COUNTY DESCRIPTION: Angola is a large, developing country in south-west central Africa. The capital city is Luanda. Portuguese, the official language, is widely spoken throughout the country. Despite its extensive oil and mineral reserves and arable land suitable for large-scale production of numerous crops, Angola has some of the world's lowest social development indicators. Development was severely restricted by a 27-year long civil war that broke out upon independence in 1975, which destroyed the majority of the country's infrastructure. Since the conflict's conclusion in 2002, the economy grew at double digit annual growth until the global financial crisis undercut oil revenue. Nevertheless, the government continues extensive infrastructure reconstruction and development projects. However, Angola still faces challenges with its infrastructure and with providing government services, especially in basic social services, aviation and travel safety, accommodation availability and quality, and communications. Facilities for tourism, particularly outside the capital of Luanda, are often rudimentary. For additional information, read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Angola.
Back to Top
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Angola, please take the time to tell our Embassy or Consulate about your trip. If you let us know about your trip, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. The link to the Department of State’s travel registration page can be found here.
Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.
U.S. Embassy Luanda
Rua Houari Boumedienne #32
Miramar, Luanda
P.O. Box 6468
Telephone: (244) 222-641-000, (244) 222-447-028, (244) 222-445-481, (244) 222-446-224;
Emergency after-hours telephone: (244) 222-641-000; (244) 923-640-154
Facsimile: (244) 222-641-259.
Back to Top
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required and must be obtained in advance. An International Certificate of Vaccination is required. Visitors should allow several weeks for the processing of their visa application. Angola does not issue airport visas. Persons arriving without visas are subject to arrest or exclusion. Travelers may also encounter delays or exclusions if they do not have at least one completely blank visa page in their passports for entry stamps, and Angolan embassies and consulates will not issue visas unless the passport has at least six month’s validity remaining. Angola does not require travelers to have an exit visa. Travelers whose international immunization cards do not show inoculations against yellow fever within the past ten years may be subject to exclusion, on-the-spot vaccination, and/or heavy fines. Visitors remaining in Angola beyond their authorized visa duration are subject to fines and arrest. It is illegal to carry local currency out of Angola and anyone attempting to carry local currency out of Angola is subject to having this currency confiscated by customs officers. Current information on entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of Angola at 2100-2108 16th Street NW, Washington, DC, tel. (202) 785-1156, fax (202) 785-1258. Visit the Embassy of Angola’s website for the most current visa information.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents of Angola.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
Back to Top
THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: While the overall security situation in Angola has improved markedly since the end of the civil war; you should still exercise caution when traveling in the country. Remnants of war such as land mines and unexploded ordinance still make road and overland travel hazardous. If you are traveling or living in Angola, you should stick to clearly marked and travelled roads, and avoid walking off of the road during rest breaks, particularly around bridges and river crossings. Never touch anything that resembles a mine or unexploded ordinance.
Despite Angola’s great progress in rebuilding, infrastructure such as highways and bridges, remains poor. Police and military checkpoints are common along Angola’s highways. Officials are sometimes undisciplined; however, their authority should not be challenged. These checkpoints are often used by police to stop and request identification from passing traffic, so be sure to have a valid passport and visa available at all times while traveling between provinces. Travel in most parts of the city of Luanda is safe by day. However car doors should be locked, windows rolled up, and laptop, cell phones, and other valuable items should be stored out of sight. You should make every effort to avoid travel within the capital after dark. Don’t undertake travel on roads outside of major cities after nightfall.
If you are living in, or planning to visit, the northern province of Cabinda, you should exercise caution while outside of Cabinda city. On the occasion of the African Nations Cup (CAN) in January 2010, armed separatists in Cabinda claimed responsibility for an attack on the visiting Togolese national football team that left three dead and several others wounded. Several attacks against expatriates in Cabinda resulting in rape, robbery, and murder were registered from 2007 to 2009. Those responsible declared their intention to continue attacks against expatriates. Occasional attacks against police and Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) convoys and outposts in Cabinda also continue to be reported. These incidents, while small in overall numbers, have occurred with little or no warning. Exercise extreme caution when traveling outside of Cabinda city and limit travel to essential needs only.
Travel to Lunda North and South provinces only if it is essential. The government of Angola is sensitive to the travel of foreigners in the diamond producing areas of the provinces, and you will require proper permission and documentation to frequent these areas. Failure to adhere to these requirements may subject you to restriction or detention.
Do not take photographs of military or security sites or installations, including government buildings, as this may result in the payment of fines or arrest.
You can stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website, which contains current the Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution.
You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
There is nobody better at protecting you than yourself. Take some time before travel to improve your personal security – things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.
