Challenges at Mozambique’s Borders Deter Travellers Despite Tourism Recovery

Despite positive growth in Mozambique’s tourism sector, unlawful practices at the country’s borders and on its roads are discouraging travellers, particularly those driving from South Africa. The FIKANI International Tourism Expo recently revealed a 10% increase in tourism in 2023, signaling a recovery for the industry. However, this progress is being undermined by bribery, fake passport stamps, and intimidation tactics, which are deterring South Africans from embarking on the popular road trip into Mozambique.

Sarah Bezuidenhout, Travel Manager and Senior Consultant at Go 2 Travel Alliance, has highlighted the serious challenges Mozambique faces in revitalizing its tourism industry. “Mozambique is at a crossroads in its efforts to revitalize tourism, with challenges at its borders significantly impacting the experiences of incoming travellers. Among these challenges are bribery and extortion, practices that not only create obstacles but also foster a climate of intimidation,” says Bezuidenhout.

One of the most common issues encountered by South Africans driving into Mozambique is the presence of self-appointed agents who intimidate drivers into paying additional ‘taxes,’ which are, in fact, bribes. This is particularly problematic along the road between the Ressano Garcia border post and the main cities. These rogue agents often threaten to confiscate vehicles or falsely accuse drivers of theft in an attempt to extract money from them. Such practices create a hostile environment, discouraging visitors from exploring the country by road.

Another concerning tactic employed at the Ressano Garcia border is the falsification of entry stamps on arriving travellers’ passports. According to Natalie Tenzer-Silva, Director of Dana Tours, this deception often leads to hefty fines when travellers attempt to exit the country, as their passports show no evidence of their registered entry. This not only damages Mozambique’s reputation as a tourist destination but also undermines the efforts of organizations like Drive MOZ, which strive to promote safe and enjoyable travel experiences in the country.

Bezuidenhout, who is part of the Drive MOZ support group, emphasizes that the fear and uncertainty caused by these practices can deter travellers from considering Mozambique as a destination, ultimately affecting the country’s economy and efforts to build a sustainable tourism industry. Although Drive MOZ provides assistance and advice to travellers navigating Mozambique’s borders, the effectiveness of this support is often limited by poor signal coverage in the region.

Tourism stakeholders at the FIKANI Expo, including Bezuidenhout, agree that better government regulation and education for local communities are essential to improving many aspects of the tourism industry, including border management. “The Mozambican government needs to take a firm stand against these practices by implementing stricter regulations and penalties for those found guilty of intimidation and bribery at the borders. Additionally, engaging local communities in tourism development and border management can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, reducing the influence of rogue agents,” says Bezuidenhout.

Emidio Samuel Nhantumbo, the Inhambane Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism, also underscores the importance of educating local people on the benefits of tourism and addressing security issues to improve the country’s reputation. He believes that clear communication with potential tourists about security issues, particularly in specific districts like the northern provinces, is crucial to attracting visitors to the more secure areas of Mozambique.

Bezuidenhout further suggests that enhanced collaboration with neighboring countries could ensure a more seamless and corruption-free travel experience, boosting regional tourism and economic growth. By addressing these issues, Mozambique can create a more welcoming environment for tourists, allowing the country to realize its full potential as a premier travel destination. With its natural beauty and cultural wealth, Mozambique deserves to be explored and enjoyed by visitors worldwide, free from the fear of intimidation and extortion.