How to Deal With Mozambique Tourist Traps and Bribes

Mozambique is an unspoilt tourist region bordering South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and the Indian Ocean. Many people – both from southern Africa and abroad – drive to Mozambique for relaxing coastal holidays where they enjoy activities like diving, snorkelling, sailing, and fishing.

Unfortunately, Mozambique has generated a reputation for petty corruption. And, while many countries around the world share this problem, travellers to Mozambique need to be able to navigate unlawful behaviour from traffic officials.

In recent years, local authorities have taken steps to reduce traffic police corruption. However, in 2023, nearly half of all Mozambicans who interacted with police over the previous year reported that they had to pay bribes.

We’re here to tell you that despite this issue, Mozambique remains one of southern Africa’s best and most visually stunning self-drive destinations. Read on for some tips on how to prepare yourself in case you encounter a corrupt official.

Cart full of coconuts by the street on Costa do Sol in Mapouto, Mozambique.

Photo: Getty

How Do Corrupt Officials Operate?

If you’re planning a road trip adventure in Mozambique, it might be useful to know what to look out for in terms of corruption. Take this 2014 case, for example:

According to IOL, a South African family was extorted when they tried to return across the border from their holiday. Just a few days earlier, Kevin and Sally Stone and their four children crossed the Kosi Bay border post with no issue. In fact, their passports were checked by two separate officials.

However, when they returned, South African police explained that their passports had not been stamped the first time around. The Mozambican officials had stamped just one of the passports and were now demanding R1,800 per unstamped passport.

In a horrifying twist, the officials grabbed the couple’s daughter, took her to a “dark, dingy container”, and demanded that they find an ATM to draw the required R9,000. They refused to leave their daughter “hostage”, left their passports behind, and crossed into South Africa without them.

To be clear: it’s unlawful for border officials to charge tourists and then ask to be bribed to reduce these unlawful charges. Sadly, this type of behaviour remains a stain on Mozambique’s tourist industry.

Here are some other forms of corruption people have encountered:

At certain border posts, unofficial “runners” may offer to complete documentation on behalf of travellers – for a fee. In reality, using this service makes you party to fraud and corruption.
In 2024, South African Freight News reported that the T-junction of the R571 close to the Lebombo Border Post had turned into a “toll road”, with corrupt Mozambican officials extorting bribes to allow certain drivers to jump the queue.
In an often-quoted anecdote, South African drivers have reported that Mozambican traffic officials will pull you over and falsely accuse you of a traffic violation, ranging from “faulty” mirrors to speeding. These officials are commonly reported to demand cash bribes, food, drinks, or even articles of clothing.

Maputo Katembe bridge in capital city of Mozambique, Africa.

Photo: Getty

What Should You Do if This Happens to You?

First of all, it’s important to always be patient and friendly. You might be in a hurry, but the officials have all day. They may leverage your haste to get money out of you, but if you are calm, relaxed, and patient, you stand a better chance of not having to pay a bribe or a fine.

Here are some other tips:

Before you depart, make a list of all the necessary documentation you will need. Make sure that your documentation is up to date and valid for the entire period you are travelling for. Always keep your documentation close by when driving.
Make copies of all important documents and ensure that they are certified for when officials request to retain your documents. When possible, avoid handing over original documents.
As much as it is not a requirement, it is very handy to have an international driving permit.
When you know you’re not guilty of anything, talk yourself out of it while treating them with respect. If they persist, ask for proof of the charge in writing. If it is unreasonable, you may dispute it at the nearest police station.
If you are charged to pay for anything at all, always request a receipt for the payment thereof.
You may request to see the station commander or visit the nearest South African embassy.
If you are asked for a bribe by any traffic or police officer, contact the Anti-Corruption Hotline on +258 82 965 7804.

What do 4×4 Experts Say?

South Africa’s 4x4Community Forum is a treasure trove of self-drive advice. It even has an entire thread dedicated to discussing “Mozambique traffic officers corruption”. One user offers this “winning formula” to deal with corrupt officials. Simply tell the officer these things:

You don’t speak English, you speak Afrikaans.
You have very little or no money on you.
You have lots of time to spare.
Smile a lot – this might put them off!

In the center of Maputo busy square throughout the day, (Trabalhadores Square)

Photo: Getty

The Good News: Things are Changing

Thankfully, many forum users have reported excellent experiences in Mozambique – despite its reputation. One reported that in over 20 years of overlanding in the country, he has never paid a bribe.

In 2017, authorities suspended the entire police force unit in Ponta do Ouro after locals accused officers of extorting bribes from South African tourists. When officers began harassing a group of tourists whose vehicle was stuck in the sand, a crowd of locals intervened to rescue one tourist who was being taken to the local police station “where they feared money would be extorted from him”.

In 2022, the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) announced that it would deploy a dedicated group of inspectors to “detect and fight cases of corruption involving the Traffic Police (PT)”. Since then, this unit has been carrying out patrols to reduce incidences of bribery.

In fact, anecdotal reports from travellers suggest that things are indeed changing. There are allegedly fewer incidents altogether, while other travellers report that corrupt officials are wary of creating “diplomatic issues” with South Africa.

A road through the wilderness of Mozambique with the jagged peaks of towering mountains in the backdrop.

Photo: Getty

Sadly poverty, bad socio-economic conditions, greed, and poor governance create desperation, even among government officials. This kind of corruption is an indication of a bad system, so remember that before you get angry at the person at the very end of the chain.

As southern Africans, we pride ourselves on being friendly and generous. We can’t solve the global problem of corruption on our own, but by being patient and friendly, we at least minimise its impact and make travelling safer and more pleasant for everyone.

Ultimately, each destination comes with its own pros and cons. In the case of Mozambique, any negativity is far outweighed by the country’s epic landscapes, beaches, and culture. Whether you plan to go snorkelling with dugongs at the Bazaruto Archipelago or on a self-drive Big Five safari, you’ll find it all in Mozambique.

When you’re ready to take the plunge and head off on your road trip adventure, simply use our convenient booking tool at the top of the page. Safe travels!