To meet this challenge, Angola has taken a proactive approach with the deployment of SITA’s Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Gateway (API PNR Gateway) at Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, supported by SITA’s Passenger Information Unit (PIU) consultancy services.

This will strengthen Angola’s operational and data-governance frameworks, ensuring these systems deliver long-term value.

The initiative is complemented by a new Passenger Information Monitoring and Management center in Luanda, creating a foundation for faster decision-making and improved security outcomes.

The new system allows airlines to send two types of passenger data to authorities before departure: Advance Passenger Information (API), which includes passport and identity details, and Passenger Name Record (PNR), which contains the passenger’s itinerary and booking information.

Bringing this information together in one place gives authorities an earlier and more accurate view of who is travelling to the country and, with SITA’s guidance, helps establish the processes and analytical frameworks needed to turn this data into faster and more informed decision making.

By combining API and PNR data, the system helps ANAC identify irregularities, detect suspicious travel patterns, and prevent unauthorized travelers from boarding flights bound for Angola.

It also supports compliance with international requirements set by the United Nations Security Council, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the European Union.

Rui Carreira, the State Secretary for Civil Aviation, Maritime and Port Sectors, stated:

“The inauguration of the National Command and Control Center marks a historic moment for Angola. This strategic investment strengthens the security of our borders and consolidates the country’s position as a modern and competitive international transport hub.”

Amélia Kuvíngua, ANAC President added:

“The system allows us to act preventively and in a coordinated manner, manage migratory flows more effectively, and strengthen our preparedness against transnational crime. With SITA’s specialized support, Angola now has robust capabilities to operate these systems with confidence and efficiency.”

The deployment is part of Angola’s national API PNR program, which also includes the creation of a new Passenger Information Monitoring and Management center in Luanda.

This center will serve as the central hub for the country’s border operations, bringing together multiple workstations where specialists can monitor and analyze API and PNR data in real time.

By viewing the information in an integrated way, teams can coordinate faster responses to potential risks or incidents.

Located next to the Passenger Information Monitoring and Management center is a dedicated Data Center with high processing and storage capacity.

The close proximity of both facilities ensures secure, uninterrupted communication between systems and supports rapid analysis of large volumes of information.

The Passenger Information Monitoring and Management center is scheduled for inauguration on 26 November 2025, marking an important milestone for Angola’s border modernization efforts.

“Governments across Africa are accelerating digitalization to keep pace with rising travel demand, and Angola is taking clear steps in leading the way,” said Pedro Alves, SVP of Borders at SITA. “Angola is showing how border authorities can lead the way into a more digital and connected future. When countries combine Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record capabilities with a national Passenger Information Monitoring and Management center, they create an operational model that others in the industry can learn from. It reduces risks for airlines and authorities, improves predictability at the border, and supports the kind of seamless experience passengers now expect. This is the direction the global travel industry is moving toward, and Angola is putting the right digital foundations in place to be part of that future.”

These investments contribute to Angola’s broader ambition to become a major global transport hub. The new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport can handle up to 15 million passengers a year and is linked to extensive road, rail, and port infrastructure, strengthening national and regional connectivity.

Visa free entry for citizens of 98 countries, including 14 in Africa, is also attracting more visitors, while international platforms such as CNN Travel have highlighted Angola’s landscapes and cultural heritage.

By adopting SITA’s API PNR Gateway and investing in its national Passenger Information Monitoring and Management center, Angola is putting in place the digital border infrastructure needed to support secure travel, economic development, and its vision of becoming a globally connected transport hub.

This was contained in its latest rankings which also tipped Nigeria as occupying 95th out of 104 countries with the most powerful passports.

Nigeria is surpassed by Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Morocco, Benin Republic, and Namibia, which are ranked at 76th, 83rd, 67th, 65th, 71st, 79th, and 65th, respectively.

