We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description:<\/strong> Complete guide to Mozambique\u2019s Official \/ Service Visa: eligibility, documents, rules, restrictions, process, dependents, extensions, and official sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Verified On:<\/strong> April 5, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mozambique\u2019s Official \/ Service Visa<\/strong> is a visa for people traveling to Mozambique on official duty<\/strong>, rather than for tourism, private business, ordinary work, or study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In practice, this visa exists to facilitate entry for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It sits within Mozambique\u2019s broader visa system alongside categories such as tourist, business, border, crew, transit, courtesy, temporary residence, work, and diplomatic visas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is generally an entry visa<\/strong> rather than a long-term residence status. It is typically issued as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not<\/strong> the same as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Publicly available Mozambican official materials commonly refer to this category as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because terminology differs by mission and language, you may also see Portuguese references such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Some embassies use \u201cofficial\u201d and \u201cservice\u201d almost interchangeably, while others distinguish by passport type or mission type. If your invitation letter, passport class, and application category do not match, your file may be delayed or reclassified.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This visa is mainly for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most ordinary travelers should not<\/strong> use the Official \/ Service Visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Officially, this visa is for activities linked to an official mission<\/strong>. Typical examples may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is generally not<\/strong> for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A person entering on an official mission should assume they may do only mission-related work<\/strong>. Mozambique\u2019s publicly available rules do not clearly authorize broad remote work on this visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Short official training may be acceptable if it is part of the mission<\/strong> and supported in the invitation\/mission note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being paid by your home government or official employer is usually the expected model. Receiving local salary or engaging in local employment is a different matter and may require work authorization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Using an official invitation from a ministry to try to cover activities that are actually commercial, academic, or employment-related. Visa officers often look at the real purpose, not just the letterhead.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The publicly used label is generally Official Visa<\/strong> or Service Visa<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mozambique does not publicly publish a detailed subclass system for this visa in the way some countries do. In practice, the stream may depend on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n People often confuse this visa with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public-facing naming appears fairly stable, but exact labels differ by embassy and by Portuguese\/English usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because Mozambique\u2019s publicly available official guidance is often brief and embassy-specific, not every criterion is published in one single detailed official checklist. The core principles below reflect official category logic and common consular requirements. Where not publicly standardized, that is stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You are generally eligible if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nationality rules can vary because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your nationality benefits from a visa exemption for ordinary travel, that does not automatically mean<\/strong> the same treatment applies for an official mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically expected:<\/p>\n\n\n\n No special age threshold is usually published for the principal official traveler. For minors accompanying an official traveler, extra parental consent and birth\/custody documents may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not generally applicable as standalone criteria for this visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is often the most important element. Applicants typically need one or more of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may be asked for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are not always fully published for short official visits, but applicants should be prepared for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This depends on the mission and application method. Some posts may require in-person appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The applicant must show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Very important for Mozambique. Requirements can differ by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> If you are applying through an embassy that serves multiple countries, check whether it accepts applications only from citizens\/residents of countries within its consular jurisdiction.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n You may be refused or found ineligible if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> A generic invitation letter with no dates, no official seal, and no explanation of the mission is a major risk factor.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Main benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Family benefits are limited and not clearly standardized publicly. Some posts may accept accompanying family applications, but this is not guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is not designed<\/strong> as a residence-building route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key restrictions usually include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visa is strongly linked to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Re-entry depends on whether the visa issued is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not assume you can leave and return unless the visa explicitly allows it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mozambique does not publicly publish one universally detailed duration framework for the Official \/ Service Visa on all official pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the latest date by which you must use the visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the period you are allowed to remain after entry, if stated separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually from the date of entry or from the visa validity structure shown on the visa sticker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overstaying can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n No general official grace period is publicly guaranteed for this category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Confusing visa validity with authorized stay. A visa can be valid for a window of time, but your permitted stay may be shorter.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Because requirements differ by embassy and mission type, treat this as a master checklist and then confirm the exact local list with the issuing post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For official travel, these may be lighter if costs are covered by the government or host. Possible documents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not applicable, unless mission-related training is the purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If family accompanies the principal traveler:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on nationality or application post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mozambican missions may request documents in Portuguese or accompanied by certified translation. Public guidance is not always uniform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exact size should be confirmed with the embassy\/consulate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> If your mission documents are in a language other than Portuguese or English, ask the embassy in advance whether a certified Portuguese translation is required.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n There is no consistently published universal public minimum fund amount specifically for Mozambique\u2019s Official \/ Service Visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For official travel, officers often want proof that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> If you rely on personal bank statements, unexplained large deposits can create questions. Add a short explanation letter if needed.