Visas no longer needed for Angola

THE governments of Angola and Namibia have scrapped visa requirements for short-term visits between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Interior Ministry of Angola in Luanda last week. Home Affairs spokesman Kauku Hengari pointed out, however, that people intending to do business in Angola for longer than a week would still have to apply for visas.”This special arrangement mainly pertains to tourists and short-term visitors.Students, employment seekers and those wishing to engage in business activities on a long-term basis have to apply for the relevant visas and permits,” said Hengari.In terms of the agreement, people living closer than 60 kilometres from the border would be allowed to cross it freely at any time.Namibians doing business in Angola have complained about frustrating bureaucratic delays at border posts.Hengari said a trade protocol still had to be ratified to improve the situation.He said the agreement would include establishing 10 new border posts to lessen the burden on the existing entry points.He could not say where the new posts would be or when they would be opened.”It is a gradual process but we estimate that some 10 posts and entry points will be opened.The process will depend on the availability of funds.Once Government makes a budgetary provision, then things will start moving immediately,” he added.Home Affairs spokesman Kauku Hengari pointed out, however, that people intending to do business in Angola for longer than a week would still have to apply for visas.”This special arrangement mainly pertains to tourists and short-term visitors.Students, employment seekers and those wishing to engage in business activities on a long-term basis have to apply for the relevant visas and permits,” said Hengari.In terms of the agreement, people living closer than 60 kilometres from the border would be allowed to cross it freely at any time.Namibians doing business in Angola have complained about frustrating bureaucratic delays at border posts.Hengari said a trade protocol still had to be ratified to improve the situation.He said the agreement would include establishing 10 new border posts to lessen the burden on the existing entry points.He could not say where the new posts would be or when they would be opened.”It is a gradual process but we estimate that some 10 posts and entry points will be opened.The process will depend on the availability of funds.Once Government makes a budgetary provision, then things will start moving immediately,” he added.