Angola Ordinary Visa and Short-Term Visa

Angola uses the Ordinary Visa and Short-Term Visa for short stays, but the two visas serve different purposes. The Ordinary Visa is used for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences, cultural activities, scientific activities, charitable events, and religious events. Angola does not have a separate business visa category, so traditional business visitor activities are usually handled under the Ordinary Visa.

The Ordinary Visa must generally be obtained from an Angolan consular mission before travel. It must be used within 60 days from the date of issuance and may be issued for single or multiple entries. Although it may be granted for up to 90 days, the holder may usually stay for only 30 days at a time. Remunerated activity is expressly prohibited under this visa.

The Short-Term Visa is used for urgent short visits and may allow remunerated activity in limited circumstances. It is usually issued as a single-entry visa valid for seven days and is processed more quickly than the Ordinary Visa. This route is narrow, discretionary, and generally used where the activity is urgent and falls within sectors accepted by the consular authorities.

Last updated: 07/05/2026

Applications for an Angola Ordinary Visa or Short-Term Visa are submitted through the relevant Angolan mission in the applicant’s country of residence or citizenship. Requirements may vary between missions, so applicants should confirm the applicable checklist before preparing the application.

Common documentation may include:

• A valid passport
• Completed visa application form issued by the relevant Angolan mission
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proof of travel purpose
• Proof of accommodation or host details in Angola
• Flight reservation or travel itinerary

For business visitor activities under the Ordinary Visa, key supporting documents include:

• An invitation letter from the Angolan host entity, written in Portuguese
• A clear description of the intended activities in Angola
• A statement confirming the intended duration of stay
• Confirmation whether multiple entry is required, as single entry may be issued by default if not requested

For Short-Term Visa applications, supporting documentation should clearly explain:

• The urgent reason for travel
• The remunerated or technical activity to be performed, where applicable
• The sector in which the activity will take place
• Why the activity must be performed urgently in Angola

The Short-Term Visa is highly discretionary. The consular authority decides whether the reason for travel is sufficiently urgent and whether the activity is suitable for this visa category.

Processing times depend on the visa category, the Angolan mission handling the application, and the completeness of the submitted documents.

Ordinary Visa processing time:

The Ordinary Visa is normally processed within approximately 8 working days. In practice, processing may take longer depending on the mission, the applicant’s nationality, and whether additional review is required.

Short-Term Visa processing time:

The Short-Term Visa is normally processed within approximately 2 working days after submission of a complete application. It is designed for urgent short stays and is therefore processed more quickly than the Ordinary Visa.

Important processing note:

Angolan visa requirements and processing practices may vary between consular missions. Applicants should confirm the correct forms, checklist, and timing directly with the relevant Angolan mission before submission.

Fees are usually determined by the relevant Angolan mission and may vary depending on the visa type, nationality, urgency, and local consular practice.

Ordinary Visa fees:

The exact consular fee for an Ordinary Visa should be confirmed with the relevant Angolan mission before submission.

Short-Term Visa fees:

The Short-Term Visa is available for an additional fee and is described as costing approximately 25% more than the normal visa rate. The exact amount should be confirmed with the relevant Angolan consular mission.

Additional costs may include:

• Document translation into Portuguese, where required
• Document legalisation or certification
• Courier or submission costs
• Travel costs for in-person submission, where required by the mission

Applicants should confirm all applicable fees and payment instructions directly with the Angolan mission handling the application.

The application process for both the Ordinary Visa and Short-Term Visa is consular-led. Applications are filed with the relevant Angolan mission in the applicant’s country of residence or citizenship.

Step 1: Confirm the correct visa category

The applicant must determine whether the purpose of travel falls under the Ordinary Visa or Short-Term Visa. Tourism, meetings, conferences, and non-remunerated business visitor activities are generally handled under the Ordinary Visa. Urgent short visits involving limited remunerated activity may require the Short-Term Visa.

Step 2: Contact the relevant Angolan mission

The applicant should confirm the correct application form, checklist, fee, and submission procedure with the Angolan mission that has jurisdiction over the application. Requirements may differ between missions.

Step 3: Prepare supporting documentation

The applicant prepares the required documents, including passport, application form, photographs, travel details, and purpose-specific support documents. For business visits, the Angolan host should provide an invitation letter in Portuguese and a clear explanation of the planned activities.

Step 4: Submit the application

The application is submitted to the Angolan mission in person or through the accepted submission method used by that mission. Some missions may allow submission by a third party, depending on local procedure.

Step 5: Await processing

The Ordinary Visa is usually processed in approximately 8 working days, while the Short-Term Visa is usually processed in approximately 2 working days. Processing may take longer where additional review is required.

Step 6: Travel within the permitted validity

The Ordinary Visa must generally be used within 60 days from issuance. Travellers must comply with the authorised period of stay and the activities permitted under the visa issued.