Angola is one of the most geographically diverse countries in South Africa. International travelers who wish to visit the country need a visa except those from visa-exempt nations.
Angola also offers a simplified visa application system to travelers from over 60 foreign countries. They can register online for a pre-entry visa (pre-visa or pre-visa registration) and convert it into a physical tourist visa on arrival at select Angolan airports.
Here's what foreign travelers need to know about an Angolan pre-visa.
What is An Angola Pre-Entry Visa
The pre-visa registration for Angola or a pre-entry visa is an electronic travel authorization issued by the government of that country to citizens of eligible foreign nations.
Applicants from these countries can apply for an Angolan pre-entry visa online and upload all the required documents at the Angolan immigration services’ official website.
They can get a copy of the pre-visa and change it into a short-term tourist visa on arrival at select international airports in the country. They are required to pay a fee (about US$120) to get their visa.
The Angolan pre-entry visa was introduced in 2018 to attract more tourists to the country and also to ease the rush in Angolan embassies.
This also helps visa applicants. Travelers from eligible countries are no longer required to visit an Angolan mission or appear for a personal interview.
The pre-visa registration made the entire process faster and easier.
The online system also helped ease long queues at international airports in the country.
What is the Validity of A Pre-Entry Visa?
An electronic authorization to travel (also known as a landing authorization) is an online registration. Travelers from eligible countries must complete the registration in the Angolan immigration services’ portal at least 72 (three days) hours before arriving in the country.
The application process is simple and if prepared, applicants can complete it in a matter of a few hours.
Travelers arriving in the country without a pre-visa registration can be denied entry.
Note that a pre-entry visa does not guarantee entry to the country. This is solely based on the decision of the officers of the Angolan immigration services. If they feel their national interests are at stake or have security concerns, they may deny entry to a foreign traveler.
Validity of an Angolan Tourist Visa
An Angolan pre-entry visa must be used within 60 days from the issuance date. Foreign travelers arriving on this visa in Angola can stay up to 30 days initially. They can extend the number of days to 30 more days.
The validity of an Angolan tourist visa is 120 days.
Foreign visitors are required to leave the country once the maximum period of stay gets over. Otherwise, their stay will be deemed illegal. They may need to pay heavy fines (approximately 15,000 Kwanzas per day for overstaying) or may face other legal actions including detention, deportation or a ban on re-entry.
The Airports Wherein a Visa on Arrival is Processed
International travelers from countries that are eligible for a pre-entry visa must know that they can convert the document to a proper tourist visa at only a few select airports. They can change it in designated airports such as Massabi, Lubango, Curoca, Luau and Quatro de Fevereiro airports.
Applicants for the pre-visa should check with their travel agency or airlines about the port of entry in Angola. They may not get a visa on arrival in other ports of entry in the country.
Countries eligible for a visa on arrival include most European Union states, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, India, Australia, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Norway, Vatican City, United Arab Emirates, Cuba, Indonesia, China, Russia and Israel.
How do I Register for an Angolan Pre-Entry Visa?
The application process for an Angola pre-entry visa is simple and online. The applicants can complete the process in three steps.
Step 1: Applicants have to login to the official website of the Angolan immigration services under the ministry of interiors. They have to select the right visa type (Angola pre-entry visa).
Step 2: Applicants need to share information about their identity, travel itinerary and accommodation. They also need to pay a service/processing fee online using authorized credit/debit cards.
Step 3: Applicants have to upload the scanned copies of the required documents including passport and vaccination certificates. Finally, they have to click the submit button.
Usually, an Angola pre-visa registration is completed within a few hours and will be processed within five to six working days. Some Angolan embassies may take up to 10 days. Applicants should check with their nearest embassy about the processing time and fee since it may vary. They should also make their travel plans accordingly.
Once processed, they will receive a confirmation letter in their email address about the Angola pre-visa registration. They have to show a printed copy of this confirmation letter to immigration authorities at the port of entry in Angola along with all other required documents.
Documents Required for An Angola Pre-Entry Visa?
To get an Angolan pre-visa registration, applicants should share a number of information and documents. They should submit proof of economic solvency, accommodation, return tickets and vaccination certificates.
List of Documents Needed for Pre-Visa Registration
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Scanned copy of passport’s information page
- Passport size photograph. This should not be blurry or pixelated and should be in a white background.
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
- Proof of funds to support the applicant during his/her stay
- Accommodation details such as the name, address and contact details of hotels/resorts
- Return flight tickets.
Cost of an Angolan Pre-Visa Registration
An Angola tourist visa on arrival costs approximately US$120 for most travelers. Travelers must check with the Angolan mission to understand if there is a change in the cost of a visa on arrival.
However, the processing fee for the online registration for an Angolan pre-entry visa may differ based on the mission. Applicants can also approach a travel agency for pre-entry registration. These agencies may also charge differently.
Can I Change the Information on Pre-Entry Visa
No. Applicants must ensure that they are entering the correct information and the details they submitted must match that in the passport information page.
Errors and mistakes can result in the denial of a tourist visa on arrival at Angola airports. If there are any mistakes on their pre-entry visa, the best solution will be to apply for a new one.
Can I Work?
Note that an Angolan pre-entry visa is for tourists. International travelers staying in Angola on a tourist visa cannot work or do business.
