Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Expanded eVisa System
Angola has streamlined its eVisa process for 2026, allowing more nationalities to apply online for tourist and business visas without embassy visits. The application is quick, typically approved in 3-5 business days, and costs around $100-150 depending on the type. Always check the official Angolan immigration website for the latest eligible countries to avoid surprises.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Angola, with a minimum of two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This is a strict requirement enforced at all ports of entry, including Luanda's international airport.
Renew your passport early if it's nearing expiration, as Angola does not accept passports with less than six months validity, which could lead to denied boarding or entry.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of a limited number of countries, such as some African nations (e.g., Namibia, Botswana) and select others, can enter visa-free for short stays up to 30 days for tourism or business. Always verify your nationality's status on the Angolan Ministry of Tourism website before travel.
For visa-free entry, you must present a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds, typically $50 per day of stay.
Visa Applications
Most travelers require a visa, which can be obtained via the eVisa portal or through Angolan embassies/consulates worldwide; the fee ranges from $100-200, and applications need a passport scan, photo, itinerary, and accommodation proof. Processing times vary from 3 days for eVisas to 2-4 weeks for embassy applications.
Include a yellow fever vaccination certificate, as it's mandatory for entry from most countries, and failure to provide it results in immediate quarantine or denial.
Border Crossings
Angola's main entry points are Luanda's Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport and land borders with Namibia and Zambia, where immigration checks are thorough but efficient for prepared travelers. Visa on arrival is available for certain nationalities at select airports, but pre-approval is recommended to avoid long queues.
Overland crossings require additional vehicle permits if driving, and expect health screenings for yellow fever at all borders.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (essential due to limited facilities outside Luanda), trip cancellations, and activities like wildlife safaris in Kissama National Park. Policies should include coverage for tropical diseases like malaria, with minimum limits of $50,000 for medical expenses.
Providers like World Nomads offer tailored plans starting at $5-10 per day; carry printed policy details for immigration checks.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30-60 days can be applied for at the Migration and Foreigners Service in Luanda or provincial offices, requiring a valid reason like extended tourism or business, plus proof of funds and accommodation. Fees are approximately $50-100, and applications must be submitted at least 7 days before expiration.
Overstaying without extension incurs fines of $20-50 per day and potential deportation, so plan ahead for longer stays.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Angola uses the Angolan Kwanza (AOA). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Luanda by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for international routes from Europe or Africa.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at roadside calulu stalls or markets for affordable meals under 2,000 AOA, skipping upscale restaurants to save up to 60% on food costs. Funge and grilled fish are staples that offer great value and authentic flavors.
Shop at local markets like Roque Santeiro in Luanda for fresh produce and street food, where bargaining can reduce prices by 20-30%.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared minibuses (candongueiros) at 100-500 AOA per ride instead of taxis, or get a weekly pass for urban buses in Luanda around 2,000 AOA to cut transport costs by half.
For intercity travel, book TAAG Angola Airlines domestic flights early for deals under 10,000 AOA, avoiding expensive private transfers.
Free Attractions
Visit public beaches like Ilha do Mussulo, colonial architecture in Benguela, and street markets across Angola, which are cost-free and provide immersive cultural experiences without entry fees.
Many natural sites, such as waterfalls in the highlands, have no admission charges, allowing budget travelers to explore extensively.
Card vs Cash
Cash is king outside major cities; ATMs are limited and often dispense AOA, so withdraw from banks like BAI for better rates than airport exchanges. Cards are accepted in Luanda hotels but carry small bills for markets and tips.
Avoid dynamic currency conversion at ATMs to prevent extra fees, and use USD for exchanges if needed for better value.
Park & Museum Passes
Purchase a multi-entry permit for national parks like Kissama for 5,000 AOA, covering several visits and saving 40% compared to individual tickets. It's ideal for wildlife enthusiasts exploring multiple reserves.
Combine with free guided walks offered by local tourism boards to maximize value without additional costs.
