Destination guide
Travel vaccines for Mozambique
From the beaches of Tofo and the Bazaruto Archipelago to safaris in Gorongosa, here is what UK travellers should sort before flying.
Overview
What vaccinations do I need for Mozambique?
For most UK travellers to Mozambique, the core recommendations are hepatitis A and typhoid, along with keeping tetanus up to date. There is a high risk of malaria across the whole country all year round, so antimalarial tablets are strongly advised alongside good mosquito-bite protection.
Depending on your plans, some travellers are also advised to consider cholera, hepatitis B, rabies, MMR, dengue awareness and tuberculosis. Mozambique does not routinely require yellow fever vaccination, but a certificate is needed if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. We will confirm exactly what applies to your trip at a short consultation.
Plan ahead
Book 4–6 weeks before you fly
Some vaccines need more than one dose or time to take effect, and antimalarials for Mozambique are best started before you travel. Booking around four to six weeks ahead gives us room to plan, but come in even if your trip is sooner, as we can usually still help.
Recommended vaccinations
Vaccines commonly advised for Mozambique
These recommendations follow TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC) guidance and are tailored to your itinerary at your appointment.
Hepatitis A
Most travellers
Spread through contaminated food and water, which is a real risk with street food and rural travel in Mozambique.
Tetanus
Most travellers
Worth updating before you go, as cuts and grazes on beaches or safari can be hard to clean quickly.
Typhoid
Most travellers
Recommended given food and water hygiene standards, especially if you are staying outside the main resorts.
Cholera
Some travellers
Consider it if you are visiting areas with poor sanitation or during outbreaks, as Mozambique reports periodic cholera cases.
Dengue
Some travellers
Spread by daytime-biting mosquitoes; ask us about the vaccine and, most importantly, bite avoidance throughout your stay.
Hepatitis B
Some travellers
Advised for longer trips, medical or care work, or if there is any chance of medical treatment or intimate contact abroad.
Measles
Some travellers
Make sure you have had two doses of MMR, as measles still circulates in the region.
Rabies
Some travellers
Worth considering for rural travel, cyclists, animal workers, and anywhere fast treatment after a bite may be difficult to reach.
Tuberculosis
Some travellers
May be considered for longer stays or close contact with local communities, particularly in younger travellers.
Entry rules — separate from your jabs
Yellow fever certificate: what Mozambique requires
A yellow fever certificate requirement is a legal condition of entry — it is not the same thing as the vaccine being recommended for your health. The recommendation (when there is one) appears in the vaccine list above; the entry rule is below.
Flying direct from the UK? No yellow fever certificate needed for Mozambique
Mozambique only asks for a certificate (ICVP) from travellers aged 1 year+ who arrive from — or pass through — a country with yellow fever risk, and airport layovers over 12 hours in a risk country count. That catches out multi-country itineraries, so check your whole route, not just your destination.
There is no yellow fever transmission risk in Mozambique itself — this rule exists purely to stop the virus being carried in from elsewhere.
Malaria & mosquitoes
Malaria and mosquito-borne illness in Mozambique
Mozambique has a high risk of malaria across the entire country, all year round, so antimalarial tablets are recommended for every traveller. Depending on your health, itinerary and preferences, we can prescribe atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine. Mosquitoes also spread dengue, so avoiding bites protects you on more than one front.
- Take tablets exactly as prescribed, including the days before and after travel
- Use DEET repellent, cover up at dawn and dusk, and sleep under a treated net
- Seek urgent medical care for any fever during or after your trip
FAQ
Mozambique travel vaccines — FAQs
Getting ready for Mozambique?
Book a travel health consultation at our Timperley clinic and we will tailor your vaccines and malaria plan to your trip. Serving Altrincham, Trafford and South Manchester.