Angola

Specific Information

Import licence requirement: For sea and air shipments where the total value of goods on the detailed inventory is USD 5,000 or greater, an import licence is required by Angolan Customs. This applies to all categories (returning citizens, diplomats, and expatriates).

CIF value threshold (older IAM guide note): The IAM guide states a CIF value beyond USD 10,000 is subject to a 2% tax for both diplomatic and non-diplomatic shipments. The FIDI guide does not reference this threshold but does note the USD 5,000 import licence requirement. Confirm with the destination agent.

CNCA Loading Certificate: All sea freight shipments to Angola require a Loading Certificate (Certificado de Embarque) issued by the National Council of Angolan Shippers (CNCA) authorised agent in the country of origin. In the United States, the CNCA agent is OIC Services Inc.

Pro-forma invoice requirements: Must include quantity, description, value, and condition (used or new) for all items. Must include CIF value (FOB + freight + insurance). Must be on the letterhead of the origin agent, stamped and signed, with the owner and consignee details clearly noted. All electrical appliances, equipment, and bicycles must have markings and brand names shown.

Pre-inspection: The existing IAM guide states a pre-inspection in the country of origin is required for tobacco, drinks, plants, chemical products, toys, motorbikes, used cars, bicycles, and food items, regardless of CIF value. Non-compliance results in a 100% CIF value fine. Diplomatic shipments containing these items are exempt from pre-inspection. Note: the 2024 trade.gov guide states pre-shipment inspections are no longer mandatory (per Presidential Decree No. 63/13), but traders may voluntarily use them for fast-track "green channel" access. Confirm current status with the destination agent.

Customs inspections: Common on sea shipments and systematic on air shipments for all categories.

Cartao de Contribuinte: The Angolan Tax Card can only be obtained after the owner has obtained their work permit. Without this card, customs clearance cannot proceed.

Document language: All documents must be in Portuguese.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions — Returning Angolan citizens: Returning citizens who can prove they have been living abroad for 6 months or more are exempt from duties and taxes on household goods. However, customs Stamp Duty (approximately 3% of CIF value) and VAT on importation (14% of CIF value) are still levied.

Duties and taxes — Expatriates: Expatriates are subject to customs Stamp Duty (approximately 3% of CIF value) and VAT (14% of CIF value). In case of a false declaration or duplicate items, the owner will pay a fine of 50–70% of the CIF value on top of the Stamp Duty.

Diplomatic exemption: Diplomatic consignments are exempt from duties and taxes provided the complete set of documents is submitted. Diplomatic shipments are easier to clear when consigned to the Diplomatic Mission rather than to the individual diplomat. Customs may occasionally require inspection of diplomatic consignments, usually done at the place of delivery.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Original registration card For New Vehicles
• Original invoice For New Vehicles
• Certificate of ownership For New Vehicles
• Original registration card For Secondhand Vehicles
• Document showing value of vehicle For Secondhand Vehicles
• Certificate of ownership For Secondhand Vehicles
• Copy of valid passport, copy of Diplomatic Card at origin, copy of Tax Card, original declaration from Diplomatic Mission Additional for Returning Angolan Diplomats
• Copy of diplomatic passport, copy of Angolan Diplomatic ID, copy of Tax Card, detailed inventory in Portuguese valued in USD, original Nota Verbal and MIREX declaration Additional for Foreign Diplomats

Specific Information

Vehicle age restriction: Import of vehicles older than 5 years is prohibited in Angola, except for returning Angolan diplomats and foreign diplomats. (Note: the 2018 IAM guide stated 3 years; the 2024 FIDI guide states 5 years. The FIDI guide is more current.)

Duties and taxes on vehicles: Vehicles are subject to 60% duties and taxes, with the only exception being foreign diplomats. Returning Angolan citizens, including diplomats, pay duties and taxes on their vehicles. Any consignment that includes a vehicle requires an import licence regardless of value.

Vehicle tax rates (per IAM guide):

• Gasoline engine up to 1500cc: 10%
• Gasoline 1500–3000cc: 20%
• Gasoline over 2500cc: 30%
• Diesel 1500–2500cc: 20%
• Diesel over 2500cc: 30%
• Pick-up trucks: 5% tax
• Import tax on all vehicles (except pick-ups): 10% plus VAT per above ranges

Temporary import: The vehicle can stay in Angola for 2 years with a possible 1-year extension. A bond deposit of 40–45% of CIF value is required.

Definitive import: Requires 40–45% tax based on CIF value.

Separate shipping required: Vehicles should be shipped in a container separate from household goods. All containers containing vehicles will be transferred to the FAYOL terminal for inspection.

Vehicle preparation: All vehicles must be completely emptied of fuel and run until stalled. Batteries must be disconnected, taped, and properly secured. No hazardous materials may be stored in vehicles.

Clearance deadlines: Customs clearance must begin as soon as the shipment arrives in Luanda. Late clearance (beyond 30 days after arrival) due to missing documentation incurs a 5% fine on the CIF value.

Driving: Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

Pets

• Rabies vaccination certificate (administered between 30 days and 12 months before travel; for primary vaccinations, between 4 and 11 months before entry per PetTravel.com)
• Veterinary health certificate issued within 14 days of travel, endorsed by the government veterinary authority of the origin country
• ISO 15-digit microchip (ISO 11784/11785) recommended, implanted before rabies vaccination
• Up-to-date vaccination records (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus for dogs; panleukopenia, feline leukemia, rhinotracheitis for cats)
• Treatment for internal and external parasites prior to entry

Identification: Microchipping is recommended but not strictly required by Angolan regulations. An ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip is the most accepted form of identification.

Minimum age: Puppies and kittens must not be vaccinated before 3 months of age. After vaccination, a 30-day waiting period applies, making the effective minimum import age approximately 4 months.

Rabies vaccination timing: Between 30 days and 12 months before entry. PetTravel.com notes the window for primary (first-time) vaccinations is between 4 and 11 months before entry. Booster vaccinations follow standard timing.

Rabies titer test: Not required to enter Angola from any country.

Import permit: Not required for personal pet dogs and cats entering with their owners. Commercial imports and exotic animals require permits.

Quarantine: Not explicitly required if all documentation is in order, but customs officials may impose quarantine if the animal appears unhealthy.

Health certificate: Must be issued within 14 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by the government veterinary authority (e.g., USDA for US-origin pets).

Entry method: Pets enter Angola via Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda. An IATA-compliant crate is required for air cargo transport. Advance notification to veterinary officials is recommended.

Banned breeds: Angola does not publish a formal list of banned breeds, though one source mentions certain dangerous breeds may be restricted. Confirm with the destination agent.

CDC high-risk country: Angola is classified by the CDC as a high-risk country for dog rabies. Pets (especially dogs) re-entering the United States from Angola must meet enhanced CDC requirements, including a rabies titer test for foreign-vaccinated dogs and reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility. Plan well in advance for the return journey.

Common mistakes: Not having the health certificate endorsed by the government veterinary authority. Not allowing sufficient time for the rabies vaccination window (primary vaccination must be 4+ months before entry per some sources).