Vaccinations & Health Rules for Mozambique: Spanish Travellers 2026

Quick Answer: Required vs. Recommended Vaccinations for Spanish Travellers

Spanish citizens do not require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling directly from Spain to Mozambique, as Spain is not classified as a yellow fever endemic country. However, if your itinerary includes transit through a yellow fever endemic country for more than 12 hours, or if you're arriving from countries like Angola, Kenya, or Tanzania, a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) is mandatory . Beyond entry requirements, the CDC and WHO strongly recommend hepatitis A, typhoid, malaria prophylaxis, and routine vaccinations (MMR, Tdap, polio, COVID-19) for all travellers to Mozambique .

Vaccine	Entry Requirement (Spain→MZ)	CDC/WHO Recommendation	Timing Before Departure
Yellow Fever	Only if transiting endemic countries >12 hours	Consider for all travellers	10 days minimum before travel
Hepatitis A	Not required	Strongly recommended	2 doses, 6 months apart; 1st dose ≥2 weeks before travel
Typhoid	Not required	Recommended (especially rural areas)	2–3 weeks before departure
Malaria Prophylaxis	Not required	Strongly recommended (medication, not vaccine)	Begin 1–2 days before arrival; continue during & after stay
Routine (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Flu, COVID-19)	Not required	Ensure up-to-date	Verify status ≥4 weeks before travel

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Transit Rules & Entry Requirements

Do You Need a Yellow Fever Certificate if Travelling from Spain?

Spain is not classified as a country with yellow fever transmission risk by the WHO. Therefore, if you are travelling directly from Spain to Mozambique without any transit through endemic countries, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is not required for entry . However, Mozambique's entry requirements are strict: proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for all travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and for those who have transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission for more than 12 hours .

This means if your journey includes a layover in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Angola, or other endemic countries, and that layover exceeds 12 hours, you must present a valid ICVP upon arrival in Mozambique .

International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP): Validity & Requirements

The yellow fever vaccination certificate must be:

• Valid for life: Since 11 July 2016, the WHO eliminated the 10-year booster requirement. A single yellow fever vaccination is valid for the lifetime of the person vaccinated .
• Administered at least 10 days before travel: The vaccine takes 10 days to become effective and appear on your certificate. Plan your vaccination accordingly .
• Issued by an authorised yellow fever vaccination centre: Only certificates issued by clinics certified by your national health authority are valid. Obtain your ICVP in paper form; digital copies may not be accepted at immigration .

If you arrive without a valid certificate and your travel history requires one, Mozambique's health authorities may vaccinate you on arrival at your expense (approximately USD 50) . In some cases, travellers without proof may face quarantine or denial of entry .

Transit Through Yellow Fever Endemic Countries: The 12-Hour Rule

If your itinerary includes a stopover in a yellow fever endemic country (such as a connection in Addis Ababa, Nairobi, or Dar es Salaam), the duration of your transit matters :

• Transit ≤12 hours: You may remain in the airport transit zone without needing a yellow fever certificate.
• Transit >12 hours: If you leave the airport, pass through immigration, or stay overnight, a valid yellow fever ICVP is mandatory for entry into Mozambique .

Check your flight itinerary carefully. Even a brief layover can count toward the 12-hour threshold if it includes leaving the airport terminal.

Recommended Vaccinations for Mozambique Travel

Beyond yellow fever, the CDC and WHO strongly recommend several vaccinations for all travellers to Mozambique, regardless of whether you are transiting endemic countries . These are not entry requirements but are essential for your health protection.

Hepatitis A: Highly Recommended for All Travellers

Recommendation: Hepatitis A vaccination is strongly recommended for all travellers to Mozambique .

Risk: Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation. The disease is common in Mozambique, especially in rural areas and smaller cities .

Vaccination schedule: The hepatitis A vaccine requires two doses, administered 6 months apart. For travel within 6 months, discuss a rapid schedule with your doctor. The first dose should be given at least 2 weeks before departure .

Typhoid: Recommended for Most Travellers

Recommendation: The CDC recommends typhoid vaccination for most travellers to Mozambique, especially those staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities, or travelling to rural areas .

Risk: Typhoid fever is transmitted through contaminated food and water. Risk increases significantly if you plan to eat street food or stay outside major cities like Maputo and Beira .

