Question 1

What is the "Fake Visa Extension Agents" scam in Maputo?

Accepted Answer

Fixers operating near the Departamento de Imigração on Avenida Ho Chi Minh offer to process visa extensions for a fee, claiming the official process takes weeks without their help. They collect payment and documents, then either disappear or return weeks later with a document that turns out to be invalid. All Mozambique visa extensions must be processed in person at the official immigration office. The process is straightforward for most nationalities and does not require a paid intermediary. Never hand your passport to an unofficial agent.

Question 2

What is the "Unauthorized "Port Guide" Extortion" scam in Maputo?

Accepted Answer

Near the Maputo port terminal and the ferry landing at Cais Novo, unofficial "port guides" intercept arriving passengers and insist on guiding them through customs or to transport, demanding payment for services that are not legitimate. Some claim to be official immigration or customs facilitators. Official customs and immigration processes at Maputo port do not require guide assistance and are free. If approached, state clearly you do not need assistance and proceed to the official queue. Legitimate licensed fixers will have visible APAT-issued credentials.

Other Tourist Scams in Maputo

Fake Visa Extension Agents

Unauthorized "Port Guide" Extortion

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