How do I get a visa for Angola

Unfortunately, war has been present in Angola until relatively recently. A long and intense war resulted in gaining independence from Portugal in 1975. However, the country was again plunged into another war, this time a civil war which lasted until 2002 and resulted in the most prolonged conflict on the African continent. Today, despite its vast land area (1,246,700 km2), Angola is a relatively unknown country in terms of tourism.

The war and instability it triggered have not led to an influx of visitors, though the country does have great beauty to offer. Its endless tropical beaches of Atlantic coastline and its labyrinthine network of rivers amaze the adventurous tourists who travel to the country. Angola’s deserts and national perfectly are a complement of discovery.

Do I need a visa to travel to Angola?

Yes, if you wish to visit Angola for any reason, you must purchase one of the various visas offered.

These visas are divided into three categories:

• Short term visas
• Long term visas
• Official visas

Types of visas for Angola

Short term visas

Transit visa

This visa is granted to people stopping over in Angola before reaching their country of final destination. This visa must be used within 60 days of obtaining it and allows a maximum of 5 days stay on Angolan territory, with the possibility of 1 or 2 entries into the country. It is not possible to extend this visa.

Short term visa (7 days)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens who need to enter Angola urgently, as it is only valid for 72 hours after it has been processed. It allows a maximum stay of 7 days and can be extended for a further 7 days.

Multi-entry tourist visa

This visa is granted to foreign visitors who travel to Angola for tourist purposes such as holidays, cultural and sports visits, etc. It is valid for 60 days to enter the country from the moment of approval, and allows for multiple entries during a maximum total stay of 90 days. It is not possible to extend this visa.

Long term visas

Work visa

This visa is granted to foreigners who want to temporarily exercise a paid job in Angola. It is valid for a maximum of 60 days from the date it is granted. It allows entry and exit until the end of the work contract, and can only be used for the activity requested.

Visa for the establishment of residence

This visa is granted to foreign citizens who wish to establish their residence in Angola. It has a maximum validity of 60 days to enter the country after its concession and allows a maximum stay of 120 days, extendable for equal periods. This visa allows you to live and work in the country.

Temporary stay visa

This visa is granted to foreigners who travel to Angola to carry out some temporary activity such as humanitarian work, religious work, scientific research, accompanying family members who have a study or work visa, or spouses of national or permanent residents. It is valid for a maximum of 60 days from its concession and allows for several entries and exits with a maximum stay of 1 year. It can be extended for periods of up to the same length of time.

Privileged visa

This visa is granted to representatives of investment companies, to implement investment proposals approved in Angola. It is valid for 60 days from its concession and is a multiple entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years that can be extended.

Study visa

This visa is granted to international students who wish to study or finish their studies in a recognized institution in Angola. It is a multiple-entry visa valid for 60 days from issuance and for the duration of the studies to be undertaken. Medical treatment visa: This visa is granted to foreign citizens who need to undergo medical or surgical treatment in one of Angola’s public or private hospitals. It has a maximum validity of 60 days from its issue to enter the country. It allows multiple entries with stays of 180 days per entry.

This visa can be extended if required. It does not allow you to carry out any work activity, nor to establish residence in the country.

Diplomatic, official and courtesy visas

This type of visa is granted to holders of diplomatic, special service or ordinary passports travelling to Angola on an official visit. The visas are valid for 60 days from the date of issue, with a maximum stay of 30 days in the country

How do I get a visa for Angola?

If you are traveling to Angola, you might be wondering: how do I get a visa for Angola? You can get a visa for Angola in-person at an Angolan embassy or consulate or through an online system offered by the Angolan government authorities.

Who needs a visa for Angola?

All foreign citizens, except citizens with Portuguese nationality, must submit an application for an Angola visa to enter Angola. Angola has an agreement with Portugal, so nationals of both countries have benefits for travelling between them.

These benefits vary depending on the type of visa. It is therefore advisable to review the rules before travelling as they may be subject to change.

