10/07/2026
Tips for South Africans traveling to Mozambique - from Lite House Lodge 🚗☀️
Mozambique is an amazing country with kilometres of breathtaking coastline and beautiful beaches. The people of Mozambique are friendly, welcoming, and hardworking. With a little preparation, by following the rules, and treating others with the same respect and kindness you would like to receive, you're ready for a dream holiday. Plan ahead, travel prepared, and enjoy a smooth, safe, and stress-free journey!
Tip #1: Most important tip: Join Register on their website, get the stickers and read the tips and info! https://www.drivemoz.co.za/home
Tip #2: Make a flip-file with important information to have handy for the border post and police stops (we never volunteer info, we wait to hear what they want to see, then we'll give the driver's licence or open flip-file)
Front page: reminder that your on holiday and drivemoz details
Back page: Important telephone numbers
Inside front page: write or type in easy big writing your car and trailer registration numbers, VIN numbers and engine number and drivers passport number
Page 1: Vehicle registration/NaTIS papers - original or copy that's certified less than 3 months ago
Page 2: Letter of authority if your vehicle is financed, rented or not registered in the driver's name
Page 3: Mozambique third-party insurance
Page 4: Leave open to add Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle (& trailer) you get this at border
Page 4: Valid driver's licence - certified copy (keep original close by to show first if you get stopped)
Page 5 & 6: Trailer documents and insurance (if towing)
We make certified copy of the passport to add to the flip-file
Print a few handy information pages from DriveMoz eg: fine amounts, police uniform etc.
Tip #3: Make sure your Passports are valid for 6 months after entry and have two empty pages.
Tip #4: At the border you don't need a runner or money, walk with confidence to get your passport stamp at Immigration office out of South Africa and into Mozambique, check the stamps! Go to Customs office on Mozambique side to get a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle (and trailer), this must be kept with you until you leave Mozambique. You need your flip-file with vehicle forms and drivers passport, to get forms filled in. Get a gate pass at the customs office with registration number, number of people in vehicle and a stamp. To hand it when exiting the Mozambique border post. Remember to hand the TIP in when exiting Mozambique with customs or the official at the gate, it gets recorded.
Tip #5: Fill in your travel declaration form with SARS. Everyone traveling in or out of South Africa need to fill in this form. Each passport holder. Look for the form on the SARS website https://tools.sars.gov.za/sarsonlinequery/traveller
Tip #6: Check border times it charge for holidays and busier times of the year.
Tip #7: Mozambique traffic laws require you to have specific safety equipment inside your vehicle:
• Two Red Warning Triangles (for the car)
• Reflective Safety Vests
• Fire extinguisher
• "ZA" or Country of Origin Sticker: Placed on the back of your vehicle (and on the trailer)
• Blue and Yellow Triangular Stickers: Required on the front right bumper of the vehicle and the rear of any trailer you are towing
Tip #8: Check the exchange rate one can exchange money inside the banks (with passport), at most garages and in some shops. Make arrangements on your bank app or bank to use your card in Mozambique. Carry some cash, as card facilities can be limited in some areas. The toll gates take Rands and give you Meticais for change, make your own sums so that you know what your getting. Check money always.
Tip #9: At police checkpoints:
• Stay calm, polite and respectful.
• Greet them friendly, be patient, in no rush and listen what they want, know your rights and the Mozambique traffic rules.
• Have your drivers license and flip-file with documents close by.
• Never offer money or argue.
• If you receive a legitimate fine, ask for the official infringement notice and official receipt.
• Obey speed limits and, where possible, avoid driving after dark.
Tip #10: ⛽ Fill up your fuel tank whenever you can, especially when travelling to remote destinations. Carry a spare tyre, jack and basic emergency tools.
Tip #11: Get a local SIM card from a service provider. They will need your passport to RICA the SIM card. We prefer Vodacom - 500M gives you 16G data
Tip #12: For Lite House Lodge 🚙🏖️ the last 2 km on Rua da Farol is a sandy road. You need a 4x4 vehicle or a vehicle with diff lock is recommended to handle the conditions safely.
Before driving on the sand, reduce your tyre pressure to 1,2- 1,5 bar per tyre. This improves traction, helps prevent getting stuck, and makes the drive much easier.
Drive steadily, avoid sudden braking or sharp turns, and enjoy the beautiful journey! 🌴
Tip #13: Pack plenty of drinking water, snacks, and padkos for the journey, as there are not many quick or convenient takeaway options along the road. Remember to bring a basic first-aid kit, hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent so you are prepared for the adventure ahead.
Have an amazing adventure—Mozambique is truly worth the drive! 🇲🇿🌊☀️
👇 What travel tip would you add? Share your best Mozambique advice in the comments to help fellow travellers!
