Foreign advisories flag range of security issues

Foreign governments have identified terrorism in the northern Cabo Delgado province, piracy in the Mozambique Channel, pervasive cargo theft, and hazards posed by poor road infrastructure as the key safety concerns in Mozambique. Official advisories from the Australian Smartraveller, UK GOV.UK and US Department of State recommend exercising a high degree of caution, avoiding specific high-risk areas like Cabo Delgado, not travelling after dark, and taking precautions against crime, such as not displaying valuables. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) at the beginning of September advised against all travel to some areas of Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa provinces. “British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. “If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release,” it warns. According to Smartraveller, terrorists target areas frequented by foreigners, including where foreign companies operate and where expatriate staff reside. Kidnappings have occurred in Maputo, Beira, Sofala and Cabo Delgado province. “Protests and strikes can occur at short notice. Avoid all protests and demonstrations, monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities. Roadblocks and road closures may occur at any time,” it adds. Then there is the weather. Cyclones and floods are common during the rainy season, from November to April. They often cause landslides and flooding, which result in road closures and disruption to freight transport. Another concern is the country’s high accident rate. Between January and August 2025, 575 people died in traffic accidents, a 14% increase compared to the 504 deaths during the same period in 2024, according to official statistics. In response, the government has introduced mandatory rest stops every 300 kilometres for long-distance drivers and implemented driver rotation to combat fatigue. It is part of a Road Safety Action Plan approved in April, which includes increased law enforcement, legislative changes and public awareness campaigns. Health risks include several contagious and serious diseases, according to the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vaccinations recommended by the CDC include Hepatitis A and B, monkeypox and typhoid. Truck drivers and business staff working in Mozambique should take precautions against malaria and rabies. Malaria prevention requires prophylactic medication, while rabies pre-exposure vaccination is advised for people at increased risk of contact with potentially rabid animals or those who may not have quick access to post- exposure treatment. The CDC warns that rabid dogs are common and it is also present in some wildlife species. ER