Vaccination options: Two typhoid vaccines are available: an injectable vaccine (valid for 3 years) and an oral vaccine (valid for 5 years). The injectable vaccine can be administered 2–3 weeks before travel; the oral vaccine requires one dose at least 1 week before departure .

Routine Vaccinations: Ensure You Are Up-to-Date

Before any international travel, verify that you are fully protected against routine vaccine-preventable diseases :

• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): Cases of measles are rising globally. Ensure you have received two doses of MMR, with the second dose at least 2 weeks before departure .
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (Tdap or Td): Confirm your booster is current (within the last 10 years) .
• Poliomyelitis (IPV): Verify you have completed the full series. Note that Mozambique has specific polio entry requirements: if you plan to stay 4 weeks or more, you must present proof of polio vaccination within the previous 12 months and at least 4 weeks before departure, documented in your ICVP .
• Influenza: An annual flu vaccine is recommended for all international travellers .
• COVID-19: All eligible travellers should be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations .

Hepatitis B & Other Vaccines: For Higher-Risk Travellers

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for travellers planning longer stays (>6 months), those engaging in high-risk activities, or those with occupational exposure to blood . Discuss your individual risk factors with a travel medicine clinic.

Malaria: Risk, Prophylaxis & Prevention

Malaria Risk in Mozambique

Malaria is endemic throughout Mozambique, including in all major tourist areas and safari parks . The disease is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, primarily between dusk and dawn. Risk is present year-round, with higher transmission during the rainy season (November–March) .

All travellers, regardless of duration of stay or destination within Mozambique, should take malaria prophylaxis .

Malaria Prophylaxis: Medication & Schedule

Malaria prophylaxis is medication, not a vaccine. The CDC recommends antimalarial medication for all travellers to Mozambique . Common options include:

• Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone): Begin 1–2 days before arrival, continue daily during your stay, and take for 7 days after departure.
• Doxycycline: Begin 1–2 days before arrival, continue daily, and take for 28 days after departure. Not suitable for pregnant women or children under 8 years.
• Mefloquine (Lariam): Begin 2–3 weeks before arrival (to monitor for side effects), continue weekly, and take for 4 weeks after departure.

Consult a travel medicine doctor or your GP at least 4–6 weeks before departure to determine the best option for your health profile. Prescriptions should be obtained before you leave Spain, as availability and cost in Mozambique may be unreliable .

Mosquito Bite Prevention: Essential Year-Round

Antimalarial medication is not 100% effective. Combine prophylaxis with mosquito bite prevention :

• Use DEET-based insect repellent (20–30% DEET) on exposed skin, especially at dusk and dawn.
• Wear long, loose-fitting clothing (long sleeves and trousers) during peak mosquito hours (dusk to dawn).
• Sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net if accommodation is not air-conditioned or screened.
• Remain indoors or in screened areas during dusk and dawn, when Anopheles mosquitoes are most active.

Dengue fever and chikungunya are also present in Mozambique and transmitted by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes. The same prevention measures apply .

Health Documents, Insurance & Medical Records

What Health Documents to Bring

Pack the following documents in your carry-on luggage:

• International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP): Original paper copy for yellow fever (if applicable). Digital copies may not be accepted at immigration.
• Vaccination record: A personal record of all vaccinations received, including dates and batch numbers, for your own reference and medical emergencies.
• Prescriptions: Written prescriptions from your doctor for malaria prophylaxis, traveller's diarrhoea antibiotics (such as azithromycin or ciprofloxacin), and any personal medications. Include generic drug names, not just brand names.
• Doctor's letter (for controlled medications): If carrying medications containing controlled substances (e.g., certain painkillers or anti-anxiety drugs), obtain a letter from your doctor confirming the medical necessity.
• Allergy information: A card or document stating any drug allergies, especially penicillin or sulfonamides, in case of emergency treatment.

Travel Insurance: Medical Coverage is Non-Negotiable

Medical facilities in Mozambique's major cities (Maputo, Beira, Inhambane) are reasonably equipped, but standards are below those in Spain . Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential :

• Medical expenses: Coverage for emergency treatment, hospitalisation, and evacuation to South Africa or Europe if needed (USD 100,000+).
• Evacuation: Direct repatriation to Spain or a European medical facility if serious illness or injury occurs.
• Cancellation & trip interruption: Protection against loss if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to illness.
• Personal baggage & money: Standard coverage for lost or stolen items.
• Activities coverage: If planning safari activities or adventure travel, ensure your policy covers these .

