Investors heard by Lusa in Maputo today considered "extraordinary" the change introduced in the tourism and business visa regime in Mozambique, believing that the innovations will create "benefits" for the business and economic environment in the country.

Among the novelties, the Mozambican authorities are testing the electronic visa, which can be obtained over the Internet (as already happens in other countries), aiming to facilitate the entry of tourists and businessmen into the country.

"It is an extraordinary change," said Quessanias Matsombe, a hotel operator in Mozambique and former association leader in the sector.

The increase in the tourist visa period from 30 to 90 days and the fact that it is now mixed, giving the possibility to do business, "is very good," he pointed out.

Another far-reaching innovation, he continued, is the introduction of the electronic visa, which will allow any foreigner to request entry into Mozambique from anywhere in the world, even if there is no embassy or consulate of the African country nearby.

"The 'online' visa would be the solution" in entering Mozambique, he stressed, adding that this model ensures more direct revenue for the state coffers.

"The person will deal with the system, with the platform, will have no relationship with any person, and even to pay they will use a credit card," he pointed out.

The money goes directly into the state coffers and there is no room for "refreshment," the word used by civil servants to demand bribes.

That businessman from the hotel sector argued that innovations should be accompanied by changes in the behavior of state officials. Because tourists and foreign investors are "an asset" to the country's economy and not a source of illicit income, he stressed.

For his part, Noor Momade, president of the Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators of Mozambique (Avitum), argued that the changes in the visa regime and foreigners' stay in the country are "an important lever" for tourism and business, since they will "speed up" the flow of foreigners and investors.

"We were behind many countries in attracting tourists and investors, but with these important advances, barriers have been removed for the entry of people who are welcome in Mozambique, for the added value they bring," Momade argued.

The ease of granting visas and the permanence of foreigners are a comparative advantage for countries that want to boost tourism and foreign investment, he said.

"The first assessment a tourist or investor makes in deciding whether or not to go to a country is the visa regime and the regime for staying in the territory," he pointed out.

Alison Briggs, senior manager of Grindrod, a South African group involved in the management of the port of Maputo, also believes that the new visa regime will bring "enormous benefits".

The changes in the visa policy are part of 20 measures announced in August by the Mozambican head of state as part of the Economic Acceleration Stimulus Package (SAP).