Back to Top
CRIME: Crime is a serious problem throughout Angola. While most violent crime occurs between Angolans, foreigners are frequently targeted as well. Street crime and crimes of opportunity are a constant threat in Luanda, and threaten both locals and foreign visitors alike. Pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, vehicle theft / break-ins, and, increasingly, assaults against pedestrians by armed assailants on motorcycles and scooters, are widespread. Avoid Roque Santeiro and Rocha Pinto, and travel the “Serpentine Road” in front of the U.S. Embassy only by vehicle. In general, movement around Luanda is safer by day than by night. Avoid touring after dark.
Air travelers arriving in Luanda should arrange reliable and secure ground transportation in advance; there is limited regular taxi service. Avoid the use of the public transportation known as “candongueiros” or “taxistas”; these multi-passenger vans are largely unregulated and often dangerous.
If you are driving in Luanda, you should stop at all police checkpoints if so directed. Police officers may solicit bribes or request immediate payment of "fines" for alleged minor infractions. If you commit a moving violation and are asked for bribes by the police, you should politely request the traffic police to write a ticket. If the police officer writes a ticket, you are responsible to pay the fine at the place indicated on the ticket. If no moving violation is alleged and the officer is asking for a bribe, you could, without actually challenging the officer's authority, politely ask the officer for his/her name and badge number. Officers thus engaged will frequently let motorists go with no bribe paid. Regardless, motorists should have all proper documents in the vehicle at all times (i.e., vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and driver's license). The lack of documentation is a violation against local law that requires every driver in Angola have proper permission to drive, and can also be a reason an officer would solicit a bribe. You can obtain further information on driving in Angola from the Embassy of Angola. Please note that police are not always responsive to reports of crime or requests for assistance. Most police are on foot and are assigned to designated stationary posts. However, the Rapid Intervention Police (PIR) unit is frequently seen patrolling various areas of the city. This unit is well trained and organized and will respond to major criminal incidents.
If you are an independent entrepreneur in Angola, you should carry certified copies of relevant immigration and business documents at all times. There have been police operations against illegal aliens and private companies that result in deportation of illegal resident foreign nationals and loss of personal and company property.
While in the airport, you should be alert to fraud occasionally perpetrated by Luanda airport personnel. Immigration and customs officials sometimes detain foreigners without cause, demanding gratuities before allowing them to enter or depart Angola. Airport health officials sometimes demand that passengers arriving without proof of current yellow fever vaccination accept and pay for a vaccination at the airport. Carry your yellow fever vaccination card and ensure that your yellow fever vaccine is up-to-date. If you forget to carry your yellow fever vaccination card, and do not wish to receive the vaccine offered at the airport, you should be prepared to depart the country on the next available flight. It is important that you maintain control of your carry-on baggage at all times. If you believe something has been inserted into your baggage, you should report the incident immediately to airport authorities. Searches of travelers' checked baggage are common, and criminals sometimes attempt to insert items into other travelers’ baggage at the airport, particularly for flights from Luanda to South Africa.
Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law too.
Back to Top
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies or consulates). If your passport is stolen, we can help you replace it. For violent crimes such as assault or rape, we can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and help you get money from them if you need it. Although the investigation and prosecution of a crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Angola for police is 113; for fire fighters: 115, and for ambulance services: 112. Please be advised that the emergency numbers listed may or may not have an English speaking operator available.
Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.
Back to Top
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods or engage in child pornography. While you are overseas, U.S. laws don’t apply. If you do something illegal in your host country, your U.S. passport won’t help. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.
Anyone violating Angola’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Angola are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Back to Top
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Angolan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Angola of sensitive items including firearms, antiquities, and currency. If you are planning on traveling with or shipping any of these items, you should contact the Embassy of Angola in Washington, DC or one of Angola's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.
FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS: Angola is generally 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 large hotels. Despite a major campaign to expand credit card acceptance, this effort has yet to expand beyond the capital city. In general, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are accessible only to those individuals who hold accounts with local banks. Dollars are generally accepted for most commercial transactions in Luanda and in all provincial capitals. It is best to carry a sufficient supply of U.S. dollars with you during your travels. Please note that only the newer series U.S. dollar bills (with large faces) are accepted. U.S. dollars can be converted to local currency at exchange businesses authorized by the Angolan government. Angolan currency (the Kwanza) may not be taken out of the country, and anyone attempting to carry currency out of Angola could have the currency confiscated.
PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION: While living or traveling in Angola, you should carry a certified copy of your U.S. passports with you at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, you can provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Luanda can prepare copies of U.S. passports at no charge when you register with the Embassy. To avoid the risk of theft or confiscation of original documentation, you should keep your passport in a secure place and carry only a certified copy.