Smart Packing for Angola
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the hot, humid climate, including long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against sun and insects during safaris or beach outings. Include modest attire for cultural sites in Luanda and quick-dry fabrics for sudden rains.
Layer with a light jacket for cooler highland evenings around 15-20°C, and bring neutral colors for wildlife viewing to blend in.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type C plugs (220V), a solar-powered power bank for remote areas with unreliable electricity, offline maps like Maps.me, and a waterproof phone case. Download Portuguese phrase apps and a VPN for secure browsing in areas with spotty Wi-Fi.
Include a portable charger as blackouts are common, and a camera with extra batteries for capturing Angola's stunning landscapes.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive health kit with antimalarials, yellow fever vaccine proof, DEET repellent, and rehydration salts for tropical conditions; include any prescriptions and a basic first-aid for minor injuries from hikes. Travel insurance documents are crucial for potential evacuations from remote sites.
Pack broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+), hats, and water purification tablets, as tap water is unsafe and bottled may be scarce outside cities.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable daypack with rain cover for national park treks, a reusable water bottle with filter, lightweight sleeping bag for overland trips, and small-denomination USD or AOA for tips and markets. Include passport copies, a money belt, and a headlamp for power outages.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching in diverse ecosystems and a multi-tool for minor repairs during extended stays.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking boots with good traction for rugged trails in Iona National Park and lightweight sandals for beach relaxation in Cabinda. Waterproof options are vital for wet season mud and river crossings during eco-tours.
Pack extra socks and moisture-wicking insoles to handle the heat and humidity, preventing blisters on long walks through savannas.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable toiletries, high-SPF lip balm, and a compact mosquito net for outdoor sleeping; antifungal creams help with humid conditions. A small towel and wet wipes are handy for limited facilities in rural areas.
Pack eco-friendly sunscreen and insect repellent to minimize environmental impact while protecting against Angola's intense sun and bugs.
When to Visit Angola
Dry Season Start (May-July)
Perfect for beginning wildlife safaris in Kissama with mild temperatures of 20-28°C, low humidity, and blooming landscapes after the rains. Fewer tourists mean better access to remote parks and cultural festivals in the highlands.
Ideal for hiking and photography, with clear skies enhancing views of Angola's diverse terrain from coasts to mountains.
Peak Dry Season (August-October)
Prime time for beach holidays in Benguela and game viewing as animals gather at waterholes, with hot but dry weather around 25-32°C. Festivals like the Luanda International Jazz Festival add cultural vibrancy without excessive crowds.
Excellent for overland adventures, though book accommodations early as domestic tourism peaks.
Wet Season Transition (November-February)
Great for lush, green scenery and birdwatching with heavy rains bringing temperatures of 25-30°C and fewer visitors, lowering costs by 20-30%. Coastal areas remain accessible for fishing communities and waterfall explorations.
Roads can be muddy, so focus on urban Luanda experiences or guided eco-tours that navigate the rains.
Wet Season Peak (March-April)
Budget-friendly for cultural immersion in rural villages with warm, rainy weather (22-28°C) creating vibrant flora and off-season deals on lodges. Avoid remote parks due to flooding but enjoy indoor activities like museum visits in Huambo.
Shorter showers in April make it suitable for city breaks, with fresh seafood harvests along the coast.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Angolan Kwanza (AOA). Exchange USD cash for best rates; cards limited outside Luanda. ATMs scarce in rural areas.
- Language: Portuguese is official; Umbundu, Kimbundu, and Kikongo widely spoken. English limited to business/tourist spots.
- Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT), UTC+1
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C plugs (two round pins)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire; 191 for ambulance in Luanda
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% in restaurants, 500-1,000 AOA for guides/drivers
- Water: Do not drink tap water; use bottled or purified. Bottled widely available in cities.
- Pharmacies: Available in urban areas; look for "Farmácia" signs. Stock up on essentials before rural travel.