Situated in Central Africa, Angola is slowly realising its
potential as a tourist destination after independence from Portugal
in 1975 triggered decades of bloody civil war. A stunning coastline
strung with beautiful sandy beaches, a mountainous interior that
gives way to deep gorges and tumbling waterfalls, and a number of
national parks and wildlife reserves throughout, Angola offers an
array of opportunities for eco-tourism to visitors. Natural beauty
aside, the country also boasts a rich traditional culture, culinary
specialities and a people that are known for their hospitality and
friendliness.
The picture is not entirely rosy, however, and the lack of
infrastructure, the difficulties and dangers of overland transport,
and poor health services are challenges travellers need to
consider, particularly outside of the capital Luanda. But signs of
economic recovery are evident, and the fact that Angola is rich in
natural resources such as diamonds and gas, as well as being one of
Africa's largest oil exporters, brings hope for development in the
not too distant future.
Key Facts
Language:
The official language of Angola is Portuguese. Multiple
other African languages are spoken including Umbundu and Chokwe.
Some French is also spoken.
Passport/Visa:
A valid passport and visa are required for travel to Angola.
Applications for visas must be made in advance in the travellers'
home country. Passengers with a confirmation of an approved visa
before departure can obtain a visa upon arrival. A valid yellow
fever vaccination certificate is also essential for entry to Angola
(the alternative is to face the risky mandatory immunisation at the
airport). Passports must be valid for six months from date of
arrival, and have at least three adjacent blank pages for Angolan
visa stamps.
Currency:
The unit of currency is the Kwanza (AOA). Credit cards are only
accepted in a few hotels and restaurants, though the number is
increasing. There have been reports of credit cards being cloned
for fraudulent purposes so visitors should exercise caution when
using them. The number of ATMs is growing in Luanda and other
cities, but they're often empty. Visitors should ask their card
issuers if their cards will be accepted, and they should bring
enough cash for their needs. US dollars are widely used.
Electricity:
Electrical current in Angola is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round
two-pin plugs are in use.
Travel to Angola
Climate in Angola
Angola is a large country and the climate varies according to
region. The north has a wet, hot, tropical climate that becomes
dryer going south, with desert conditions prevailing in the
southern strip between the central plateau and the border with
Namibia. Luanda's climate is moderately tropical. The dry, cooler
season runs from June to late September, while the rainy, hot
summer season extends from October to May. Average temperatures are
hot and humid.
Health Notes when travelling to Angola
Yellow fever vaccinations are required for entry to Angola if
visitors are coming from infected countries. Malaria, hepatitis A
and B, rabies and polio are all prevalent in the country, which has
poor medical facilities excluding those in Luanda.
Travellers should practise food and hygiene measures. Drinking
water should be treated or bought in sealed bottles as the water
supply is unsafe to drink (travellers should avoid ice cubes in
drinks as well), and care should be taken with hygiene and food,
particularly street food. Visitors should avoid eating unpeeled,
unwashed fruit and vegetables and be wary of milk and milk
products, as these items are often unpasteurised.
It is wise to take Malaria prophylaxis when travelling through
Angola; comprehensive medical insurance is necessary, with
provision for medical repatriation by air.
Safety Notes when travelling to Angola
Most foreign governments warn against non-essential travel to
parts of Angola due to civil unrest and threats to personal safety
of travellers. However, visitors careful with personal security and
travelling in a group should encounter few problems. Travel after
dark is not recommended. The greatest risk for travellers is crime,
particularly in the capital, Luanda, where muggings, car-jackings
and armed hold-ups have been reported. Particularly dangerous are
the Lunda Sul and Lunda Norte Provinces, where the police and armed
forces have been actively expelling illegal immigrants and
unlicensed diamond prospectors. Cabinda Province is also dangerous;
kidnappings and attacks on foreigners have occurred. Travellers
should be cautious due to the widespread poverty, disease and
shattered infrastructure and the vast amount of unexploded ordnance
still present throughout the country. There have been reports of
scams by airport officials in Luanda who try to extort money from
visitors without a yellow fever vaccination card.
Customs in Angola
Visitors should not take photographs of government buildings, or
use binoculars near them, as this could lead to arrest. Homosexual
practices are frowned upon.
Duty Free in Angola
Travellers to Angola over 18 years do not have to pay duty on
400 cigarettes or 500g cigars or other tobacco products; 250ml eau
de toilette, 50ml perfume or aftershave; 2 litres wine or 1 litre
spirits and gifts or souvenirs to the value of about US$ 500.
Prohibited and restricted items include firearms, ammunition or
explosive materials; dangerous medicines, foodstuffs or drugs;
pornographic material; plants originating from infected areas;
gaming machines; pure alcohol; animals without corresponding
certificates and stamps of value.
