editor
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced that Angolan citizens will no longer need a visa to travel to Tanzania for tourism purposes.
The announcement came during her official state visit to Angola on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, where she held bilateral talks with Angolan President João Lourenço. Speaking at a joint press briefing in Luanda, President Samia said the new visa-free arrangement is part of a broader effort to build closer relations between the two countries.
“I am pleased to announce the waiver of tourist visa requirements for Angolan citizens wishing to visit Tanzania,” she said, adding that the decision is expected to benefit both nations, especially in areas such as tourism, trade, and investment.
President Samia’s visit to Angola marks an important moment in East and Southern African diplomacy. The two heads of state discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation, increase trade volumes, and promote people-to-people exchanges.
She also revealed that President Lourenço is scheduled to visit Tanzania later this year, in July, where he will be the guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair—commonly known as Sabasaba. The annual event is one of the largest trade exhibitions in the region, drawing participants and investors from across Africa and beyond.
This latest move means Angolan tourists will now be able to enter Tanzania without applying for a visa in advance, a change that simplifies travel and is likely to increase the number of Angolan visitors. Previously, citizens of Angola were required to obtain a visa on arrival, which, although functional, still posed a barrier to spontaneous travel.
Also Read; Russia Unveils Powerful New
Arsenal for Modern Warfare
Tanzania, in recent years, has been actively reforming its visa policies in an effort to boost its tourism sector and attract more international visitors. The country launched an e-visa platform in early 2025 to replace the traditional visa-on-arrival system for most travellers. However, this exemption for Angola highlights the government’s willingness to make strategic decisions that reflect strong bilateral friendships.
Analysts say the visa-free agreement could open new doors for businesses, cultural cooperation, and joint ventures between the two countries, especially as Tanzania positions itself as a regional hub for trade and tourism.
Officials from both governments are expected to announce further implementation details soon. In the meantime, the policy is being welcomed as a step in the right direction for African unity and cross-border collaboration.