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Fees vary significantly by embassy, nationality, reciprocity arrangements, and whether there are exemptions for official\/service passport holders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mozambique\u2019s consular fee schedules may be published by individual embassies or consulates, but not always in one global consolidated page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Check the latest official fee page or ask the issuing Mozambican embassy\/consulate directly. Fee schedules can change and may differ by nationality and passport type.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Verify that your trip is genuinely official\/service<\/strong> and not business, work, or diplomatic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Obtain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on your case, application may be filed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the official form required by the post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pay according to post instructions, unless fee-exempt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some posts require an appointment or in-person submission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Submit the full package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not every applicant will face a formal interview, but some may.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The embassy may ask for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If approved, your visa is issued in your passport or through the procedure used by the post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Verify:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carry all supporting documents in hand luggage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Border officers may ask for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your host institution or immigration office requires follow-up registration, complete it promptly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A single official standard processing time is not consistently published for all Mozambican missions for this visa category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Official mission visas may sometimes be processed faster than ordinary visas when paperwork is complete and government channels are clear, but this is not guaranteed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVisa Snapshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nItem<\/th>\n Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Country<\/td>\n Mozambique<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa name<\/td>\n Official \/ Service Visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa short name<\/td>\n Official<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Category<\/td>\n Short-stay\/entry visa for official government or service travel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Main purpose<\/td>\n Travel to Mozambique on official mission for a government, public institution, or international\/public-service function<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Typical applicant<\/td>\n Government officials, public servants, persons traveling on official mission, and in some cases accompanying dependents if accepted by the issuing post<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Validity<\/td>\n Varies by mission, embassy\/consulate, and approval<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stay duration<\/td>\n Varies; usually tied to the official mission duration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entries allowed<\/td>\n Varies; can be single or multiple depending on issuance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension possible?<\/td>\n Possibly, but not clearly published for all cases; verify with Mozambican immigration before travel or promptly after arrival<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work allowed?<\/td>\n Limited; only activities strictly connected to the official mission<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Study allowed?<\/td>\n No, except incidental short training directly linked to the official mission if accepted<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family allowed?<\/td>\n Limited\/unclear; depends on mission, sponsor support, and consular practice<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PR path?<\/td>\n No direct path<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Citizenship path?<\/td>\n Indirect only; this visa itself is not a naturalization route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
How it fits into Mozambique\u2019s immigration system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Official naming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Ideal applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Who should generally not use this visa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nApplicant type<\/th>\n Should use this visa?<\/th>\n Better alternative<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Tourist<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Tourist visa \/ visa exemption if eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Business visitor for private company meetings<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Business visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Job seeker<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Appropriate work authorization route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Private employee taking up a job in Mozambique<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Work visa \/ residence authorization<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Student<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Student visa or residence route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Researcher at university<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Student\/research\/work route depending on host institution<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Digital nomad<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Mozambique does not publicly frame the official visa for this purpose<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Founder\/entrepreneur<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Business\/investment\/work route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Investor<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Investment\/business\/residence route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Retiree<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Residence or visitor category as applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Religious worker<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Religious\/work\/residence route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Artist\/athlete<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Appropriate performance\/work\/business route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Transit passenger<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Transit visa if required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Medical traveler<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Visitor\/medical purpose route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spouse\/child of official traveler<\/td>\n Possibly, but only if mission and consulate allow<\/td>\n Verify directly with the issuing embassy\/consulate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 3. What is this visa used for?