Angola visas
Whether you need a visa to enter Angola depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip: some travellers qualify for a tourism-visa exemption or an electronic visa, while work, study, investment and family stays require a specific visa applied for before travel. Angola's visa framework is set out in Law no. 13/19 on the legal regime of foreign citizens, and entry, visas and residence are administered by the Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros (SME), the central body of the Ministry of the Interior. Always confirm the current rules for your nationality on the SME website and its e-visa portal before booking travel.
Angolan visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Angola — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.5 visas
- Work visasComing to Angola to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Angola — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Angola.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Angola as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Angola long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Angolan visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Angola — key facts
- Visa authority
- Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros (SME) — Migration and Foreigners Service
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Angolan kwanza (AOA)
- Time zone
- West Africa Time (WAT, UTC+1)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.