What are the requirements to apply for a visa to Angola?

How to get Angola visa? There are a series of Angola entry requirements, but here are some essential documents for an Angola visa:

Transit visa

• Completed form
• One photograph
• A copy of the international vaccination card
• Proof of means of subsistence during the period of stay in the country equivalent to 200 USD/day
• Proof of possession of an entry visa for the country of destination (if the country requires it)
• A copy of the flight document or hotel reservation for the country of destination

Short term visa (7 days) and multiple-entry tourist visa

• Completed form
• One photograph
• A letter stating the reason for the visit and the time spent in the country
• A copy of the reservation of the plane tickets
• Letter of invitation from the public or private company in Angola, if your reason is to travel on business
• Commercial delivery notes or constitution of the company, if the reason is business
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Photocopy of the passport
• Photocopy of the international vaccination certificate
• Travel insurance for Portuguese citizens
• Proof of legal residence in the country of origin

Work visa

• Completed form
• One photograph
• A letter from the applicant addressed to the diplomatic and consular embassy, explaining the reasons for the application
• Valid and current passport, with at least 18 months validity
• A photocopy of the passport
• Photocopy of the airplane ticket
• Employment contract
• D.A.R (Angolan company)
• Titles and certificates corresponding to the position to be held
• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of invitation from an authority of the inviting company or institution, which will be responsible for the beneficiary's accommodation and expenses during his or her stay in Angola
• Certificates of a criminal record
• Medical certificate from the country of origin or residence
• Proof of residence from the country of origin
• Declaration of the interested party before a notary public committing to respect and comply with Angolan laws

Visa for the establishment of residence

• Completed form
• One photograph
• A letter from the applicant addressed to the diplomatic and consular embassy, explaining the reasons for the application
• Valid and current passport, with at least 18 months validity
• A letter of invitation from an Angolan citizen, a resident foreign citizen, or an authority of the inviting company or institution. The person who signs the letter of invitation is responsible for the accommodation and expenses of the beneficiary during his/her stay in Angola. If no letter of invitation is presented, proof of sufficient means for subsistence and accommodation in the country must be provided.
• Photocopy of passport
• Photocopy of the air ticket or reservation of the holder
• Certificate of a criminal record
• Photocopy of the international certificate of vaccinations
• Medical certificate from the country of origin or residence
• Proof of residence from the country of origin
• Signed declaration before a notary public in which the applicant undertakes to respect and comply with Angolan laws

Temporary residence visa

• Completed form
• One photograph
• A letter from the applicant addressed to the diplomatic and consular embassy, explaining the reasons for the application
• Valid and current passport, with at least 18 months validity
• Letter of invitation from an Angolan person, or foreigner with a resident's visa, or from an authority of the inviting company or institution. The person who signs the letter is responsible for the accommodation and expenses of the beneficiary during his/her stay in Angola. If the letter of invitation is not presented, proof of sufficient means for subsistence and accommodation for the duration of the stay in the country must be provided.
• Photocopy of passport
• Photocopy of the holder's air ticket or reservation
• Certificate of a criminal record
• Photocopy of the international certificate of vaccinations
• Medical certificate from the country of origin or residence
• Proof of residence from the country of origin
• Declaration by the interested party signed before a notary with the commitment to respect and comply with Angolan laws
• Proof of the family relationship with the person resident in the country

Privileged visa

• Completed from
• One photograph
• Valid and current passport, with at least 18 months validity
• Letter from the applicant, addressed to the diplomatic and consular embassy, explaining the reasons for the application
• A photocopy of the passport
• Photocopy of the holder's flight ticket or reservation
• Certificate of a criminal record
• Photocopy of the international certificate of vaccinations
• Medical certificate from the country of origin or residence
• Proof of legal residence from the country of origin
• Declaration by the interested party, signed before a notary, in which he/she undertakes to respect and comply with Angolan laws
• Updated certificate from the investor (acquired at AIPEX), with proof of each investor's capital import licence for the required investment, recognised by the relevant banking institution

