By air is the easiest way in. Maputo International Airport (MPM) handles most international arrivals, with frequent connections from Johannesburg (about 1 hour), Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Lisbon, and Dubai. SA Airlink and South African Airways cover the Johannesburg route several times daily. Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways offer solid options from East Africa and beyond. Direct flights from Europe remain limited — most travellers connect through Johannesburg or Addis Ababa.
For the north and central regions, Nampula and Pemba airports have regional connections, mostly operated by SA Airlink from Johannesburg. If you're heading straight to the Bazaruto Archipelago, fly into Vilanculos — Airlink runs direct service from Johannesburg.
Visa requirements: Citizens of around 29 countries — including the US, UK, EU member states, and Canada — enter visa-free for up to 30 days. As of 2025, visa-exempt travellers must register for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online at least 48 hours before arrival via the official portal at evisa.gov.mz. There's a small administrative fee (around 650 MZN, roughly €9) payable on arrival. All other nationalities need to obtain a visa in advance. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
By land is how most regional visitors arrive. The main border crossings from South Africa are at Ressano Garcia (the busiest, linked to Maputo by good road) and Komatipoort-Lebombo. From Zimbabwe, the Forbes–Machipanda crossing near Beira is well-used. Crossing from Tanzania at Namiranga (north) or Kilambo is possible but the roads are rough. Overland buses run from Johannesburg to Maputo — the journey takes about 10 hours.
By sea, passenger ferry services across the Mozambique Channel to/from Madagascar and the Comoros Islands exist but are infrequent and unreliable. Don't build an itinerary around them.