Obtain insurance before departure. Many insurers exclude claims for pre-existing conditions or activities undertaken without explicit coverage. Cost typically ranges from EUR 50–150 for 2–3 weeks of travel.

Medications: Rules, Restrictions & What to Pack

Medications You Can Bring to Mozambique

Mozambique has no strict restrictions on bringing personal medications in reasonable quantities for your own use, provided they are:

• In original, labelled containers with your name and prescription information.
• Accompanied by a doctor's prescription or letter.
• Not controlled substances without appropriate documentation.

Medications commonly recommended for travellers include:

• Traveller's diarrhoea antibiotics: Azithromycin 500 mg (or ciprofloxacin 500 mg), taken for 3 days if diarrhoea occurs .
• Anti-diarrhoeal agent: Loperamide (Imodium) for symptom relief, though avoid if fever is present.
• Antacid & anti-nausea medication: Omeprazole and metoclopramide.
• Antihistamine & hydrocortisone cream: For allergic reactions and insect bites.
• Paracetamol & ibuprofen: For fever and pain (check local regulations; some NSAIDs may have restrictions in certain African countries).

Controlled & Restricted Medications

Certain medications are restricted or illegal in Mozambique, including:

• Codeine-containing products (common in cough syrups in Europe).
• Some benzodiazepines in large quantities.
• Pseudoephedrine (found in decongestants).

If you require controlled medications for a chronic condition, carry a doctor's letter and prescription in English. Consult the Mozambique Visa for Spanish Citizens 2026 page for embassy contact details if you need pre-travel clarification.

What to Pack in Your Medical Kit

Assemble a comprehensive medical kit before departure:

• Malaria prophylaxis (full course, including post-travel doses).
• Traveller's diarrhoea antibiotics & anti-diarrhoeal agents.
• Paracetamol & ibuprofen.
• Antihistamine & hydrocortisone cream.
• Insect repellent (DEET 20–30%).
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+).
• Blister treatment & elasticated bandages.
• Antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze & medical tape.
• Tweezers (for ticks).
• Personal medications (in original containers with prescriptions).
• Oral rehydration salts.

Health Facilities & Emergency Medical Care in Mozambique

Medical Facilities in Major Cities

Mozambique's healthcare system is developing but below European standards . Private clinics in major cities offer reasonable care:

• Maputo: Clínica Maputo, Clínica Medicare, and Clínica do Regimento (private, English-speaking staff available).
• Beira: Clínica do Estádio and private clinics (more limited services than Maputo).
• Inhambane: Limited private clinic facilities; serious cases may require evacuation to Maputo or South Africa.
• Remote safari areas: No medical facilities; emergency evacuation to Maputo or South Africa by air ambulance is essential.

Standards, equipment, and medication availability vary significantly. Costs for private medical care are lower than in Spain but may not be covered by all insurance policies .

Serious Illness or Injury: Evacuation Procedures

If you become seriously ill or injured, especially in remote areas, evacuation to a major medical centre is critical :

• Contact your travel insurance provider immediately; they will arrange and fund evacuation.
• Your hotel or safari operator will facilitate helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft evacuation to Maputo or South Africa.
• Evacuation costs (USD 5,000–20,000+) are covered only if you have adequate medical evacuation insurance.
• For life-threatening emergencies, call the national emergency number: +258 193 (ambulance) or +258 119 (police, who can coordinate rescue).

Ensure your travel insurance includes medical evacuation to Europe if needed; "evacuation to the nearest facility" may mean South Africa, not Spain.

Water Safety & Food Hygiene

Tap water in Maputo, Beira, and Inhambane is generally safe to drink, though quality can be variable . In rural areas, tap water is not safe . Follow these precautions:

• In urban areas, tap water is acceptable; bottled water is available but expensive.
• In rural areas and safari camps, drink only bottled or boiled water.
• Use water purification tablets or a portable filter if bottled water is unavailable.
• Avoid ice unless you're certain it was made from treated water.
• Eat only thoroughly cooked food; avoid raw or undercooked meat and seafood.
• Peel fruits and vegetables yourself or buy them from reputable sources.
• Avoid street food unless it is prepared fresh in front of you from visibly clean ingredients .

