Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionto Mozambique due to terrorism, crime, health, and unrest. Some areas have increased risk.”
Updated Fri, 21 Aug 2026
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Is Maputo safe? 🇲🇿
Mozambique · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Maputo scores 49/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes, Maputo is moderately safe for visitors who exercise increased caution, particularly in central areas and during daylight hours. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Maputo 🇲🇿
Mozambique · Assessed 13 October 2026
49
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime51/100CautionCrime index 59.4 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment59/100FairMixed reports
Advisories75Good
Stability41Caution
Health62Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Cabo Delgado Province FCDO advises against all travel to Cabo Delgado Province, except for Palma town and the area around Pemba and Afungi.”
Updated 2026-10-07T10:20:23Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Mozambique: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:34.8355485-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Caution
Mugging & robbery risk
Moderate risk
62
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
78
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
45 / 100 (Mixed reports)
45
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
1.3M residents
65
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
3.6 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
74
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMuggings occur occasionally in isolated areas after dark; visitors should avoid walking alone in poorly lit neighborhoods like Polana Caniço at night
Pickpocketing
ModerateBag-snatching and pickpocketing are common in crowded markets and on public transport; remain vigilant in Xipamanine Market and along Avenida 24 de Julho
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Caution
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed reports
59/100
Reported feel45Mixed reports
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Travelers report feeling reasonably safe during daylight hours in tourist zones but express anxiety about nighttime safety, particularly after recent protests; daytime comfort aligns with Numbeo's 64/100 score, while nighttime unease reflects the 29/100 walking-alone-at-night rating.
Yes, Maputo is moderately safe for visitors who exercise increased caution, particularly in central areas and during daylight hours.
Maputo's safety profile shows moderate crime risks with a homicide rate of 3.6 per 100k and elevated concerns about robbery and property crime, though violent incidents targeting tourists remain uncommon. Visitors generally report feeling safe during the day but express significant worry about nighttime safety, aligning with Numbeo survey data showing only 29/100 comfort walking alone after dark. Recent unrest linked to political protests has occurred in the city center, necessitating avoidance of demonstrations and heightened vigilance in crowded areas.
Recent developments
- Nov 2024Police used tear gas to disperse election-related protests in Maputo's city center— Reuters
- Nov 2024Amnesty International reported a violent post-election crackdown ahead of a planned Maputo march— Amnesty International
- Jun 2026Informal vendors protested eviction from Praça 25 de Junho, citing expulsion by authorities— CLUB OF MOZAMBIQUE
Common scams
- Unofficial taxi drivers overcharging or taking circuitous routes
- Fake police officers demanding bribes for minor infractions
Full briefing
Maputo presents a mixed safety picture for visitors, with daytime exploration in central districts like the Baixa generally manageable but requiring caution after dark. Recent protests in November 2024 saw police deploy tear gas against demonstrators in the city center, indicating that political unrest can flare suddenly near government buildings and public squares such as Praça da Independência. Travelers should avoid all protests and monitor local advisories, as the UK FCDO maintains regional warnings for Cabo Delgado Province while advising increased vigilance nationwide. Street crime remains a concern, particularly pickpocketing in busy areas like Xipamanine Market and bag-snatching along Avenida 24 de Julho, where crowds create opportunities for thieves. While violent crime against tourists is infrequent, muggings have been reported in dimly lit residential zones like Polana Caniço after sunset, reinforcing the need to use registered transport at night. Visitors consistently describe feeling secure walking in daylight but uneasy after dark, a sentiment reflected in survey data showing low confidence in nighttime safety. Practical steps include using hotel-arranged taxis after dark, concealing valuables in markets, and sticking to well-lit, populated routes during evening hours. The city's air quality remains good, and no natural hazards are active, allowing focus on personal security measures rather than environmental risks. By maintaining awareness of surroundings and avoiding isolated areas at night, most visitors can navigate Maputo safely while enjoying its coastal charm and cultural sites.
Was this Maputo, Mozambique report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Maputo districts for visitors: 2 safer, 4 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Maputo safety map.
XipamanineavoidLarge informal market area; high incidence of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams targeting visitors; avoid unless necessary and only with local guide.
MbaneavoidNotorious for drug activity and violent crime; frequent reports of muggings and assaults; strongly advised against for tourists, especially at night.
Baixa (Downtown)cautionCentral business district; petty theft and pickpocketing common, especially around markets and transport hubs; avoid walking alone after dark.
MalhangalenecautionDense residential area near university; moderate risk of opportunistic theft; exercise caution, especially after dark and near informal markets.
InhagoiacautionIndustrial and transport zone; higher risk of theft and fraud around bus terminals; remain vigilant with belongings, avoid isolated areas after dark.
FerroviáriocautionAround the central train station; elevated pickpocketing and scam risk targeting travelers; use licensed taxis, avoid walking alone at night.
PolanasaferAffluent residential and diplomatic area; lower crime rates, well-patrolled, generally safe during day and night for visitors.
Costa do SolsaferUpscale coastal neighborhood with hotels and embassies; good security presence, low incidence of violent crime; safe for tourists.
07 · After Dark
Is Maputo safe at night?
Muggings occur occasionally in isolated areas after dark; visitors should avoid walking alone in poorly lit neighborhoods like Polana Caniço at night
After dark, be most careful around Xipamanine, Mbane, Baixa (Downtown), Malhangalene. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Maputo safety FAQ (2026)
Is Maputo safe right now (2026)?
Yes, Maputo is moderately safe for visitors who exercise increased caution, particularly in central areas and during daylight hours. Maputo's safety profile shows moderate crime risks with a homicide rate of 3.6 per 100k and elevated concerns about robbery and property crime, though violent incidents targeting tourists remain uncommon. Visitors generally report feeling safe during the day but express significant worry about nighttime safety, aligning with Numbeo survey data showing only 29/100 comfort walking alone after dark. Recent unrest linked to political protests has occurred in the city center, necessitating avoidance of demonstrations and heightened vigilance in crowded areas. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Is Maputo safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Maputo report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Maputo should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Xipamanine, Mbane as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Maputo (2026)?
- Unofficial taxi drivers overcharging or taking circuitous routes
- Fake police officers demanding bribes for minor infractions
How does Maputo compare with other places in Mozambique (2026)?
Maputo ranks #3 of 4 Mozambique destinations we've assessed, scoring 49/100. See the Mozambique safety overview for the full list.
How is this maputo safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 14+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: maputo.json (CC BY 4.0).