From vibrant southern Africa to varieties of landscapes, rich culture, and a booming oil industry, the Republic of Angola has opened its doors to international travel and has made traveling much easier for international visitors, including Japanese citizens. The Angola eVisa or Online Pre-Visa is available to citizens of Japan, making travel very easy for business travelers or short term visits.

What is the Angola eVisa/Online Pre-Visa? 

The Angola eVisa, also known as the Online Pre-Visa, is an electronic visa system whereby visitors can apply for a visa online prior to their arrival in Angola. This system makes it unnecessary for them to go physically to embassies or consulates to do this, saving time and effort for applicants. After approval, visitors obtain a pre-visa document by email, which they will have to present at the port of entry in Angola. Once entry requirements have been met, the actual visa is issued upon arrival.

Benefits of Angola eVisa for Japan Citizens

The online application process offers several benefits:

• Convenience: The entire application process is online. Hence, there is no cumbersome paperwork.
• Speed: Applications are processed fast, with most taking just a few business days.
• Ease of Travel: Applicants who obtain an approved eVisa can easily travel to Angola, knowing they are well-documented.

Requirements for Application of Angola eVisa for Japanese Citizens

To apply for the Angola eVisa, citizens of Japan will need to provide the following documents:

• Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Angola.
• Passport photo: A recent passport photo that meets the specified requirements (usually on a white background).
• Proof of Accommodation: You will need to present proof of accommodation in Angola, which could either be a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a host resident in Angola.
• Return/Onward Flight Ticket: Photocopy of your return or onward flight ticket showing proof of your intended departure from Angola.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements or other documents that show you can sustain yourself during your stay in Angola.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate: this is a requirement for entry into Angola.

These documents need to be uploaded through the eVisa application portal. Ensure that all documents are clear, legible, and in the correct format and size as specified by the portal.

Steps to Apply for Angola eVisa/Online Pre-Visa from Japan

1. Visit the Official Portal
   Access the official Angola eVisa website or use an approved visa service provider to begin your application process.
2. Register and Apply

Create an account using your email address and a secure password to access the online application portal.

3. Complete the Application Form and Upload Documents

• Fill out personal and travel details, including:

1. Full name and passport information
2. Purpose of travel and itinerary details
3. Accommodation details and contact information

• Upload the required documents:

1. A valid Japanese passport with at least six months' validity
2. A recent passport-size photo
3. Return or onward ticket confirmation
4. Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
5. Bank statements as evidence of sufficient funds

3. Pay the Visa Fee
   Use a debit or credit card to pay the applicable fees, which depend on the type of visa and processing speed selected.
4. Wait for Approval and Travel

• Wait 3–7 business days for application processing. Expedited options may be available for urgent needs.
• Receive the pre-visa approval via email.
• Upon arrival in Angola, present:
• The printed pre-visa approval document
• Your passport
• Supporting documents like proof of finances and accommodation
  The visa will then be stamped into your passport after verification at immigration.

What is an Angola Pre-Approval Letter

An Angola Pre-Authorization Letter is an official document issued by the government as part of the eVisa application process. It represents preliminary approval to enter Angola. When issued, it confirms that an applicant has satisfied the initial requirements for the eVisa, and the applicant will obtain the final visa upon arrival in Angola.

Key Features of the Pre-Authorization Letter:

Purpose: It is issued to enable travelers to enter Angola for the actual visit and get an Angolan visa upon arrival at any international airport or border crossing.

How It Works:

– Applicants fill out the Angola eVisa application form online.

– Once an application has been considered, the pre-authorization letter is sent to an applicant via email. This letter needs to be printed and presented when arriving at immigration checks.

Document Requirements Upon Arrival:

Upon arrival at any port in Angola, travelers will be expected to present the following:

• The pre-authorization letter;
• A valid passport;
• A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate;
• Proof of sufficient funds and travel itinerary.

Validity:

The pre-authorization letter is generally provided for a limited time, usually related to their intended travel date, and must be availed against before its expiration.

Processing Time of Angola eVisa from Japan

Depending on the option of processing an Angola eVisa from Japan, the following is the approximate time it takes:

1. Standard Processing: Normally it takes up to 7 business days. It is recommendable for travelers who have enough time ahead of their day of departure.
2. Rush Processing: This one is faster, taking about 4 business days, and is ideal if your traveling timeline is moderately urgent.
3. Super Rush Processing: This is the fastest type, where processing is done within 2 business days, targeting the last-minute urgent traveler.

Each has different fees associated, with faster processing times costing more.

Angola eVisa Fees for Japan Citizens

When applying for an Angolan eVisa, Japan citizens should expect to pay two primary fees:

• Government Fee: A fee charged by the Angolan government for processing your visa application.
• Service Fee: A fee charged by a visa processing service for their assistance. The cost of this service varies depending on chosen processing speed (e.g., standard, rush, or super rush).

NOTE: Payment is made online during the application process using a valid credit or debit card. Ensure your card supports international transactions to avoid delays.

Additional Costs

• Expedited Processing: For faster visa approval, expedited options are available at a higher fee.
• Extension Costs: If extending your visa while in Angola, additional fees will apply, payable directly to immigration authorities.

Validity and Duration of Stay for Japanese Citizens with an Angolan eVisa

Validity: The Angola eVisa for Japanese citizens is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance. This means travelers must enter Angola within this period.

Duration of Stay: The eVisa permits Japanese citizens to stay in Angola for up to 30 days per visit. Travelers can apply for an extension of an additional 30 days through immigration authorities while in the country.

This flexibility makes the Angola eVisa a convenient option for Japanese travelers planning both short and slightly extended trips, provided they adhere to the visa terms.

How Can Japanese Citizens Extend Their Angola eVisa While in Angola?

If Japanese citizens would want to stay in Angola longer than the initial 30-day limit on their eVisa, they can simply follow these steps:

1. Apply at Immigration Office: Head over to the nearest immigration (SME) office in Angola and make the application for an extension.
2. Prepare Documents: Take your passport, eVisa approval, entry stamp, proof of funds, and an updated travel plan or reason for the extension with you.
3. Fill out the Form: Fill out the visa extension form from the immigration office.
4. Pay the Fee: Pay the fee for the extension as pointed out from the immigration office.
5. Get Approval: Wait for the application to be approved by the immigration authorities. Once approved, it extends the stay for another 30 days.

Tips for Smooth Application Process

• Check Your Documents Twice

Make sure that your uploaded documents are clearly visible and meet the requirements.

• Apply in Advance

It is recommended to apply at least two weeks prior to your planned travel to Angola in case of any delay.

• Save Your Important Documents

Print several copies of your eVisa approval, as well as any supporting documents for backup purposes.

• Passport Validity

Ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining and also has at least two blank pages available for visa stamps.

Travel Tips for Japan Citizens Visiting Angola

Here are some travel tips to ensure you have a smooth journey:

1. Vaccination Requirements: Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Angola. Carry along your International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card).
2. Currency: The national currency is the Angolan Kwanza AOA. Currency can be exchanged at airports or major cities.
3. Language: The country's official language is Portuguese. Learning basic phrases enhances your experience.
4. Local Customs: Show respect for local traditions and customs. Angolans are renowned for their hospitality.

FAQ

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance and subject to change. For current information, refer to the official websites before lodging an application. Please note that this page was last updated in November 2024; thus, some visa rules might change.