it may be better to have at least 2 vehicles if you are not all that experienced at driving in soft sand. This is in case you get stuck and you need help. Take a towrope in case.

There is a landing strip at Manguzi, which is a small South African town just before the Kosi Bay border post.
For fuel requirements click here

From Kruger National Park (North of Letaba Rest Camp) to Giriyondo Border Post into The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (Mozambique)

Ronel Myburgh who commented on this route as follows:

What an absolute awesome route to take ... yes, many travellers have now realised that the route is 'slower' (due to many 'roadworks' and potholes, but still quicker and a more scenic route than through Komatipoort ...

It took us about 2 hours to get through the border post, but for a 'first timer', the friendly service was absolutely awesome on both sides ... when we came back, it took us about 20 minutes to get through.

We will be going the same route in December ...

When we left on Easter Friday, we were quite surprised to see the amount of vehicles (towing boats and jet ski's) driving through the Kruger National Park, and then realized that they are heading the same way we are !! There are surely not rivers to sail on in KNP! ... the park on the Mozambique side is also a normal gravel road to travel on, did not see a lot of animals, and with the settlements in the park it kind of made sense. The road from the park to Macaratene and Chokwe was quite bad on our way down, but when we came back on the 1st of May, majority of the road was either already gravel, or they were busy lifting the tar ... so serious roadworks are happening ... but potholes did keep us under the 70km per hour rate (on our way back we managed between 80 and 90km/h) on the gravel parts.

The EN1 from Xai Xai to Inhambane was absolutely AWESOME ... we did hit a bad storm coming back the morning of the 1st and it was a nightmare driving in the rain and darkness.

ROADS

There are an estimated 29,810km (18,631 miles) of roads in Mozambique.
Maputo with Beira are connected by tar (paved) road which is having upgrading works done.
Beira and Tete are also connected by tar road.
Road travel in southern Mozambique is much better now and possible by ordinary vehicle in a lot of places.

There are regular Bus services covering most of the country. Converted passenger trucks known as Chapas. provide the only passenger service in the more rural areas. Make sure you carry your own carry food and water on these and other long journeys. There are occasional controls on the roads to check papers, especially in the north and near the border with Zimbabwe.
Bus travel is reasonably reliable and by far the cheapest form of transport in the country, but is VERY ROUGH and is NOT for the squeamish traveler and DEFINITELY NOT for women traveling alone.
Taxis are rarely available outside large towns.
Cars can be hired from international and national agencies in Maputo and Beira. Only cash is accepted.

Landmines may make travel on the less well used roads outside of the main towns a risk, so up-to-date travel information should be obtained before going into remote areas
Driving after dark can be a high risk and dangerous because of poor road conditions in some areas, the poor maintenance of many vehicles in the country (e.g. no headlights or rear lights), as well as the threat imposed by livestock that graze on roadsides.
Hijacking is more probable after dark as well.

FUEL

Petrol gets more expensive the further north you go. It's advisable to fill up at the garage just before, the Komatipoort/ Ressano Garcia border, and at Manguzi before the Kosi Bay Border, as there is not always petrol at Ponta Do Ouro. Unleaded fuel is not always readily available north of Maputo.
There are reasonably reliable filling stations in Maputo, Macia, Xai-Xai, Inhambane, Maxixe, Massinga, Vilanculos and Inhassoro on the road to Beira.
A very wise precaution is to fill up at Xai-Xai, as the filling station at Quissico is not always reliable.
Diesel is about the same price in Mozambique as it is in SA (sometimes even cheaper).
Carry extra fuel so you don't get stuck without petrol!!

RAILWAYS

There is no railway connection between Maputo and Beira, however Beira and Tete are linked.
There is also a rail link between Lichinga and Nampula and further east at Monapo, there is a junction, with the northern line going to Nacala and the southeastern one stopping at Moçambique.
Trains also run from Maputo to Goba and Ressano Garcia.
Most trains have three classes. There is no airconditioning, very few sleeping coaches and no dining cars.
For seats it is necessary to book well in advance and train services are sporadic with many schedule disruptions.

ROAD AND TRAFFIC GUIDE LINE

Traffic Infringements guide whilst in Mozambique. The following are indications of traffic offences and the fines relating to them. This is a guide line ONLY and we cannot be responsable to the changes.

It Is A Guide Line Only

Traffic Law:

• All passengers must wear their seat belts at all times

• Only licensed drivers are allowed to drive vehicles, this includes driving on rural areas as well as main roads

• Drivers license, temporary import papers, car registration documents and 3rd party insurance must be carried in your vehicle at all times

• Speeding and traffic laws are strictly enforced. If you are fined for any contravention please request a receipt when paying.

• Take precaution of pedestrians and avoid driving at night

• During a car accident, ensure that you have all your documents ready to present to police, contact your third party insurance and also ensure that you receive a case number from the police.

