Zambia & Angola waive-off VISA requirement

Zambia and Angola have formally waived-off the VISA requirement for citizens traveling between the two countries.

This is a culmination of the signing of two VISA exemption agreements during a state visit to Zambia in May by Angolan president Joao Lourenco.

The two agreements, one for diplomatic and official passport holders and another for ordinary passport holders, could however not be implemented immediately owing to the clause in the two agreements which makes it mandatory for both parties to fulfill all internal legal formalities and communicate such fulfillment in writing through diplomatic channels.

Making the announcement at a media briefing in Lusaka, acting home affairs minister, Michael Katambo explained that the two agreements will come into effect tomorrow, Thursday, 16th August, 2018.

Mr. Katambo says the agreements will enable citizens from both countries travel without a visa for a period of 30 days and remain in the territory of both countries for a period non superior of 90 days.

He however, states that the agreement not applicable to citizens who would like to work, have fixed residence, study or travel to the two countries for medical purposes.

Mr Katambo says the agreements will deepen the bilateral relations of friendship and corporation between the two countries and eliminate barriers and promote the movement of nationals from Zambia and Angola.

And Angolan Ambassador to Zambia, Balbina Da Silva says the open border between the two countries is a reflection of the good friendship that exists between them and the good leadership of the Presidents of the two countries.