LABOR DISPUTES: American performers traveling to Angola to participate in concerts and/or other events should be aware that there have been several serious allegations made against talent agencies making arrangements for foreign performers. These allegations include, among other things, several charges of breach of contract and the forcible retention of passports and persons. Before signing a contract and traveling to Angola, you should investigate the talent agency carefully. It may be useful for you to contact performers who have previously worked in Angola and are familiar with agencies there. If you experience any incidents of this nature, file a report with the local Angolan police and the U.S. Embassy.
LONG DELAYS IN RENEWAL OF VISAS: If you opt to renew your work or other visa while in Angola, you should expect delays of 2-10 weeks or more, during which time the Angolan immigration authorities will hold onto your passport and you will not be able to travel. You should plan your travel and visa renewals carefully to avoid complications. If you have to travel, you can apply for a second U.S. passport PRIOR to turning over your primary passport to Angolan authorities for visa renewal. To apply for a second U.S. passport, you must write a letter explaining the need for the second passport, as well as meet all the requirements for a normal application for passport renewal, including being able to show a current valid passport. It can take up to 7-10 business days to receive a second passport. If you stay beyond your visa expiration date, you will be subject to steep fines.
HOTEL AVAILABILITY: Hotels are limited in Angola, and demand for the limited number of rooms is high. Hotels are often booked months in advance, especially in the capital. Only a few large hotels in Luanda accept credit cards; hotels in the provinces generally do not accept credit cards. Adequate hotels are found in most provincial capitals, but some provide only limited amenities.
Back to Top
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities and services are available in Angola, but are limited and are often not up to western standards. Adequate care for medical emergencies is limited to Luanda, where there are some good private clinics that usually have 24-hour service provided by a general practice physician and specialists on call. A list of such facilities can be found at http://angola.usembassy.gov/ medical_information.html. Routine operations such as appendectomies can be performed. Local pharmacies provide a limited supply of prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines/drugs. Carry with you an adequate supply of properly-labeled medications that you routinely require. Please remember that malaria is endemic in most areas of Angola.
Angola and surrounding African countries have experienced outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fevers. Most recent incidences are the 2005 Marburg hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Uige province, and the 2008 Ebola virus outbreak in the border region of neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that prompted the Government of Angola to close its border between Lunda Norte and the DRC.
Good information on vaccinations and other health precautions can be found via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.
Back to Top
MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:
1) Does my policy apply when I’m outside of the United States?
2) Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?
In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. In general, your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our information on medical insurance overseas page.
Back to Top
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Angola is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Since the end of the civil war in 2002, overland access to the interior has improved considerably. Nonetheless, highways in some areas remain poor and infrastructure for travelers is poor or nonexistent.
Road travel can be dangerous, especially during the rainy season (October - March), which can cause large potholes and erosion. Landmines remain a problem on some secondary roads in more remote areas. Road conditions vary widely outside the capital from acceptable paved surfaces to virtually impassable dirt roads, particularly secondary routes. Many secondary roads, including secondary roads in urban areas, are impassable during the rainy season. Overloaded, poorly marked, and disabled vehicles, as well as pedestrians and livestock, pose hazards for motorists. Ground travel in rural areas should be undertaken during daylight hours only. Areas with suspected landmines are generally clearly marked and travelers should heed these warnings. Primary roads are considered to be landmine free in most provinces, but travelers should not venture far from the margins of the road. Extensive government, commercial, and NGO demining projects continue throughout the country.
Traffic in Luanda is heavy and often chaotic, and roads are often in poor condition. Few intersections have traffic lights or police to direct vehicles. Drivers often fail to obey traffic signals and signs, and there are frequent vehicle breakdowns. Itinerant vendors, scooters and pedestrians often weave in and out of traffic, posing a danger to themselves and to drivers. Angola has little public transportation. Most inter-city transportation in Angola is done by small blue and white vans called “Candongueiros” or large buses. Many drivers of these vehicles have little training and the majority of the Candongueiro drivers are not in possession of a driver license and the vehicles are poorly maintained. The Candongueiros often drive at high speeds, and they are the principal vehicles involved in the many deadly single and multi-vehicle accidents along Angolan roads.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Angola’s national tourist office, and national authority responsible for road safety.
Back to Top
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is currently no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Angola, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has not assessed Angola’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
The U.S. Embassy in Luanda prohibits U.S. Government employees from using TAAG, the Angolan national airline, and all other Angolan-owned and -operated commercial air transportation services for official domestic or international travel due to concerns regarding safety and maintenance. International flights on foreign-owned and -operated carriers are not affected by this restriction.
Back to Top
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
Back to Top
* * * This replaces the country specific information for Angola dated August 25, 2009, to update sections on: Threats to Safety and Security, Crime, Victims of Crime, Criminal Penalties, Special Circumstances, Medical Facilities and Health Information, and Medical Insurance.
Back to Top