• Mobile phone usage is forbidden while driving

• Maximum speed authorized in the city is 60km/h

• Drinking and driving is prohibited, and is actively controlled. The police use breathalyzers and enforce road blocks. No open bottles of liquor allowed in vehicles, passengers are not allowed to consume alcohol whilst in vehicle. Blood alcohol level is limited to 0.6g/l of blood (corresponding approximately 2 glasses of beer/wine - depending on age, gender and weight can vary)

• All vehicles should be equipped, in addition of the warning triangle, with a reflective jacket as well as reflective markings.
  • An Emergency Triangle must be carried in all vehicles. Each side of the triangle must be 500mm long and 50mm wide, with a thickness of about 5mm. It must be uniformly covered in red reflective material, with the back of the triangle being either white or have a 5mm wide white border. The edge of the triangle must be yellow. Remember that the reflective surface must be well-maintained and looked after, it must be visible from 100m away in the presence of light.
  • A reflective Jacket must be carried in all vehicles. Your reflective vest must be made from polyester. You must be able to close the vest in the front of it as well as be able to adjust the vest at the sides. It must be equipped with polyvinyl reflective strips in yellow or or green in the front, to the sides, as well as on the back of the vest. These strips must not be less than 400mm wide. You must wear your vest when you are at the scene of a car accident, when repairing your vehicle on the side of the road or reloading cargo that has fallen from your vehicle onto the road. For non-compliance with the new regulations for reflective vests and reflective markings, you can expect a fine between MT 500.00 and MT 1,000.00. For non-compliance with the new regulations for triangles the maximum fine is MT 500.00.
  • Reflective markings must be used on all vehicles and trailers over 10,000kg in weight or more than 6m long. Reflective markings should be placed of on the sides and the back or back edges of your vehicle as well as trailers in continuous or contiguous (in close proximity) lines. Markings must be between 0.25mm and 1.5m from the ground, and and may be extended up to 2.1m. Reflective markings must be made of yellow reflective material, and be at least 50mm wide. If a marking is not continuous, than the distance separating markings must be no more than 80% of the length of each marking. For non-compliance with the new regulations for reflective vests and reflective markings, you can expect a fine between MT 500.00 and MT 1,000.00. For non-compliance with the new regulations for triangles the maximum fine is MT 500.00.

ROAD ROUTES

ZIMBABWE – PEMBA - By Car

Getting to Pemba 400 km or more can be saved travelling from South Africa to Masvingo to Mutare Border (missing Harare).          
Harare – Beira     - 565 km
Harare – Mutare (beautiful) Zimbabwe – Machipanda Border Mozambique -  280 km = good tar roads - 3  hours
Machipanda – Chimoio  - 90  km - good tar -1.2   hours
Chimoio – Inchope -  63 km - good tar -45 minutes- total 10  hours

BEIRA - PEMBA - By Car

Beira to Caia - 258 km  new highway do full up buy petrol at Caia  money exchange to Mets - 3    hours

Caia to Mocuba- 278 km  road is good, Mets only - 3    hours

There is a bridge to cross over.   The ferry no longer exists.

Mocuba – Nampevo           -   80 km  very very bad   - 1.5 hour

Nampevo – Alto Molocue   - 110 km  good tar - 1 hour - 2.5 hours

Mocuba - Alto Molocue      - 100 km  road bad dirt, go slow, top road - 1  hour

Alto Malocue - Nampula    - 210 km  just tarred, do take dollars - 2    hours

Nampula- Pemba    - 420 km tarred good potholes repaired-.5 hours

Nampula - Ilha de Moz   - 1 hour apart

Careful at night: logging trucks not having lights or reflectors.

Should take 16 hours straight to Pemba without Ilha de Moz detour.

PEMBA  - TANZANIA  - By Car

The corridor between Mozambique and Tanzania Unity bridge is now open.  With this route plan an overnight at Mocimboa da Praia or Pangani.

Pemba 80 km - Sunate (Silva Macua) 110 km - Macomia tarred road is bad, lots of potholes                                                

(50km after Macomia  turn off overnight at Pangani Campsite)

Macomia 100km dirt under construction to T junction to Diaca or (Oasse)

left to Mueda 60 km beautiful tar road

Pemba to Mueda  = 350 km - 4 hours

Mueda – Negomano there are 4 bridges and one is damaged, not designed for heavy trucks

Mueda, do get fuel. Dirt road 160km to Negomano the road has very, thick powder dust. Caused mostly by heavy trucks going through during the rainy season.

Negomano go 80km has Immigration & Customs at Negomano Unity Bridge.

The Forestry Reserve scenery is stunning.- 2 hours

Coming from Tanzinia - the Unity bridge of good road after the bridge ask for directions to turn off to Mueda, this is right in the middle of this good road Mueda  300m ONLY!  There are no signs for the  turn off, you will pass the turn off getting a sudden dead end and can end up in the bush. Careful especially at night!

Negomano cross over the bridge to Namajani. This crossing is at S11.42630 E38.48912.

On the Tanzania side 200m from the Bridge is customs & immigration, drive about 10 km's to the village Masuguru. From there the road to Chitowe to Nangomba (please, report if you can get fuel) is a long and exceptionally good gravel road (end Dec-April with very slippery spots) 2 hour  gravel road to Masasi - can get fuel.

Pemba to Masasi  - 11 hours