Angola entry requirements for United States passport holders

Verified May 14, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

U.S. passport holders can enter Angola without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This policy started in 2023, so no embassy visit needed. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply for an Angola eVisa before travel
US passport holders need an eVisa to enter Angola. Apply at the official SMEVISA portal (smevisa.gov.ao) at least 5 working days before departure. The eVisa costs $120 USD and is valid for a single entry up to 30 days.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity requirements
Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Angola. Have at least two blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Luanda's Quatro de Fevereiro Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Angola. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel.Recommended
Proof of funds
Financial means for your stay
Have evidence of sufficient funds, such as a bank statement or credit card, covering your stay. Around $200 USD per day is a safe benchmark if asked.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') to enter Angola. Without it, you may be quarantined, vaccinated on arrival, or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
30-day stay is not extendable
The visa-free entry is strictly for 30 days. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible trouble when leaving. Plan your exit accordingly.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at the airport in Angola
You'll land at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (LAD) in Luanda or another international airport. Follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the line for foreign passports. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — no visa needed.
3
Present documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. The process usually takes 2–5 minutes.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (30 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's no arrival declaration form to fill out.
Download Angola Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Download PDF

Overstay calculator

Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$120 USD (equivalent)

For longer stays beyond visa-free period. Apply at Angolan embassy.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD (equivalent)

Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.

Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$300 USD (equivalent)

Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.

work visa
Work Visa (Visto de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (equivalent)
For US citizens with a job offer in Angola. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudo)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (equivalent)
For US citizens enrolled in an Angolan educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investimento)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (equivalent)
For US citizens investing a minimum amount (e.g., $250,000) in Angola. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; exact rates may vary. Avoid overstaying.Unknown (estimated ~$50 USD/day)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Angola

No transit visa needed

US citizens transiting through Angola do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsQuatro de Fevereiro Airport (LAD), Luanda

Health & vaccines for Angola

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Malaria is widespread throughout Angola, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.

DengueModerate risk

Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.

CholeraModerate risk

Cholera outbreaks occur; ensure safe food and water practices.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round nationwide, with highest risk in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Luanda
Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros (SME) - Luanda
Rua 17 de Setembro, Luanda
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30

Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.

Benguela
SME - Benguela
Avenida 25 de Abril, Benguela
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30

Regional office for visa-related services.

Practical information for US travellers

Country basics
CapitalLuanda
LanguagePortuguese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyAngolan kwanza (AOA)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 922.84 AOA
updated May 13
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with side clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police113
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before traveling or leave and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Yes, Angola requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travelers over 9 months old. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Angolan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, US citizens don't need a visa for tourism or business stays up to 30 days. For longer stays or other purposes, you must apply at an Angolan embassy.
The local currency is the Angolan kwanza (AOA). US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger businesses, but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are available in Luanda but may have low withdrawal limits. Bring some cash in USD as backup.
No, there is no arrival declaration form for Angola. You simply present your passport and supporting documents at immigration.
Technically yes, but immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. If you don't have a return or onward ticket, you could be denied entry. It's safer to have one.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.