After a period of calm and a decline in post-election protests in Mozambique, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has eased its travel advisory for the country. While restrictions remain for parts of Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, the updated guidance no longer advises against all but essential travel to other areas of the country, signalling a shift towards greater stability.
The initial unrest followed Mozambique’s October 9, 2024, general elections, which opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, has refused to recognise, alleging vote rigging in favour of the ruling party, Frelimo. Post-election protests led to significant turmoil, as reported by Travel News.
However, in mid-January, Mondlane announced a 100-day pause on demonstrations, set to last until the end of April. During this period, he has urged authorities to implement 25 measures. “If these measures are not complied with before the 100 days are up, we will resume street demonstrations in a much more intense manner,” said Mondlane, according to Club of Mozambique.
With political tensions easing, Mozambique specialists are reporting a strong uptick in enquiries, particularly for the Bazaruto Islands and Vilanculos. Laura Parry, Owner and Manager of Mozambique Islands, says February is shaping up to be a busy month with a number of last-minute bookings as well as enquiries for Easter and further ahead into December.
“Even at the height of the unrest, the islands remained unaffected,” says Parry. “Not to underplay the safety concerns, but most of the disruptions were due to road blocks by protesters and mainly impacted self-drive travel. The high-end, fly-in travel that agents typically sell continued as normal.”
During the ongoing 100-day pause in protests, Parry says incidents have been minimal, with some disruptions near toll booths. “These areas are easily avoidable for fly-in travellers, so it hasn’t been a major concern.”
Parry adds: “Looking ahead, although the UK Foreign Office has lifted its general travel advisory on Mozambique, we would like to see them reassess the Quirimbas Islands in northern Mozambique, where no incidents have impacted tourists.”
