1 000% hike in Moz tourist permits
2010-07-14 22:24
Maputo - Mozambique has increased the cost for tourist, temporary and permanent residence permits by over 1 000%, independent media reported on Wednesday.
From last Monday, temporary residence permits now cost R5 300 and permanent permits R6 700 against R500 for both previously, reported O Pais newspaper.
The price adjustments follow the introduction of passports with biometric security measures in Mozambique last year, immigrations directorate spokesperson Mariamo Joao Arlindo told the newspaper.
These state-of-the-art documents include fingerprint and eye scanners for all applicants.
Existing permit holders would not be charged retroactively, she said.
Visitors to the country were also surprised when tourist visa prices at borders increased from $25 (R190) to $82 (R615) on July 6.
These visas were only valid for 30 days. As part of a Southern African Development Community agreement, South Africans did not need visas to enter Mozambique.
The government did not publicise the price changes before they took place.
A spokesperson for the Mozambican interior ministry could not immediately be reached for comment.
- SAPA