Angola

Use High Level of Caution

Avoid Travel to the following provinces: Cabinda, Lunda Norte, and Lunda Sul

The Republic of Angola is a country in south-central Africa bordering the Atlantic Ocean on the west and bordering the neighbouring countries of Zambia, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The population is about 13,000,000 people.

The government is a republic, multiparty presidential regime, and a president is the chief of state and head of government.

Angola was a Portuguese colony from the 16th century until 1975, when intense civil war broke out and continued until 2002. Because of the years of constant warfare, the country remains remote and untravelled. Although a peace treaty was signed with the warring factions, a separatist guerrilla group is still active in the North.

Angola has wildlife parks, expansive beaches, and ruins of Portuguese colonialism. Although Angola’s infrastructure and security situation have improved, travel in Angola remains challenging.

Currency	AOA: Kwanza
Language	Portuguese. Other African languages also spoken.
Capital	Luanda
Recent Alerts	4
Latest Alert	July 12, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Angola (12 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Angola. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a high risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Angola through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a high risk for hepatitis B virus exposure in Angola.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people are at significant risk for typhoid through the consumption of contaminated food and water in this country. The risk is greater when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.
Tuberculosis Travellers to Angola are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Malaria All areas of Angola are at risk for malaria.
Sleeping Sickness (Type 1) African trypanosomiasis occurs in Angola. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk.
Yellow Fever There is a risk of yellow fever transmission. All travellers over 9 months of age are required to present proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Dengue Fever Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Angola.
Schistosomiasis Schistosomiasis occurs in Angola.
Cholera Cholera outbreaks frequently occur in Angola but the risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.
Rabies Rabies occurs in this country.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever may occur in this country.
Zika Fever There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country,

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Angola.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. The vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. The vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through the consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Yellow Fever Vaccine This country requires all persons 9 months of age or older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination before entry.
Rabies Vaccine Travellers involved in outdoor and other activities that might bring them into direct contact with dogs, bats and other mammals (such as campers, hikers, adventure travellers and cavers), as well as travellers with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals and researchers), and long-term travellers and expatriates should be vaccinated.
Cholera Vaccine The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Angola.

Anti-malarial Drugs All areas of Angola are at risk for the transmission of malaria. Recommended anti-malaria medication includes atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Anti-malaria drug resistance for chloroquine is present.

Safety and Security in Angola

Emergency Numbers

113

115

112

Emergency operators will likely only speak Portuguese. Police may not be able to respond in a timely manner.

Personal Safety

Crime levels are very high in Angola. Violent street crime, such as muggings, carjacking, and purse-snatching can occur in any area at any time. Local police resources are limited. If targeted by carjackers or thieves, do not resist. A large percentage of the population is armed. Do not make eye contact or indicate that you may be able to identify them. Travellers should not show any signs of affluence, such as expensive jewelry or clothing, and avoid travel after dark. There have been reports of rape in night-time entertainment areas, as well as in private homes.

Due to street crime, do not walk around the city of Luanda. Avoid being out in Luanda after dark. Due to criminal activity, particularly avoid areas of Luanda such as crowded markets, Rocha Pinto, and between bars and restaurants on the Ilha do Cabo. Exercise caution on the Serpentine Road between the Marginal and Miramar, as well as the adjacent wooded area.

Roads and bridge conditions are poor in Angola and can make for dangerous road travel as well as delays. Thieves often target cars when stopped or moving slowly. Keep doors locked and windows up. Keep valuables out of sight in the car, including your mobile phones. Be extremely cautious of anyone using a pretext or signaling for you to pull over. There have been armed kidnappings of foreigners from their vehicles.

Overall, tourist facilities are limited. There is limited food, lodging, medicine, transportation, utilities, and water throughout most of the country, with the exception of Luanda. Costs can be high, and credit card use is very limited.

Locally-certified copies of passports should be carried at all times, as well as up-to-date original travel documents issued by Angolan authorities, such as visas, resident or work permits, and driver’s licenses. Military and police checkpoints are common throughout Angola. Travellers should be prepared with their documents and not challenge the authorities.

Landmines continue to be a hazard in Angola. Never venture off of paved roads, and do not touch any unknown objects.

In January 2019 Angola’s National Assembly approved a new penal code which prohibits discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation. Same-sex sexual activity is not outlawed, however, public attitudes towards same-sex relationships and public displays of affection may not be well-tolerated. Public displays of affection may invite unwanted, negative attention.

Areas To Avoid

Travelling outside of major cities should only be conducted with the support of international organizations with extensive knowledge of Angola due to the risk of murders, kidnappings, civil unrest, violence and crime.

Extreme Violence

The city of Cabinda is particularly dangerous due to renewed insurgency. Armed groups have targeted and attacked foreigners in this region in the past.

There is a high risk for violence and crime in the diamond mining areas of the Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul provinces. Official permission and documentation from the government of Angola may be requested when travelling to these areas.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations and public gatherings should be avoided due to the risk of violence.

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Updated: July 13, 2021