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Permitted uses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Usually prohibited or unsuitable uses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grey areas and common misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Remote work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Training<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Receiving payment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Official program name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Short name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Long name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Internal streams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Related permit names<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Old vs current naming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Eligibility criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Basic eligibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Nationality rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Passport validity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Education, language, work experience, points<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sponsorship \/ invitation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Accommodation and travel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Health, character, insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Biometrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Intent requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Embassy-specific rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Ineligibility factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common refusal triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nRefusal trigger<\/th>\n Why it matters<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Mismatch between visa class and trip purpose<\/td>\n Suggests category misuse<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Weak or vague invitation letter<\/td>\n Officer cannot confirm official nature of trip<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n No mission order or note verbale<\/td>\n Core proof may be missing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Incomplete form or missing signatures<\/td>\n Administrative refusal\/delay<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Unclear funding<\/td>\n Raises concern about unauthorized work or unsupported stay<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Weak itinerary<\/td>\n Mission dates and visit plan do not align<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Unverifiable host\/sponsor<\/td>\n Credibility issue<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Prior immigration violations<\/td>\n Admissibility concern<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Poor passport condition\/low validity<\/td>\n Technical non-compliance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Contradictory statements at interview<\/td>\n Credibility problem<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
7. Benefits of this visa<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Family benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
PR and long-term residence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Limitations and restrictions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Sponsor dependence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Re-entry limits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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9. Duration, validity, entries, and stay rules<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
What usually varies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Important concepts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Entry-by date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stay-until date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When the clock starts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overstay consequences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grace periods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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10. Complete document checklist<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
A. Core documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n What it is<\/th>\n Why needed<\/th>\n Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Visa application form<\/td>\n Official consular form<\/td>\n Starts the application<\/td>\n Leaving blanks, inconsistent dates<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Passport<\/td>\n Valid travel document<\/td>\n Identity and travel authorization<\/td>\n Expiring soon, damaged pages<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Passport photos<\/td>\n Recent photos in required format<\/td>\n Identity matching<\/td>\n Wrong size\/background<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Official invitation<\/td>\n Letter from Mozambican authority<\/td>\n Proves official purpose<\/td>\n Too vague, unsigned, no dates<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Mission order \/ note verbale<\/td>\n Letter from sending authority<\/td>\n Confirms assignment<\/td>\n Missing seal, no contact info<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n B. Identity\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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C. Financial documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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D. Employment\/business documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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E. Education documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
F. Relationship\/family documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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G. Accommodation\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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H. Sponsor\/invitation documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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I. Health\/insurance documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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J. Country-specific extras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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K. Minor\/dependent-specific documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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L. Translation \/ apostille \/ notarization needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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M. Photo specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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11. Financial requirements<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
What usually matters instead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Acceptable proof may include<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Hidden costs to budget for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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12. Fees and total cost<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
What is officially clear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cost table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nCost item<\/th>\n Likely status<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Application\/visa fee<\/td>\n Varies by embassy and nationality<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Biometrics fee<\/td>\n Often not separately published for this category<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Processing fee<\/td>\n May be included in visa fee<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Courier fee<\/td>\n Varies if passport return mailing is used<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Translation\/notary\/apostille<\/td>\n Varies by country<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Insurance<\/td>\n Varies by applicant and trip length<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Medical\/vaccination<\/td>\n Varies; yellow fever certificate may be relevant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Police certificate<\/td>\n Only if requested<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Renewal\/extension fee<\/td>\n Unclear; check with immigration in Mozambique<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
13. Step-by-step application process<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
1. Confirm the correct visa category<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2. Gather mission documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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3. Check the correct filing method<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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4. Complete the form<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Pay the fee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Book appointment if required<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7. Submit application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Attend interview or provide biometrics if requested<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. Respond to follow-up requests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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10. Decision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
11. Check visa details carefully<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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12. Travel to Mozambique<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
13. Arrival formalities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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14. Post-arrival registration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
14. Processing time<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
What affects timing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Practical expectation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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