Visas for Angola

Thanks to the abundance of natural resources and gorgeous landscapes, Angola attracts many expats to its shores. To boost tourism, the country has relaxed some of its visa laws, making it easier to enter Angola. Still, the process of securing long-term visas for Angola can be steeped in bureaucracy, so we recommend exercising a little patience.

Angola allows visa-free entry for nationals of over 90 countries, but most foreign nationals need a visa for Angola. Those who do require a visa to enter the country will either have to apply beforehand or may be able to obtain a visa on arrival.

Tourist visas for Angola

Tourist visas allow short-term entry to the country for leisure or business purposes.

You should check if your nationality allows you visa-free entry or permits you to obtain a visa on arrival. If not, you must apply for a visa before your trip. This can either be done at a local Angolan embassy or online via the country’s electronic visa (eVisa) system. Those eligible for a visa on arrival can speed up the process by using the eVisa system to pre-register and pay for their visa ahead of time instead of at the border.

Tourist visas are valid for one stay of 30 days and must be used within 60 days of being granted. Once in the country, it is possible to apply for an extension, allowing an additional 30 days in Angola. There are several visa requirements for Angola:

• Anyone entering the country must hold a passport valid for at least 12 months from the date of entry.
• You must provide proof of your travel itinerary, including accommodation bookings and return flights.
• Proof of adequate funds to support you during your stay in the country
• If you are travelling for business, you must also submit a letter of invitation.

Nationals of certain countries may also be asked for a medical certificate as well as a yellow fever vaccine certificate. If you are travelling on this Angolan visa, you aren’t allowed to establish residence or engage in work for monetary gain in the country.

Useful links

• Migration and Foreigners Service – Visas

Work visas for Angola

Work visas for Angola are granted to those who obtain a contract of temporary employment in the interest of the state or on behalf of an Angolan company. There are six types of work visas available to those looking to work in Angola:

• Type A: You can apply for this visa when you will be employed by a public company or institution
• Type B: This visa is reserved for those who will serve as independent contractors
• Type C: For the oil, mining, and construction sectors
• Type D: This visa is for foreigners who will be working in the commercial sector in industries like fisheries and engineering
• Type E: For those who will be collaborating on cooperative agreements
• Type F: This type of visa is for those who will be working in a sector different to any of those mentioned above

Although the options for work visas in Angola are plenty, the requirements remain largely the same for all of them. Work visas are valid for the duration of the work contract. A work visa does not allow foreigners to take up residence in Angola; if they wish to do so, they must apply for a residence visa.

Residence visas for Angola

Foreign nationals are allowed to set up residence in Angola with a temporary residence visa. Residence visas allow for stays of up to 12 months to three years and are renewable for up to five years. After you have been living in Angola for 10 consecutive years, you are eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit, which allows an indefinite stay in Angola.

Residence visas allow for multiple entries, and if you hold a residence visa, you are allowed to work in Angola. Residence visa applications can be submitted in person, by a third party or through an accredited agency.

*Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice,and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.