Security travel advice for Angola

How safe is Angola?

Threat level: High
Present security situation
The current travel safety advice for Angola is to be very cautious and remain vigilant. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against all but essential travel to the provinces of Cabinda unless it’s the main city and also the Lunda Norte area. This is due mostly due to the atrocities perpetrated by MPLA - the ruling political party.

COVID-19 Situation in Angola

Due to the pandemic situation around the world, Angola has declared a situation of 'public calamity' and people are recommended to stay at home. As a result of this, the country has imposed a series of measures to curb the spread of the virus including the mandatory use of face masks when outside in public, travel restrictions are in place on travel in and out of Luanda province and Kwanza Norte, precautionary measures in public places, as well as restrictions on capacity in shops and institutions that receive the public. To prevent contamination from overseas, travellers must present a negative PCR test result on arrival, taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, and they must complete an Passenger Information form (FRV form) within the same deadline. When landing in Angola, travellers must undergo a rapid COVID-19 test at the airport and self-isolate for 10 days. When leaving Angola, travellers must present another negative PCR test result, taken no more than 24 hours before departure. To avoid contracting the disease, wear a face masks, sanitise your hands regularly, maintain social distancing, and avoid unnecessary travel and gatherings.

Recent security risk events

In recent years several foreign tourists have been shot dead and seriously wounded at the Angolan-Namibian border.

Many areas of Angola, mostly in the southern regions, are very dense with landmines and other unexploded ordinance. De-mining operations by the UN have decreased the threat significantly, however the risk is still high. Foreign travellers should keep a high level of caution in the southern regions of Benguela, Bie, and Cuando Cubango, all of which have larger amounts of unexploded landmines than other regions.

Security Risks
General crime is a real issue in Angola and especially in the city of Luanda. Armed robberies can occur in any area at any time of the day or night. There is a high rate of organised crime in Angola with groups targeting foreigners.

In the province of Cabinda this has included rape, murder and kidnappings of foreigners. The threat from terrorist activity is low in Angola, but as with any country with an Islamic presence, Westerners should take care.

You should avoid travelling in the evening hours and refrain from display signs of wealth wherever possible as with many of the developing countries you can easily make yourself a target by doing either.

Theft of mobile phones is common and there have been incidents where criminals have attempted to stop vehicles by causing minor road traffic accidents and then stealing the vehicle, or worse kidnapping the occupants in Luanda.

Angola's International Relations

Angola is a member of the United Nations, OPEC, the Southern African Development Community and the African Union. The country is a strong supporter of the U.S. foreign policy as the Angolan economy is dependent on U.S. foreign aid. Angola has a strong relationship with South Africa. The African National Congress in South Africa and the MPLA in Angola fought on the same sides during both the Angolan Civil War and South African Border War. They helped to eliminate UNITA rebels, during the civil war in Angola.

Travelling around Angola

Police check points are common place and travelling at night should be avoided. Mines and unexploded ordnance remain a problem in many areas of the countryside. Information on this can be gained locally or via the United Nations.

Many of the ATMs in Luanda can sometimes be found to be empty, you may need to check with your credit card issuer if it will be accepted in Angola. As credit cards are not widely accepted, it may be best to rely on cash during your stay.

November though to April is the rainy season. Bridges and roads are at risk being washed away by sudden floods and there is an increased chance of mines becoming displaced and surfacing outside known mine fields. Visitors should think about transport and logistics if they are planning on travelling for any distance out of Luanda, or any of the other major cities or large towns.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Emergency services in Angola

Police emergency:113
Fire emergency: 115
Medical emergency:112

Note:
Angola is very much a cash-only economy neither traveler’s checks nor credit cards are used outside the capital of Luanda. In Luanda, credit cards are accepted in extremely limited circumstances, namely at large hotels etc.

There has been a major government campaign to expand the use of credit cards and their acceptance, this effort has yet to expand beyond Luanda. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are only accessible to those individuals who hold accounts with local banks. While US dollars are generally accepted for most commercial transactions in Luanda and in all provincial capitals, please note that new government policies dictate that all transactions should take place in Angolan Kwanza. You should carry a sufficient supply of money with you during your travels.

Angola Overview

Capital:Luanda
Official languages:Portuguese
Religion:Christianity and Islam
Currency: Kwanza (AOA)

Consular information for Angola

U.S. Embassy Luanda
Luanda
Angola,
C.P. 6468
Telephone: +244 222 64 1000
and +244 222 44 5481; +244 222 44 7028
or +244 222 44 6224
Emergency Telephone: +244 222 641 000
or +244 923 640-154
Email: luandaGSO@state.gov

British Embassy Luanda
Rua 17 de Setembro, Nº 4
Caixa
Luanda
1244
Angola
Telephone:+244 222 334 582/83
+244 222 334 582/83
and 222 372 917; 222 330 275; 222 396 910
Fax:+244 222 333 331
Email: postmaster.luand@fco.gov.uk

Visa requirements for Angola

To enter Angola a valid visa and/or work permit are required before travelling to Angola otherwise you will be detained at the airport and then deported. A visa application should be made online 8 weeks in advance prior travelling to Angola via the online application portal.

Check all entry requirements with your nearest Angolan Embassy as they may differ between nationalities. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Angola.

Health Care and Immunisations

It is advised that visitors to Angola are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is essential that you get vaccinated against Yellow Fever as there is a risk of the disease throughout the country. It is an entry requirement that you present a certificate proving your immunisation. This should be completed at least 10 days prior to departure.

It is further recommended that most travellers get Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations. You may also want to consider a Rabies jab as there is a small risk in some areas of the country. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure

There is a moderate risk of Zika Virus transmission in Angola. Pregnant women should postpone their travel to Angola until after pregnancy. The viral illness Dengue Fever, a virus transmitted to humans by mosquito bites, is also an issue in Angola. There is no vaccine or medicine to cure either viruses, so travellers should take preventive measures such as the use of a mosquito net at night time and should apply mosquito repellent.

Schistosomiasis (parasitic infection also known as bilharzia) is also an issue, so contact with fresh water including activities such as swimming, bathing or paddling in fresh water lakes and streams is advised against.

Personal hygiene must be paramount, the local water supply avoided at all costs and bottled water inspected prior to consumption. A number of cases of bottled water being refilled with tap water and re-sold have come to our attention.