Short term visas

Ordinary and tourist visas

Staying in Angola, even for a short time, will require you to get a visa before your arrival. Most short-term visas offer a limited re-entry clause, and the majority can be extended (usually only once), but travellers should always ensure they verify this with the consulate.

Ordinary visa

This visa is designed to cover foreign nationals wishing to enter Angola for family reasons, travel and business. It requires an invitation from an Angolan resident, and does not allow any rights of residence, or permit any commercial or paid activity.

The visa is valid for 30 days from entry, and is renewable up to two times for an additional period of 30 days. It permits up to two instances of entry into the country. If you have received this visa you must enter Angola within 60 days from the visa start date.

Documents required for application:

• Completed application form (Printed/capitals, signed)
• Two passport photographs (3cm x 4cm), recently taken
• Passport, valid for at least six months
• Proof of return ticket (photocopy is acceptable)/copy of itinerary
• Letter of invitation from a public or private individual residing in Angola
• Proof of monetary self-sufficiency (a copy of 2 months bank statements), or a notarised guarantee of responsibility from an Angolan organisation/individual.

Tourist visa

Tourist visas are issued for the pursuit of recreational activities, or participation in cultural and sporting events. Once again, it does not provide any rights associated with residence, nor to any commercial or paid activity.

Tourist visas allow multiple entry occasions, and must be used within 60 days from the date of issue. They allow a stay of up to 30 days, and one renewal for a further 30 days.

Documents required for application:

• Completed application form (Printed/capitals, signed)
• Three passport photographs (3cm x 4cm), recently taken
• Vaccination history issued by accredited medical authority
• Assurance of financial self-sufficiency and appropriate lodging details for duration of stay
• Passport valid for at least six months and photocopy of passport pages including all pages with immigration stamps/information
• Proof of return ticket (photocopy is acceptable)
• Proof of payment of all visa fees

Invitation letters

An invitation letter is required for all types of Angolan visa.Your company will provide one, or you can obtain one from an individual in Angola.

The letter must be addressed to the consulate where you are making the visa application and must include the following information:

• purpose of the trip
• relationship to the applicant
• length of stay
• contact information while in Angola
• address while in Angola
• guarantee of financial support from the company (or the applicant must provide bank statements).

The letter must be written in Portuguese and notarized in Angola. If it is written by an Angolan national a copy of their ID must be included. For a non-Angolan resident a copy of their work permit or residency card is required.

Things to note

Rules vary slightly depending on the embassy you are applying to, however, you should note the following points:

Photos - Men should wear a shirt and tie and women must be modestly covered.

Application forms - These must be typed, handwritten applications may not be accepted. Two application forms per person, each one signed.

Sufficient funds - If you need to prove you are financially able to support your stay this is calculated at US$200 a day.