Doing Business in Angola
Oil is the main industry in Angola, but diamond mining is also
important. It is essential to develop personal, face-to-face
relationships with local business contacts. Knowledge of
Portuguese, the official language, is an advantage as there are
limited translation services and outside the oil industry few
people speak English fluently. Angolan business dress is usually
casual; ties are not necessary for men. Office hours are Monday to
Friday 7.30am to 6.30pm with a break from 12.30pm; many businesses
close on Fridays while some offices will also be open on Saturday
mornings from 8.30am.
Communication in Angola
The international dialling code for Angola is +244. There are
many more mobile telephones than fixed lines and the mobile
coverage around Luanda and other main centres is much more reliable
than fixed lines. Internet access is available at most major
hotels.
Tipping in Angola
If a service charge is not included in the bill, a tip of 10
percent is acceptable, though tipping is not officially encouraged
in Angola.
Passport/Visa Note
A valid passport and visa are required for travel to Angola.
Applications for visas must be made in advance in the travellers'
home country. Passengers with a confirmation of an approved visa
before departure can obtain a visa upon arrival. A valid yellow
fever vaccination certificate is also essential for entry to Angola
(the alternative is to face the risky mandatory immunisation at the
airport). Passports must be valid for six months from date of
arrival, and have at least three adjacent blank pages for Angolan
visa stamps.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens require a passport and a visa to enter Angola.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians require a passport and a visa to enter Angola.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens require a passport and a visa to enter Angola.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians require a passport and a visa to enter Angola.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens require a passport and a visa to enter
Angola.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a passport and a visa to enter
Angola.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals require a passport to enter Angola. They
are exempt from obtaining a visa for a stay of up to 30 days.
Tourist Offices
National Tourist Agency, Luanda: +244 222 372 750.
Angola Embassies
In the United States:
Angolan Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 785
1156.
In the United Kingdom:
Angolan Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for
Ireland): +44 20 7299 9850.
In Australia:
Angolan Embassy, Singapore (also responsible for Australia): +65
6341 9360.
In South Africa:
Angolan Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 342 0049.
Foreign Embassies in Angola
American Embassy
United States Embassy, Luanda: +244 94 644 0977.
Canadian Embassy
Honorary Consulate of Canada, Luanda: +244 222 448 371.
British Embassy
British Embassy, Luanda: +244 222 334 583.
Australian Embassy
Honorary Consulate of Australia, Luanda: +244 923 214 101.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Angola, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Angola.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Angola. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Angola, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Angola
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Angola, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Angola.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Angola. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Angola, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Angola
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Note: Zika is a risk in Angola. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Angola. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Angola, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Angola. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Angola include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Angola. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Angola’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in Angola. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Angola may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Angola, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Angola for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Be aware of current health issues in Angola. Learn how to protect yourself.
Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
Zika Virus in AngolaAugust 29, 2017Zika virus (or Zika) has been reported. Public health officials have reported that mosquitoes are infected with Zika and spreading it to people.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Kwanza (AOA). Credit cards are only
accepted in a few hotels and restaurants, though the number is
increasing. There have been reports of credit cards being cloned
for fraudulent purposes so visitors should exercise caution when
using them. The number of ATMs is growing in Luanda and other
cities, but they're often empty. Visitors should ask their card
issuers if their cards will be accepted, and they should bring
enough cash for their needs. US dollars are widely used.
Luanda International Airport (LAD) Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport
Location: Luanda The airport is two miles (4km) from Luanda.
Time: GMT +1.
Getting to the city:
Visitors can take a bus from the airport to the city or hire a
local taxi service. Payment for a taxi will usually be in cash
(kwanza or US dollars) unless travellers book transport through
Allo Taxi, which provides a similar service to Uber and accepts
credit card payment. Rail services are erratic, and tickets
difficult to purchase. Visitors are advised to make advance
arrangements to be met by their sponsor, hotel representative or
business colleagues at the airport.
Car rental:
Budget and Avis have car rental facilities at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
There are several taxi companies operating around the airport
and taxi payment is by cash only (drivers will also accept US
Dollars).
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a restaurant, bar, post office,
currency exchange, and 24-hour medical facilities.
The obscure Caprivi Strip in northern Namibia cuts through Angola and Botswana, making it a narrow strip filled with animals in a remote, unspoiled setting.
A TAAG Angola Airlines flight made an emergency diversion 40 minutes after takeoff on Saturday when it was discovered that a worker was trapped in the cargo hold
In this week's Maphead, Ken Jennings examines an isolated sliver of Angola that wants nothing more than to be left alone. While looking at southwestern Africa on a map or globe, you might have noticed something odd: a little dot of Angola-colored territory sandwiched in between the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but miles away from the rest of Angola. This exclave is the province of Cabinda, and its cultural origins are completely different from Angola's other 17 provinces. Many Cabindans want independence, but there's one little billion-dollar hitch: oil