Pre-Travel Health Planning: Timeline & Consultation

4–6 Weeks Before Departure

• Schedule an appointment with a travel medicine clinic or your primary care physician.
• Discuss your itinerary, planned activities (safari, hiking, water sports), duration of stay, and any pre-existing health conditions.
• Obtain prescriptions for malaria prophylaxis and traveller's diarrhoea antibiotics.
• Receive recommended vaccines (hepatitis A first dose, typhoid).
• Verify routine vaccination status (MMR, Tdap, polio, influenza, COVID-19).
• Request a doctor's letter confirming any controlled medications you are carrying.

2–3 Weeks Before Departure

• Complete the second dose of hepatitis A (if required for your travel timeline).
• Confirm receipt of yellow fever ICVP (if vaccination was administered).
• Arrange comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage.
• Obtain all prescriptions filled and pack medications.
• Assemble your medical kit.

1 Week Before Departure

• Begin malaria prophylaxis if required (1–2 days before arrival).
• Verify all documents: passport (≥6 months validity), visa (if required), vaccination records, travel insurance policy, and medical prescriptions.
• Reconfirm health requirements with your airline and the Mozambique Ministry of Health if you have any concerns.
• Check weather and disease outbreaks for your specific destination via the CDC or WHO websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Spanish citizens need a yellow fever vaccine to travel to Mozambique?

Not if you're travelling directly from Spain. Spain is not classified as a yellow fever endemic country. However, if your journey includes transit through a yellow fever endemic country (such as Kenya, Tanzania, or Angola) for more than 12 hours, a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Mozambique .

Is the yellow fever vaccination certificate valid for life?

Yes. Since 11 July 2016, the WHO eliminated the 10-year booster requirement. A single yellow fever vaccination is valid for the lifetime of the person vaccinated, provided it was administered at least 10 days before travel .

What happens if I arrive in Mozambique without a required yellow fever certificate?

If you are required to present a certificate but do not have one, Mozambique's health authorities may vaccinate you on arrival at your expense (approximately USD 50), quarantine you, or deny you entry . To avoid this, verify your travel route and obtain the certificate if needed.

How long before travel should I get my yellow fever vaccine?

The yellow fever vaccine takes 10 days to become effective. You should schedule your vaccination at least 4–6 weeks before departure to allow time for the appointment and to ensure the certificate is valid when you travel .

Is malaria prophylaxis a vaccine?

No. Malaria prophylaxis is medication, not a vaccine. There is currently no malaria vaccine available for travellers. All visitors to Mozambique should take antimalarial medication (such as atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) beginning 1–2 days before arrival and continuing for 7–28 days after departure, depending on the medication .

Can I get malaria prophylaxis in Mozambique, or should I bring it from Spain?

Availability and cost of antimalarial medications in Mozambique are unreliable. Obtain your full course from a Spanish pharmacy before departure, with a prescription from your doctor . This ensures you have the correct medication and dosage without delay upon arrival.

What vaccinations do I need if I'm staying only in safari parks, not cities?

Vaccination requirements are the same regardless of whether you visit cities or remote safari areas. Malaria risk is present throughout Mozambique, including all safari parks . Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are equally important. Additionally, remote safari areas have no medical facilities, making pre-travel vaccination even more critical .

Is travel insurance mandatory for Mozambique?

Travel insurance is not a legal entry requirement, but it is essential. Mozambique's healthcare system is limited, and serious illness or injury may require evacuation to South Africa or Europe, costing USD 5,000–20,000+. Without insurance, you bear the full cost . Most travel insurance policies cost EUR 50–150 for 2–3 weeks.

Can I drink tap water in Maputo and other cities?

Tap water in Maputo, Beira, and Inhambane is generally safe to drink, though quality can vary. In rural areas and safari camps, drink only bottled or boiled water . If in doubt, use bottled water or water purification tablets.

What is the best malaria prophylaxis for my trip?

The best antimalarial medication depends on your health profile, duration of stay, and personal preferences. Common options are atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, and mefloquine. Consult a travel medicine doctor at least 4–6 weeks before departure to determine the best choice .

