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Maputo to San Salvador: The 2026 Operational Guide for Mozambique Citizens
The journey from the coastal charm of Maputo to the volcanic energy of El Salvador is a significant transcontinental undertaking. In 2026, as El Salvador cements its status as a global frontier for Bitcoin adoption and world-class surfing, the entry protocols for Mozambican nationals have become more technologically integrated. Navigating these requirements involves a two-pronged strategy: securing digital clearance and ensuring financial compliance with new regional tariffs.
The Special Entry Permit: 2026 Digital Vetting
For 2026, Mozambique remains classified as a nation that requires a pre-authorized electronic travel permit for entry. This digital system is designed to streamline the arrival process at the San Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL).
The Global Visa Shortcut: If your Mozambican passport contains a valid, multiple-entry visa for the United States, Canada, or the Schengen Area, you may be eligible to bypass the formal e-visa application and finalize your entry upon arrival.
The Standard Application: Without these third-country endorsements, you must secure an official Special Entry Permit before you depart.
To avoid technical rejections, it is mandatory to follow the Mozambique-specific document checklist. This portal provides the 2026 standards for passport resolution and the specific health declarations currently required for travelers arriving from Southeast Africa.
The Financial Threshold: The $1,130 Airport Fee
The most vital update for Mozambican travelers in 2026 is the International Airport Improvement Fee. Mozambique is among the specific African nations subject to a mandatory USD $1,130 (inclusive of VAT) tariff.
This is a government-mandated infrastructure tax and is not part of your visa processing fee or your airfare. This payment must be cleared via credit card before boarding your final connecting flight to San Salvador. Most airlines will require a digital proof of this payment at your transit hub (such as Lisbon or Doha). For a comprehensive breakdown of this fee and other administrative costs, please consult the visa types and prices gallery.
Aerial Logistics: From Maputo (MPM) to the Pacific
Reaching El Salvador from Maputo International Airport (MPM) is a long-haul mission, often spanning 40 to 50 hours of travel time. In 2026, the most reliable routes include:
The Lusophone Connection: Flying with TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon (LIS) and then connecting through Bogotá (BOG) or Panama City (PTY). This is a favored route for Mozambicans due to language and transit ease.
The Middle Eastern Hub: Using Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH) and then connecting through a major North American or European gateway.
Financial Strategy: Metical to Dollars and Bitcoin
The Mozambican Metical (MZN) cannot be exchanged in Central America. To manage your budget effectively in El Salvador’s dual-currency system:
The USD Rule: The U.S. Dollar (USD) is the primary physical currency. Arrive with clean, small-denomination bills ($1, $5, $10) for local markets and small coastal towns.
The Digital Advantage: As the world's first Bitcoin nation, El Salvador offers Mozambican travelers the ability to pay for everything from accommodation to specialty coffee using a digital wallet, which often bypasses high international banking fees associated with traditional credit cards.
