FAQs

Question

How long does the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) take? When should we apply for one?

Answer

Mozambique requires an ETA for entry into the country if you have a USA passport. You can get the ETA online. We applied and received the certificate the same day (within hours). The ETA is good for 60 days, so getting it a few weeks before the travel is advisable. Don’t do it too early; you don’t want it to expire while you’re there. They did ask to see the certificate on arrival and on departure.

Question

Should we buy travel insurance?

Answer

My parents have an annual plan for Allianze and Medjet. Allianze is a healthcare insurance and medical evacuation in the event of a serious illness. With Allianze and most other insurance providers, the evacuation has red tape and must be authorized by the healthcare professionals in the foreign country and by someone in the US as well. The evacuation will be to a qualified medical center that they decide upon. With Medjet, if you have a medical issue, they will get your home medical center if you request it. You can get coverage for a single trip that costs less. There are other providers of travel insurance and evacuation coverage.

Question

Can you share some advice regarding flights to Mozambique?

Answer

You’ll be flying into Maputo. There are a limited number of airlines that go to Maputo; they are TAP (Portugal’s airline), Ethiopian Air, QATAR, Airlink (South Africa’s airline), and LAM (Mozambique's airline). We recommend avoiding LAM (Mozambican’s call it Late and Maybe). We had a cancellation from them, where we’d miss our connecting flight. We are flying with TAP. We had to book SFO to Lisbon and then Lisbon to Maputo in a multi-city booking. If you try to do SFO to Maputo, the website will say there are no flights. We have booked via United in the past. United has a direct flight from Newark Airport to Johannesburg. It takes 16+ hours. From Johannesburg, you would get an Airlink flight to Maputo. The United Website will book the whole trip.

Question

I am not joining the package shared on the Travel tab. Can I still participate in the activities, transportation, and meals?

Answer

Please reach out to me (Kelda) or my parents if you are arriving later than Monday and want to join some of the pre-wedding events. I am working closely with a travel agent and friend of Sidique's to book hotels, transport, meals and activities for our guests. We are planning to book everything Maputo-related through him as he has done a lot of work for us, and want him to get a good commission.

Question

Should we carry cash on us?

Answer

We usually tip with cash as the waiters and attendants don’t aways get the tip if the tips are included in the credit card payment. ATM’s are available in Maputo, so you don’t have to use the airport ATM. The currency exchange in the Maputo International Airport has a better exchange rate than the banks. Tips are about 10%, we have tipped in US dollars, and that seems to be okay, but Meticals are better.

Question

Are there mosquitoes during this time of the year in Mozambique? Should we worry about Malaria?

Answer

There are mosquitoes year round in Mozambique. However, due to the cooler evenings, they are less abundant during October. I HIGHLY suggest working with your local healthcare provider to prescribe a prophylaxis for malaria. There are plenty of options to choose from - even for 6 month babies! Please note, you will have to start prophylaxis a few days early, before your arrival in Mozambique.

Question

What is the primary language in Mozambique? What are some phrases that I might want to know?

Answer

The primary language is Portuguese. They also speak native dialects specific to Mozambique geography. Here are some common Portuguese phrases you can practice: Good morning - Bom dia Good afternoon - Boa tarde Good evening - Boa noite Please - Por favor Thank you - Obrigado How are you? - Como esta? Where is the bathroom - A casa de banho fica aonde? Nice to meet you - Prazer lhe conhecer (You can also just say prazer) Can I have... - Estou a pedir/Posso ter... I don't speak Portuguese - Nao falou Portuguese How much? - Quanto custa? What time is it? - Que horas sao? Congratulations! - Parabéns! Wedding - Casamento Bride and Groom - Noiva e Noivo Don't worry. We will hire an English-speaking guide to help our U.S. guests get around and communicate. We will also have a PT/Eng speaking MC at the wedding.