Invitation Letters For Angola: A Quick Guide

To enter Angola, citizens of certain countries need a visa in addition to a valid passport. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the visit. Travellers intending to stay in Angola for less than 90 days may be exempt from obtaining a visa, but they must meet other requirements, such as holding proof of sufficient funds and proof of return or onward travel tickets. For longer stays, a business or tourist visa may be required, and one of the documents needed for the visa application is a letter of invitation (LOI) from an Angolan citizen or company. This letter must be addressed to the Angolan Consulate in Houston and include specific details such as the full local address and phone number of the organisation or person to be visited.

Invitation letter requirements

The requirements for an invitation letter to Angola vary depending on the type of visa being applied for. Here are the requirements for different types of visas:

Tourist Visa

A letter of invitation from a host in Angola is required for a tourist visa. This letter must include the purpose of the visit, dates of arrival and departure, hotel stay, and places to be visited. A hotel reservation can serve as a substitute for the letter of invitation.

Ordinary Visa (for American Citizens only)

The requirements for an ordinary visa include a letter addressed to the Embassy of Angola, Consular Section, explaining the purpose of the visit and notarized by a notary in Angola. The letter must also be accompanied by a copy of the Yellow Fever Vaccination Card.

Business Visa (for American Citizens doing business in Angola)

In addition to the requirements for an ordinary visa, a business visa requires a letter from the private company sponsoring the visa applicant, which must be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Angola (MIREX). This letter should include evidence of the legal establishment of the company, a copy of the business permit, and proof of payment of current taxes.

Student Visa

A student visa requires a letter of approval from the University of Angola, as well as a statement pledging to respect all Angolan laws. An internship program or training contract may also be required, depending on the nature of the student's studies.

Work Visa

For a work visa, a letter issued by the company requesting the visa is necessary. This letter should include information about the work contract or employee lease agreement. The letter should be addressed to the Consular and Diplomatic Mission of Angola, with a copy sent to the Migration and Foreigners Service.

Business vs tourist visas

When it comes to travelling to a foreign country, there are different types of visas that you may need to apply for, depending on the purpose of your visit. Two of the most common types of visas are tourist visas and business visas. While the activities permitted under each type of visa may overlap, there are some key differences to keep in mind.

Tourist Visas:

Tourist visas are typically issued for travel related to leisure and pleasure. This includes activities such as tourism and sightseeing, visiting family or friends, and attending social events or short-term recreational studies. Tourist visas usually require proof of upcoming travel, such as flight bookings or hotel reservations. Additionally, some countries may require a letter of employment to ensure that you have a job to return to and are not intending to stay long-term. Tourist visas generally do not permit work-related activities or long-term employment in the host country.

Business Visas:

Business visas, on the other hand, are designed for travellers who need to engage in business-related activities. This includes activities such as business meetings, consulting with associates, attending conferences or conventions, negotiating contracts, and making investments. Business visas typically require a supporting letter from the company or organisation inviting you, as well as a letter of intent. Business visas may also be required for activities related to commercial trade, research, lecturing, or other professional endeavours.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and permitted activities under tourist and business visas can vary slightly depending on the country issuing the visa. Additionally, while a tourist visa generally does not prevent you from conducting some business activities, it is always best to obtain the appropriate visa for your intended purpose of travel to avoid any legal consequences.

In the case of Angola, a Letter of Invitation (LoI) may be required for a visa application, especially if you are planning to stay in a hotel. It is recommended to refer to the official consulate website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa requirements and application procedures.

How to get a letter from a hotel

To get a letter from a hotel, you will need to contact the hotel directly. You can do this by finding the hotel's contact email, usually available on their website, or by calling them and asking for the relevant email address.

In your email, be sure to include a clear subject line with your requested dates, such as "Booking for 2 nights next week". Begin the email with a greeting, such as "Hello" or "Dear", followed by the hotel name. Clearly state the dates you want to book, the type of room, and any additional requests or requirements you may have. For instance, you could ask for a quiet room with a view, an iron and ironing board, or inquire about breakfast options and costs.

Provide any relevant information, such as your expected arrival time, and include your contact details, especially if you prefer to be contacted by phone. Finally, request that the hotel confirms your booking and mention that you can provide any further information if needed.

