Mozambique has issued almost 30,000 border visas since the implementation of the decision to facilitate and exempt tourists from low-risk countries from visas in May, according to government figures.

In the budget execution report for the fourth quarter of 2023, the government recalls that "a platform for online visa applications and the exemption of tourist and business visas for a list of low-risk countries" was created, with a total of 29 states.

The measure "resulted in the issuance of 28,963 visas requested by visitors" by December, according to the government document quoted by O País.

Mozambique introduced the Electronic Visa (e-Visa) in December 2022 and, on May 1st, visa exemptions for citizens of 29 countries. It also revised the measure for granting investment visas for longer periods to foreign citizens who hold investments in Mozambique, simplifying the requirements for granting them.

The government estimates an "average expenditure" per visitor of 110 dollars and an average visit time of four days, so each visitor represents 440 dollars "of new funds" for the economy, writes the newspaper.

"The increase in visitors to the country as a result of this measure represents growth in the sector and a multiplier effect on the Mozambican economy," the report adds.

Figures released last August indicate that of these exemptions, with visas granted at the border, "more than 10,000" entered Mozambique "for tourism purposes and the remaining 3,000 for business".

"This is a clear sign that the measures taken by the government are having an effect in boosting our sector. With these measures, we clearly have a new pattern of tourists, with the American, British, Portuguese, Chinese and German nationalities standing out as the top five entries," said the Minister of Culture and Tourism at the time.