According to the index, here are 45 visa-free countries for Nigeria passport holders:

1. Barbados
2. Benin
3. Burkina Faso
4. Burundi
5. Cambodia
6. Cameroon
7. Cape Verde Islands
8. Chad
9. Comoro Islands
10. Cook Islands
11. Cote d’Ivoire
12. Djibouti
13. Dominican Republic
14. Fiji
15. Ghana
16. Guinea
17. Guinea-Bissau
18. Haiti
19. Iran
20. Kenya
21. Kiribati
22. Lebanon
23. Liberia
24. Madagascar
25. Maldives
26. Mali
27. Mauritiana
28. Mauritius
29. Micronesia
30. Montserrat
31. Mozambique
32. Niger
33. Niue
34. Palau Islands
35. Rwanda
36. Samoa
37. Senegal
38. Sierra Leone
39. Somalia
40. St. Kitts and Nevis
41. The Gambia
42. Timor-Leste
43. Togo
44. Tuvalu
45. Vanuatu

Disclaimer:

It’s crucial to recognize that the duration and purpose of Nigerian citizens’ stays in other countries are governed by the visa regulations of those nations.

Individuals holding Nigerian passports should verify whether a visa is required for extended stays or for purposes not covered by the destination country’s Visa Waiver Policy.

Also, the visa -free destinations mentioned for Nigerian passport holders are subject to change based on visa agreements, temporary travel restrictions, and entry requirements established by countries.

It is advisable to check for additional requirements or temporary restrictions imposed by your travel destination before your trip, as these conditions may vary.

Its economy is now 102.6% the size that it was before 2020 and its net debt-to-GDP ratio, at 30.5%, is the lowest in the G7 countries.

Canada has announced plans to significantly increase the number of immigrants entering the country, with a goal of 500,000 arriving each year by 2025 to address a critical labor shortage.

“Last year, we welcomed the most newcomers in a single year in our history. This year’s immigration levels plan will help businesses find the workers they need, set Canada on a path that will contribute to our long-term success, and allow us to make good on key commitments to vulnerable people fleeing violence, war, and persecution,” The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

According to a recently published index, Nigerian citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 46 countries compared to those with Canadian passports with access to 188 countries including the EU and Schengen countries, the United States, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.

Tukeni Obasi, Vice President, Diaspora of Mobility Options, described the program further, “The Canada Start-Up Visa Program allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create an innovative business in Canada and apply for permanent residence. With its leading trade market, the program is aimed at providing permanent residence to entrepreneurs, active investors in companies, and expanding businesses that seek to establish a presence in Canada. To obtain permanent residence in Canada, foreign entrepreneurs must propose an innovative, scaling start-up business, approved by any of the following designated organizations; business incubators, angel investors, or venture capitalists.

Once approved, the client receives a letter of support, allowing them and their family to apply for permanent residence,’’ she added.

“Canadian citizens enjoy a high standard of living with multicultural, easygoing, and vibrant cities. It is an excellent place to do business, with access to the entire North American market. Citizens and Permanent Residents receive affordable, high-quality education, modern medical care, a high level of social standards, and citizen protection.

The right to reside in the country and obtain Canadian citizenship by investment is allowed for your family members as well. These combined benefits make a second passport very appealing to anyone looking to travel with limited visa requirements and looking to ensure their family’s safety and security.” says Panebi Oboh, Vice President, Canada.

“With over 40 years of combined Global Immigration Consultancy experience, Mobility Options Certified Canadian Immigration Consultants ensure full legal support of the procedure, guaranteed confidentiality of private data, preparation of documents following legal requirements, and support in obtaining government approval. Interested individuals can start the process with minimal applicant requirements,’’ notes Mubo Olabode, Vice President, Nigeria.

Mobility is the biggest motivating factor for high-net-worth individuals who seek quick travel process so that they can freely move around for business, holidays, and trade events without filling out lengthy visa documents and seeking appointments at visa offices,” remarks Mobility Options President, Ebi Obaro. Governments need Citizenship through Investment revenue to support economies. Business people and industries need it to grow their business. Families need it to find a safe and secure place to live. It’s a win-win situation for every stakeholder involved.

To learn more about Mobility Options and its citizenship by investment programs, click here.