Scroll

22 May 2026 / Angola

Immigration fines affecting arriving offshore crew & technicians

Offshore crew members and technicians face potential immigration fines upon arrival in Angola since the relocation of international flights from 4 de Fevereiro Airport to Dr. António Agostinho Neto Airport (Icolo e Bengo Province) in October 2025.

Angola’s Immigration Law does not provide specific visa categories for seafarers or offshore personnel. Historically, this gap was managed through practical arrangements, primarily the use of Short-Term or Border Visas supported by Embarkation and Disembarkation Manifests.

However, these practices were not carried over to the new Immigration Authority in Icolo e Bengo, which is now strictly enforcing legal provisions without accommodating established operational practices.

As a result:

  • Fines are being passed on to vessel operators/clients;
  • Each trip now incurs an additional average cost of approximately USD 550.00 per crew member for visa overstay;
  • Operational delays, including extended waiting times, continue to affect personnel movements.

These additional costs should be taken into account until the situation is regularized.

Concerns have been raised with Immigration authorities and relevant government entities, and the matter is currently being addressed collectively. Industry stakeholders are engaging with the Government to:

  • Reinstate the temporary use of Border Visas supported by manifests;
    and
  • Introduce long-term solutions, including expanded visa coverage or dedicated visa categories for ships’ crew and offshore personnel.

For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Angola, contact GAC at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

Make an
enquiry

enquiry icon

Find your
country

country icon