Africa • Updated July 2026

Country Risk Report

Mozambique

Overall Risk Rating

High

Capital

Maputo

Languages

Portuguese (official), Makhuwa, Sena, Tsonga and others

Currency

Mozambican metical (MZN)

Executive Summary

Mozambique is classified as a HIGH risk destination, driven by a persistent jihadist insurgency in the north and the aftermath of a disputed election. In the northern province of Cabo Delgado, the Islamic State-linked group known as Islamic State Mozambique or Al-Shabaab has waged an insurgency since 2017 that remains active in 2026, using raids, beheadings, child abductions, maritime attacks and improvised explosive devices, and roaming south into Ancuabe, Chiure and toward Nampula. The insurgency has displaced around 800,000 people cumulatively and forced the long-running suspension of TotalEnergies’ 20 billion dollar LNG project. Rwandan and southern African forces support Mozambican troops, but the group persists and extorts mining sites. Separately, the disputed October 2024 election, which the ruling FRELIMO party’s candidate Daniel Chapo won amid fraud allegations, triggered months of nationwide protests in which as many as 300 to 400 people were killed, alongside the assassination of opposition figures, before a pivot toward an Inclusive National Dialogue. The country also faces recurrent cyclones and floods, cholera outbreaks, and high rates of femicide and gender-based violence. Maputo and the south function normally with standard precautions, while Cabo Delgado is a conflict zone. Cover for Mozambique is available on a specialist basis, with Cabo Delgado typically excluded. The south and main cities are manageable with precautions, while the north and conflict-affected areas require specialist advice and support.

Risk Matrix

Category	Risk Rating	Commentary
Armed Conflict	High	An active Islamic State-linked insurgency in Cabo Delgado province in the north.
Terrorism	High	Islamic State Mozambique conducts attacks, beheadings, abductions and maritime raids in the north.
Kidnapping	High	The insurgency abducts civilians and children in the north; risk elsewhere is lower.
Crime	High	Robbery, carjacking and violent crime in cities, plus insurgent predation in the north.
Civil Unrest	High	Post-election grievances persist and protests can recur, with heavy security responses.
Health & Medical	Moderate	Reasonable private care in Maputo; limited elsewhere, with cholera and cyclone risks.
Internal Travel	High	Conflict in the north, poor roads and cyclone disruption affect movement.
Digital / Cyber	Moderate	Scams and monitoring; internet restrictions occurred during unrest.

Essential Precautions

1Avoid Cabo Delgado province, which is an active jihadist conflict zone, unless with specialist support.

2Be alert to insurgent movement south into Ancuabe, Chiure and toward Nampula, and to maritime attacks off the north coast.

3Treat abduction as a risk in the north, where the insurgency has abducted civilians and children.

4Monitor political tension, as post-election grievances persist and protests can recur.

5Prepare for cyclones and floods, which strike in season and can cause severe disruption and cholera outbreaks.

6Use vetted transport and avoid displaying wealth, particularly in urban areas after dark.

7Take malaria and health precautions, as malaria is endemic and services are limited outside main cities.

8Follow local guidance on movement and avoid protests and gatherings.

Security Situation

High

Mozambique’s insecurity centres on the Cabo Delgado jihadist insurgency in the far north and the lingering aftermath of a disputed election, alongside recurrent natural disasters. Maputo and the south function normally with precautions, while the north is a conflict zone.

Maputo and the South

Moderate

Maputo and the south function normally with standard precautions, facing urban crime and occasional protest-related disruption.

Cabo Delgado (North)

High

Cabo Delgado is an active insurgency zone, with raids, abductions, IEDs and maritime attacks, and should be avoided.

Nampula and Zambezia

High

Nampula and Zambezia face insurgent spillover from the north and their own crime and disaster risks.

The Centre (Beira, Manica, Sofala)

Moderate

The centre, including Beira, faces crime, cyclone exposure and post-election political sensitivity.

Detailed Risk Assessment

Armed Conflict

High

The Islamic State-linked insurgency in Cabo Delgado remains active in 2026 despite Rwandan and southern African military support, with insurgents raiding, holding rural areas and periodically roaming south. It amounts to a sustained armed conflict in the north.

Terrorism

High

Islamic State Mozambique conducts attacks, beheadings, abductions and maritime raids in Cabo Delgado, extorts mining sites, and has shown the ability to strike military positions and roam into new districts.

