LUANDA – Angola has implemented a visa waiver program for citizens of 98 countries, including notable nations such as Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, the United States, Russia, and China. This move allows for visa-free tourist stays in Angola for up to 90 days per year.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the exemption allows for a stay of up to 30 days per entry and a total of 90 days per year for citizens from these countries. To enter Angola under this program, visitors must complete the required formalities at border crossings, possess a passport valid for a period longer than their stay, and present an international vaccination certificate when necessary.
The list of exempt countries includes 35 European nations, covering all European Union member states, Russia, Norway, and Turkey. From the Americas, countries like the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are included. The waiver extends to 14 African nations, including Cape Verde, Morocco, Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, and Rwanda. Additionally, 11 Asian countries, such as China, Japan, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, India, Singapore, South Korea, and East Timor, are part of the program.
The decree also benefits 14 countries in Oceania, including Australia and New Zealand, along with 16 small states and islands in the Caribbean and Pacific regions. Furthermore, the presidential decree introduces simplified procedures for issuing tourist visas to citizens of countries not on the waiver list. Diplomatic and consular missions are directed to offer a “simplified service” ensuring the issuance of tourist visas within less than three working days.
Since the implementation of this policy, from September 27 to November 26 this year, a total of 18,719 foreign citizens from various nationalities have been exempted from tourist visas to Angola.
WINDHOEK: Tim Ekandjo, Chief Human Capital, Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), has called on the leadership of the Namibia Football Association (NFA) to rally behind the national football team, the Brave Warriors, in their upcoming participation in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Ekandjo made this call on Friday while announcing MTC’s N$2.4 million contribution to the team’s preparations for the tournament, scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from 13 January to 11 February 2024.
According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), the current focus should be on ensuring the Brave Warriors are in the right mindset, particularly in light of recent rumors about Scottish coach Simon McMenemy and his technical team potentially replacing the incumbent Collin Benjamin and his team by 01 January 2024. Ekandjo emphasized the importance of supporting the team and avoiding negativity, noting the challenges they faced in the qualification process, including playing away from home. He expressed pride in the team’s growth and their display of perseverance under various challenges.
Director of Sport Jo-Ann Manuel also shared Ekandjo’s sentiments, highlighting the Brave Warriors’ potential to progress beyond the group stages for the first time in 25 years, given their recent performances. MTC, through its MTC Knockout Project, had aimed to raise N$5 million to support the team but managed to collect N$2.4 million. Contributions included N$100,000 each from the Road Fund Administration and the National Housing Enterprise, N$150,000 from the Dr Hage Geingob Cup gate takings, and N$50,000 from the Namibia Special Risk Insurance Association, with MTC adding N$2 million.
In the tournament, the Brave Warriors are placed in Group E, alongside South Africa, Tunisia, and Mali, with their first match against Tunisia scheduled for 16 January 2024 in Korhogo.