Last updated: January 2025

Angola has signed agreements with several countries regarding visa-free traveling, considering the importance of developing tourism and reinforcing international relations. Through these agreements, the nationals of the involved countries are entitled to enter Angola without needing a visa for short periods, usually for tourism or business.If you are a passport holder of one of the visa free countries, it has become easier to travel to Angola since you will not need to go through the normal procedure for visa applications. This guide shall give an overview of the visa-free countries to Angola, entry requirements, and essential information necessary for travelers.

Overview of Angola's Visa-Free Policy

These visa-free travel agreements form part of the government's initiative in transforming the country into a business and tourist destination. Normally, they come in forms that permit the citizens of certain countries to enter Angola for a short duration of time, usually up to a period of 30 to 90 days, without necessarily requiring a visa.

It mainly comprises tourists, travellers visiting their families, and business meetings, among others, for temporary stays in general. It’s important to note that longer-term stays, including work, study, or residence, still require a visa or a permit, even for nationals of visa-exempt countries.

Countries that are Visa-Free to Enter Angola

The citizens of some countries can enter Angola without the requirement for a visa, only if the stay in Angola does not exceed 30 days per visit. An entry visa may allow a short-term visit for tourism, a family visit, or a business meeting. The Government put a restriction on the frequency that such visitors can enter the country with no visa requirement. In fact, they have a limit of three entries, visa-free, per calendar year. In other words, after the third entry, they should apply for a visa in order to enter the Angolan territory once more, since their number of entries will have been finished. In relation to this, it is advisable that the nationals of countries whose citizens are exempt from visas track their visits in order not to get into trouble or violate the immigration laws.The following countries have visa-free arrangements with Angola at the present moment:

African Countries

• Algeria
• Namibia
• Mozambique
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• South Africa
• Zambia
• Botswana
• Cabo Verde
• Equatorial Guinea
• eSwatini
• Lesotho
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Morocco
• Rwanda
• Seychelles
• Tanzania
• Zimbabwe

European Union

• All EU member states

Other Countries

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Australia
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• China
• Dominican Republic
• Fiji
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• India
• Indonesia
• Israel
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Kiribati
• Marshall Islands
• Mexico
• Micronesia
• Monaco
• Nauru
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Palau
• Panama
• Papua New Guinea
• Qatar
• Russia
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Samoa
• Saudi Arabia
• Singapore
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Suriname
• Switzerland
• Timor-Leste
• Tonga
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkey
• Tuvalu
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Uruguay
• Vanuatu
• Vatican City

Conditions for Entry of Visa-Free National

Even though those arriving from countries exempt from Angola visa requirements, there are certain entry requirements at the border which every visitor is supposed to meet for easy entry without border problems.

• Valid Passport: They are travelers in possession of a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. The passport should have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.
• Proof of Accommodation: Proof of accommodation could include hotel reservations or, in cases where one is accommodated with locals, an invitation letter from family/friends. This is probably the most common requirement to prove that the applicant has a place of accommodation during the visit.
• Return or Onward Travel Ticket: Travelers must have a return or onward flight ticket as evidence of an intention to depart Angola within the period for which they are allowed entry without a visa. Immigration officers may request proof of your intentions to leave upon arrival.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: The Immigration authorities may ask you to prove that you have financial means to support yourself for the duration of your stay in the country. This could be bank statements, credit limits, or cash in hand.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is needed for all arriving passengers, even those from visa-free countries. Your yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to be presented at the port of entry upon arrival to ensure your compliance with the Angolan health regulations.

Duration of Stay and Extensions

For each visa-free agreement established, there is an agreed-upon maximum duration of stay that each traveler is required to adhere to. These stays typically range from 30 to 90 days, depending on the country of origin.

Duration of Stay Limit

As an example:

Nationals of South Africa and Cuba have a stay duration in Angola visa-free for 30 days.

Brazilian and Russian citizens stay for 90 days.

Extensions

If you plan to stay beyond the period allowed by visa-free access, an extension must be applied for with the Immigration Authorities. One does not automatically have extensions but rather must request it well in advance of the expiration of the initial stay.

Key Considerations for Visa-Free Travelers

While visa-free entry might lighten the burden on a traveler, there is still plenty of important information to keep in mind:

• Purpose of Visit

This usually permits tourism, family visits, and meeting trips for a limited period. If you plan to work in Angola, study, or stay there for any significant period, the application for the relevant visa or permit must be made before your arrival.

• Respect for Local Laws and Regulations

Visa-free travelers shall not overstay their authorized period. The penalties imposed in overstaying include fines, deportation, or entry bans into the country in the future.

• Border Control and Immigration Checks

Though visa-free, border control checks are usually strict. Angolan immigration officers can ask you about your visit purpose, accommodation, or travel plans. It's always a good idea to have all required documentation readily at hand.

• Travel Insurance

Of course, it will be great to get travel insurance before embarking on a journey to Angola. Such travel insurance should cover eventualities like medical emergencies, cancellations of trips, and other surprise events; after all, even the health facilities are not well equipped in every city but the major ones.

Visa-Free Travel Tips to Angola

In a bid to have a hassle-free traveling experience, consider the following:

• Latest Visa-Free Policy: Consult the embassy or consulate in your country regarding the most recent visa agreements; sometimes these change, and you do not want any surprises at your arrival.
• Arrange Your Documents: Even though you will not need to obtain a visa, you are still supposed to have some documents in order. You are going to need your passport, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, and proof of accommodation.
• Take Care of the Period of Stay: Depart the country within the period allowed by the visa-free period; if need be, get your period extended to avoid penalties.
• Plan Your Trip Well in Advance: Ensure your travel itinerary falls in line with the period allowed for your stay. Have a place to put up and means of transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can citizens of visa-free countries stay in Angola?

Tourists arriving from visa-free countries are allowed to stay in Angola for 30 days per visit, for tourism, business trips, or short-term personal visits.

How many times can I enter Angola in one year without a visa?

In this respect, the government has allowed a maximum of three visa-free entries per calendar year for visitors from these countries. On the third entry-after which one will have completely used up the whole year's advantage-a visa will be needed for further visits.

How can I extend my Angolan visa-free stay?

No, the Visa-free is not extendable beyond the 30-day limit. If you plan to be in PNG for more than the 30-day limit, and/or to visit PNG more than three times, you should obtain a visa before entry.

What are the requirements for visa-free travelers?

Even if you are a citizen of a country that does not require an Angolan visa, borders will also require a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity, a return ticket, proof of sufficient funds for your stay, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entry.

Does visa-free travel to Angola allow me to work or study?

No, visa-free admission is strictly for short-term stays for tourism or business meetings. It doesn't give any merit for paid employment, long-term residence, or studies. If you plan to work or study in Angola, you should apply for the proper type of visa well in advance of your trip.

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 October 2024; thus, some visa rules and traveling norms might change.