The Consulate General of Brazil in Luanda issues between 7,000 and 8,000 visas annually, responding to growing demand from Angolan citizens, mainly for academic purposes. The information was provided by Consul General Ary Quintella, who also warned of an increase in document fraud associated with the use of intermediaries in the visa application process, according to Lusa.
The diplomat gave a positive assessment of the consulate’s first year of operation, stressing that the separation of consular functions from the Brazilian Embassy in Angola was long overdue, given the size of the Brazilian community, estimated at between 25,000 and 30,000 people—the largest in Africa.
According to Quintella, the consulate processes around 2,000 visa applications per month and performs between 2,000 and 2,500 notarial acts per month, including passport renewals, legalizations, and civil registrations. Between December and February, coinciding with the start of the academic year in Brazil, it is estimated that between 1,800 and 2,000 student visas are granted.
The consul also highlighted the strengthening of educational cooperation between Angola and Brazil, emphasizing that academic mobility is one of the drivers of this increase. On the other hand, he expressed concern about the actions of intermediary companies which, in addition to charging for services, have presented falsified documentation, especially bank statements.
“I want to appeal to Angolan citizens not to use intermediaries. There is no reason to spend money on intermediary companies,” warned Ary Quintella, arguing that this type of practice “ends up hindering more than helping.”
To make the process fairer and limit the influence of intermediaries, a facial recognition system has recently been introduced for appointments—the most critical stage of the process—similar to the model already applied by Portugal.
Other notable changes to the visa regime include a reduction in the cost of visitor visas, from €200 to €89, and an extension of their validity from two to five years.
“It is a sign of trust, esteem, and an incentive for Angolans to visit Brazil,” said Quintella, admitting, however, that the practical effects of reducing consular pressure will only be felt in the medium term.
Regarding the Brazilian community in Angola, the consul described it as peaceful, integrated, and hardworking, noting that cases requiring assistance outside the administrative sphere are rare. “It is a quiet, problem-free community that contributes to Angola’s economic development,” he assured.
Recalling the historical ties between the two countries, the diplomat emphasized that Brazil was the first state to recognize Angola’s independence, advocating the deepening of bilateral relations through human exchange. “The more Brazilians come to Angola and the more Angolans go to Brazil, the closer the two countries will be,” he concluded.