Do I need a hepatitis B vaccine for Mozambique?

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for travellers planning stays longer than 6 months, those with occupational exposure to blood, or those engaging in high-risk activities. For shorter tourism visits, hepatitis B is not typically required, but discuss your individual risk factors with a travel medicine clinic .

What should I do if I get diarrhoea while travelling in Mozambique?

Traveller's diarrhoea is common and usually self-limiting. Drink oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. If diarrhoea persists for more than a few days or is severe, take a traveller's diarrhoea antibiotic (such as azithromycin 500 mg for 3 days) that you've brought from Spain . Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or you develop fever.

Are there any vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks in Mozambique I should know about?

Mozambique occasionally experiences outbreaks of cholera, particularly during the rainy season. The CDC and WHO websites provide real-time outbreak information. Check these sources 2–4 weeks before departure for the latest disease activity in your specific destination .

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Spanish citizens need a yellow fever vaccine to travel to Mozambique?

Not if you're travelling directly from Spain, as Spain is not classified as a yellow fever endemic country. However, if your journey includes transit through a yellow fever endemic country (such as Kenya, Tanzania, or Angola) for more than 12 hours, a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Mozambique .

Is the yellow fever vaccination certificate valid for life?

Yes. Since 11 July 2016, the WHO eliminated the 10-year booster requirement. A single yellow fever vaccination is valid for the lifetime of the person vaccinated, provided it was administered at least 10 days before travel .

What happens if I arrive in Mozambique without a required yellow fever certificate?

If you are required to present a certificate but do not have one, Mozambique's health authorities may vaccinate you on arrival at your expense (approximately USD 50), quarantine you, or deny you entry . To avoid this, verify your travel route and obtain the certificate if needed.

How long before travel should I get my yellow fever vaccine?

The yellow fever vaccine takes 10 days to become effective. You should schedule your vaccination at least 4–6 weeks before departure to allow time for the appointment and to ensure the certificate is valid when you travel .

Is malaria prophylaxis a vaccine?

No. Malaria prophylaxis is medication, not a vaccine. There is currently no malaria vaccine available for travellers. All visitors to Mozambique should take antimalarial medication (such as atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) beginning 1–2 days before arrival and continuing for 7–28 days after departure, depending on the medication .

Can I get malaria prophylaxis in Mozambique, or should I bring it from Spain?

Availability and cost of antimalarial medications in Mozambique are unreliable. Obtain your full course from a Spanish pharmacy before departure, with a prescription from your doctor . This ensures you have the correct medication and dosage without delay upon arrival.

What vaccinations do I need if I'm staying only in safari parks, not cities?

Vaccination requirements are the same regardless of whether you visit cities or remote safari areas. Malaria risk is present throughout Mozambique, including all safari parks . Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are equally important. Additionally, remote safari areas have no medical facilities, making pre-travel vaccination even more critical .

Is travel insurance mandatory for Mozambique?

Travel insurance is not a legal entry requirement, but it is essential. Mozambique's healthcare system is limited, and serious illness or injury may require evacuation to South Africa or Europe, costing USD 5,000–20,000+. Without insurance, you bear the full cost . Most travel insurance policies cost EUR 50–150 for 2–3 weeks.

Can I drink tap water in Maputo and other cities?

Tap water in Maputo, Beira, and Inhambane is generally safe to drink, though quality can vary. In rural areas and safari camps, drink only bottled or boiled water . If in doubt, use bottled water or water purification tablets.

What is the best malaria prophylaxis for my trip?

The best antimalarial medication depends on your health profile, duration of stay, and personal preferences. Common options are atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, and mefloquine. Consult a travel medicine doctor at least 4–6 weeks before departure to determine the best choice .

Do I need a hepatitis B vaccine for Mozambique?

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for travellers planning stays longer than 6 months, those with occupational exposure to blood, or those engaging in high-risk activities. For shorter tourism visits, hepatitis B is not typically required, but discuss your individual risk factors with a travel medicine clinic .

What should I do if I get diarrhoea while travelling in Mozambique?

Traveller's diarrhoea is common and usually self-limiting. Drink oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. If diarrhoea persists for more than a few days or is severe, take a traveller's diarrhoea antibiotic (such as azithromycin 500 mg for 3 days) that you've brought from Spain . Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or you develop fever.