The Mozambique government is reportedly seeking to revise its visa regime as part of a set of 20 stimulus package measures announced by President Felipe Nyusi, with the intention of reviving tourism and foreign investment. 

According to the Mozambique News Agency (AIM), the proposed revisions, announced on August 16, include transforming the short-term tourism visa into a mixed tourism and business visa that will be valid for 90 days, rather than the current 30 days. 

The period covered by a temporary residence permit for investors will also be extended from one to two years if the amount of the investment is at least US$500,000. For an investment of US$50m or more, a temporary residence permit will extend to five years.

“Government approved the revision of the norms of the regime for granting visas to foreign citizens who wish to visit the country to do business or invest in Mozambique. The changes are part of economic acceleration measures that will place the private sector at the centre of economic transformation and development,” Deputy Justice Minister Filimao Suaze told reporters at the end of the weekly meeting of the country’s Council of Ministers. 

The Mozambique government is reportedly also seeking to waive entry visa requirements for a longer list of countries. According to the independent news publication Mediafax, the proposed waiver covers citizens from all SADC member states and the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, as well as visitors from Germany, the UK, Rwanda, Indonesia, India, Japan and Australia. 

“The Council of Ministers also introduced an electronic submission system for visa applications. The immigration and tourism sectors within the Government are said to be already working to ensure the effectiveness of this platform in the shortest possible time,” AIM reported.