Kidnapping and Detention

High

The insurgency abducts civilians and children in the north, using them for labour, forced marriage and as fighters, and post-election crackdowns involved arbitrary arrests. Abduction risk is concentrated in Cabo Delgado and spillover areas.

Crime and Lawlessness

High

Robbery, carjacking and violent crime affect the cities, and insurgent predation and looting affect the north. Policing is strained and post-election tensions have raised concerns about heavy-handed responses.

Internal Travel

High

Conflict in the north, poor road infrastructure and cyclone and flood disruption affect movement, and Cabo Delgado should be avoided. Air links serve main cities, and travel elsewhere is manageable with precautions.

Health and Disease

Moderate

Private healthcare in Maputo is reasonable, but care is limited elsewhere and disrupted in the north and disaster-hit areas, with recurrent cholera. Malaria is endemic, and serious cases may require transfer.

Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Low

Mozambique is diverse, with Christian and Muslim communities and Portuguese heritage, and travellers are generally welcomed. Respect for local customs and sensitivity around the northern conflict and politics are advisable.

LGBT Travellers

Moderate

Same-sex relationships are legal and Mozambique is relatively tolerant by regional standards, but there are limited protections and conservative attitudes, particularly in rural and northern areas. Discretion is advisable.

Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance

Low

Mozambique was declared landmine-free after clearance of civil-war contamination, but the northern insurgency has introduced improvised explosive devices in Cabo Delgado. The IED risk is concentrated in the conflict zone.

Diplomatic and Government Situation

Moderate

President Chapo’s FRELIMO government took office after a disputed 2024 election and violent protests, and has pursued an Inclusive National Dialogue while facing the persistent northern insurgency and economic strain. Consular support is available, limited in the north.

Digital and Cyber Threats

Moderate

Scams and fraud occur, and the authorities restricted the internet during post-election unrest and monitor communications. Connectivity is functional in populated areas.

Vaccinations & Health Hazards

Strongly Recommended

Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended due to contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended for many travellers.
Cholera
Consider given recurrent outbreaks.
Rabies
Consider for rural or long stays.

Other Health Hazards

Malaria: High risk year round. Take prophylaxis and bite-avoidance measures.
Cyclones and floods: Prepare for the cyclone season and flood disruption.
Cholera: Outbreaks occur; practise strict water and food hygiene.
Private care: Use reputable private facilities in Maputo and hold cover.
Routine vaccines: Ensure all primary courses and boosters are up to date on the UK schedule.

Choosing the Right Insurance

Cover for Mozambique is available on a specialist basis, with Cabo Delgado typically excluded. The south and main cities are manageable with standard precautions, while the north and conflict-affected areas require specialist advice, and cover should include medical, evacuation and, where relevant, kidnap-for-ransom provisions.

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Annex A — Key Risk Dynamics

Checkpoints and Detention Triggers

Mozambican and allied forces operate checkpoints in the north; cooperate calmly. Carry ID and a clear travel purpose. Do not photograph military, operations or LNG installations. Cabo Delgado carries high checkpoint and attack risk.

Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics

The insurgency abducts civilians and children in the north. Insurgents conduct maritime attacks and hijackings off the north coast. Most abductions occur in Cabo Delgado and spillover areas.

High-Risk Travellers

Cabo Delgado travellers face active insurgency risk. LNG and mining personnel are targeted for attack and extortion in the north. Aid workers face abduction and attack risk. Maritime travellers face attack risk off the north coast.

Annex B — Key Preparation & Checklists

Essential Preparation and Medical

Avoid Cabo Delgado and favour the south and main cities with precautions. Hold medical, evacuation and, where relevant, K&R cover. Prepare for cyclones and floods in season. Take malaria prophylaxis and carry bite-avoidance measures.

Digital Security and Checkpoints

Guard against scams and fraud. Plan for internet restrictions during unrest. Consider minimal sensitive material in the north. Limit public location sharing.

Movement and Operational Security

Avoid the north and be alert to insurgent movement south. Note maritime attack risk off the north coast. Use reputable transport. Plan around seasonal disruption.

Conduct and Legal Compliance

Respect local customs and religious norms in the north. Avoid displaying wealth and discussing the conflict. Never photograph military or LNG installations.

This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.