Mozambique - Security

Moz Security

Overall Crime and Safety

Mozambique is facing serious challenges right now - deep poverty, widespread corruption, and rising political instability, especially after contested elections. Violence, particularly in the north, is displacing many people, and tourism has taken a hit, though there are some efforts to rebuild. These pressures make life very difficult for many Mozambicans.

Most visits by tourists are trouble-free, but street crime and armed robbery occur regularly in Maputo and other cities. Petty theft, pickpocketing and car-jacking are common. Crime against tourists is opportunistic; keep valuables out of sight and avoid walking at night.

Violent crime (including mugging and assault) happens in urban areas and near some beaches.

Terrorist activity remains a risk in the north; attacks can occur with little or no warning.

It is advisable to read current travel advice from a state source such as the U.K's FCO website or the US Department of State.

Specific areas of concern

Terrorism

• Armed Islamist groups linked to ISIS are active in northern Mozambique, mainly Cabo Delgado Province. Attacks continue around Palma, Mocímboa da Praia, and Macomia.
• If sailing the East African coast, stay well offshore and do not approach Cabo Delgado or nearby islands. A 2024 yacht incident in this area involved an armed boarding and kidnapping.
• Avoid all travel north of Pemba, including offshore islands.

Regional Districts

• Avoid travel to the districts of Mueda, Nangade, Palma (except Palma town), Mocímboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Meluco, Macomia, Quissanga and Ibo, and surrounding waters.
• Exercise caution in Niassa and parts of Nampula, Zambezia, Manica and Tete Provinces, where tensions occasionally occur.

Road Safety

• Roads are often in poor condition, with erratic driving standards and limited lighting.
• Travel by road only in daylight and avoid isolated routes.
• Flooding and cyclone damage (November–April) can cut off roads and fuel supplies.

Documentation

• Certified copies of passports and other relevant documents should be carried at all times and in preference to the originals.

Criminal Activity

• Street and port-area theft are common; secure dinghies, outboards, and valuables.
• Armed robbery and car-jacking occur in Maputo and Beira.
• Kidnappings have taken place, mostly targeting locals, but foreigners have occasionally been affected.

Maritime Issues

Cruisers should be very cautious about entering the country. OSASA recommend that the coast of Cabo Delgado Province should be avoided and yachts in transit should go north, well offshore, to Richards Bay without stopping if at all possible. Northern Mozambique is a definite no-go area. Further south, it seems that unless you go into a recognised port such as Maputo, you are quite likely to meet with officials of one sort or another.

Some boats are using the Bazaruto Archipelago for shelter en-route, but this needs to be used with caution and only on current advice. Once considered a safe and accepted stopover in the Mozambique Channel,
Bazaruto has seen an increase in yachts anchored here being boarded and threatened - and this continues into 2025.

As with Ilha de Mozambique, stopping in Bazaruto for a short time to avoid weather has been possible, but must not be seen as a viable entry into Mozambique; there are no officials there. See Bazaruto port page for further info.

Remain vigilant on beaches or offshore islands as they are not policed.  Lock up valuables, in particular dinghies, outboard motors and ensure any loose items on deck are well secured.

Contacts

Check the WhatsApp group - Sail to South Africa* - and Indian Ocean Passage Facebook Group, for regular up to date information on the situation here. OSASA are also a good contact with current updates.

The WhatsApp group “Sail to South Africa” is managed by Jenny Crickmore-Thompson of OSASA. To sign up e-mail: sailingjenny@osasa.org.za – with your boat name, crew names and WhatsApp number.

Reported Incidents

See Mozambique Security Reports

General Emergency Numbers:

See General Info for more details.

Last updated: October 2025