The Foreign Office has released critical travel warnings for British nationals planning trips to Mozambique and South Africa due to “ongoing unrest”. In a recent update, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) cautioned against “all but essential travel” to Mozambique. Additionally, travellers have been warned to stay away from certain regions in South Africa.
In the statement made on December 30, the FCDO detailed: “Due to the ongoing unrest across Mozambique, FDCO currently advises against all but essential travel to Mozambique and continues to advise against all travel to parts of Mozambique. Essential travel may be disrupted, including delays or closures at the border at short notice.”
These concerns also extend to the border between South Africa and Mozambique, as reflected within the broader travel advice for South Africa. The warnings come after an alarming incident in December, where over 1,500 inmates broke out from a jail in Mozambique amid political turmoil sparked by contentious election outcomes.
Following the prison break, police confirmed that clashes with guards led to the deaths of 33 people, with another 15 getting injured. Police chief Bernardino Rafael, who spoke at a press conference post-incident, reported that approximately 150 escapees have been recaptured since the event.
Mass protests initiated on Monday after Mozambique’s top court validated the victory of the incumbent Frelimo party, which has been in charge since 1975, in the presidential elections held in October. The FCDO emphasised: “There is significant unrest across Mozambique which is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Protests can be violent and occur at short notice. “.
Travellers heading to Mozambique are facing stark warnings following an update from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), highlighting a concerning situation for civilians. The advisory states: “Police have used live ammunition, leading to civilians being killed and injured. There are increased incidents of criminality including looting, break-ins, and robberies.”
The official advice continues: “If you are in Mozambique, seek local advice and monitor the local media. Avoid large gatherings or demonstrations, pay attention to your surroundings and avoid travelling after dark. Roads, routes to airports and border crossings can quickly be restricted, blocked or closed, affecting services and transport nationwide.”
This warning of travel risks encompasses all of Mozambique with an “all but essential” travel restriction in place. However, the FCDO has also advised against all travel to the following districts in Cabo Delgado Province due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism.
Impacted districts include Chiure, Mueda, Nangade, Palma (with exceptions for Palma town where only essential travel is suggested), Mocímboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Meluco, Macomia, Quissanga, and Ibo, which covers the surrounding islands.
Additionally, tension seems to be spilling over borders as the FCDO remarked on the volatility in areas proximate to the crossing between South Africa and Mozambique at Lebombo/Ressano Garcia. It said: “Unpredictable violence has occurred in the area around the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia land border with South Africa/Mozambique. Seek local advice, monitor the local media and FCDO’s travel advice for Mozambique before travel.”
You should always check FCDO advice for any country before travelling. Failing to do so could not only be unsafe but invalidate your travel insurance.