The mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports between China and Angola formally came into force on April 11, Portuguese news agency Lusa reported.

The agency quoted a Presidential Decree from Angola stating the arrangement aims “to consolidate” the mutual relationship and co-operation between the two countries.

Chinese holders of diplomatic or service passports can now stay in Angola for up to 30 days without needing a visa, and vice versa, the decree said.

The new visa exemption arrangement was included in an agreement signed between the two nations in Angola’s capital Luanda, in May last year.

The deal is valid for five years and is automatically renewable unless one of the parties opposes it.