Student visa

• Completed form
• One photograph
• Valid and current passport, with at least 18 months validity
• Letter from the applicant, addressed to the diplomatic and consular embassy, explaining the reasons for the application
• A photocopy of the passport
• Photocopy of the holder's flight ticket or reservation
• Proof of registration at the center where the studies will be taken
• Proof of means of subsistence equivalent to 200 dollars a day
• Curriculum Vitae
• Certificate of a criminal record
• Medical certificate from the country of origin
• Proof of legal residence in the country of origin
• Declaration by the interested party signed before a notary public in which he/she undertakes to respect and comply with Angolan laws

Medical treatment visa

• Completed form
• One photograph
• A letter from the applicant, addressed to the diplomatic and consular embassy, explaining the reasons for the application
• A photocopy of the passport
• Photocopy of the holder's flight ticket or reservation
• Medical report on the treatment to be carried out in the country
• Certificate of sufficient means for subsistence in the country equivalent to 200 dollars a day
• Certificate of a criminal record
• Medical certificate from the country of origin
• Proof of legal residence in the country of origin
• Declaration by the interested party signed before a notary public in which he/she undertakes to respect and comply with Angolan laws

Diplomatic, official and courtesy visas

• Completed form.
• One photograph.
• A letter from the applicant, addressed to the diplomatic and consular embassy, explaining the reasons for the application
• Note verbale issued by the visitor's home ministry or by the Angolan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• A photocopy of the passport
• Photocopy of the holder's airplane ticket or reservation
• Photocopy of the international certificate of vaccination
• Photocopy of a plane ticket

Can the Angola visa be changed once it has been processed?

Once the application for an Angolan visa has been processed, it cannot be changed. If a correction is needed, you must wait until the application expires and then make a new application. Alternatively, you should contact the embassy or consulate nearest to your home and discuss the problem with a government assistant.

If your visa has been rejected, either because of incorrect documentation, inconsistent information or refusal by Angolan government authorities, a letter must be sent to the consulate providing all the correct documentation, plus any additional information requested by the government.

How much does a visa to Angola cost?

The government fees for the various visas for Angola are included below:

• Transit visa: $45
• Short term visa: $120
• 30-day tourist visa: $100
• Tourist visa multiple entry 90 days: $150
• Working visa: $300
• Visa for the establishment of residence: $300
• Temporary stay visa: $300
• Privilege visa: $350
• Student visa: $300
• Visa for medical treatment: $45
• Official visas: Free of charge
• Diplomatic visas: Free of charge
• Courtesy visa with official passport: Free of charge
• Courtesy visa with safe-conduct: $10

How far in advance do I need to apply for an Angola visa?

Most visas for Angola are valid for 60 days to enter the country once they have been approved. After these 60 days, you will not be able to enter the country. Once the application has been submitted online, the response usually takes between 3 and 5 working days.

Therefore, it is advisable to apply for the visa between 30 and 45 days before your trip. If you apply for your visa in person at an embassy, it is advisable to do so 60 days in advance. You can also apply for your visa to a specialized company such as Visagov, which will help you throughout the procedure.

What are the entry borders to Angola?

There are different border points to access Angola, although the main one is the Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport, located in the city of Luanda, Angola's capital. Another access airport is the Mukanka Airport, which although it is a national airport, can be used as a connection. If you wish to enter Angola by land, there are different border posts to do so, including:

• Border with Calai
• Border with Katuitui
• Border with Luao
• Border with Macusso
• Border with Massabi
• Santa Clara border

Do I need a transit visa to travel to Angola?

If you are stopping in Angola because your final destination requires you to do so, you will have to get a transit visa. You can get it online and must be used in the upcoming 60 days after its concession. With this visa you can stay in Angola for 5 days as a maximum.