> To:

> Subject: Booking for 2 nights, [dates]

>

> Dear [Hotel Name],

>

> I am writing to request a letter of invitation for my upcoming stay at your hotel. I would like to book a [room type] for [number of nights] on [dates]. Could I please request a quiet room with a view? Additionally, I would like to know if breakfast is included in the price.

>

> Please let me know if you require any further information from my side. My contact details are as follows: [provide contact details].

>

> Could you please confirm the booking and let me know if there is anything else needed from my side?

>

> Thank you,

> [Your name]

Please note that the exact process and requirements may vary depending on the hotel and your specific needs. It is always a good idea to provide as much detail as possible and to include all the necessary information the hotel may need to process your request.

Using a third party to help with your application

Angola is a country with many attractions, from the beaches of Lobito to the ancient rock art found in Namibe and Lubango. If you are planning a trip to Angola, you may need to obtain a visa, and as part of the visa application process, you may be required to provide a letter of invitation (LOI) or confirmation of your hotel reservation.

If you are unsure about any aspect of the visa application process or simply don't have the time to navigate it yourself, you may want to consider engaging a third party to assist you. This could be a visa specialist company or even a travel agent. Here are some tips and things to consider when using a third party to help with your Angola visa application:

• Understand the process yourself: Before engaging any third party, it is essential to understand the visa requirements yourself. This will help you ask the right questions and ensure that you are providing all the necessary information and documentation to your chosen service provider.
• Research reputable companies: It is important to only use reputable and trustworthy companies to assist with your visa application. Look for companies with a good track record and positive reviews from previous clients. You can search for reviews online or ask for recommendations from friends or travel forums.
• Communication is key: Once you have selected a company to work with, ensure that you clearly communicate your needs and expectations. Provide them with all the necessary documentation and information, and be sure to ask any questions you may have about the process.
• Understand the costs involved: Most third-party visa services will charge a fee for their assistance. Be sure to understand all the costs involved, including any potential hidden fees, before engaging their services. Ask for a detailed quote or estimate so you can compare prices if you are considering multiple providers.
• Provide accurate information: It is essential to provide accurate and truthful information to the third party handling your application. Double-check all the details and review any documents they have completed on your behalf to ensure that there are no errors or omissions.
• Stay organised: Keep a record of all communication and documentation related to your visa application. This includes emails, forms, and any other relevant paperwork. This will help you stay organised and ensure that you can provide any necessary information promptly if needed.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your experience of using a third party to help with your Angola visa application is a positive one. It can save you time and provide valuable peace of mind, knowing that your application is in capable hands.

Other Angola visa requirements

To apply for an Angola visa, you must submit the following documents:

• A valid passport for the entire duration of your stay in the country.
• A fully completed and signed Angola application form (two copies).
• A recent passport-sized photo of yourself.
• Proof of accommodation in Angola.
• Health insurance that covers your entire stay in Angola.
• A bank statement document.
• A copy of your plane ticket along with proof of entry and exit dates for Angola.
• Civil status documents.
• A birth certificate (if applicable).
• A criminal record document.
• A medical certificate.

If you are applying for an Ordinary visa, you must also submit:

• A letter addressed to the embassy of Angola in Washington, explaining the purpose of your visit and notarized.
• A Yellow Fever Vaccination Card.
• A document proving that you are financially stable and that you have at least $200 for each day that you spend in Angola.
• A document of the legal establishment of the company.
• A copy of the business permit.
• A document that proves that you have finished the payment of the current taxes.

If you are applying for a student visa, you must also submit:

• A letter of approval from the University of Angola to which you have applied.
• A document statement pledging that you will respect all Angolan laws.
• An internship program (if applicable).
• A training contract (if applicable).

If you are applying for a work visa, you must also submit:

• A letter issued from the company that requested the visa.
• An academic and professional certificate.
• A work contract from a company that is in Angola.
• A letter of approval from the Ministry of Public Administration, Employment, and Social Security.
• A copy of the permit for the authorized economic activity.
• A document evidencing that you have finished the tax obligations.
• A copy of the Official Gazette of the Republic, publishing the company's by-laws.

Please note that all documents mentioned above must be translated into Portuguese.

Frequently asked questions