Angola

Angola is a large, developing country in southwest Africa. The capital city is Luanda. Portuguese is the official language; English is not commonly used. 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 13-year war for independence and a 27-year civil war that broke out upon independence in 1975 and destroyed most of the country’s infrastructure.

The economy has grown at a double-digit annual rate since the war ended in 2002, until the global financial crisis and subsequent price fluctuations undercut oil revenue. Although the government continues to pursue extensive infrastructure reconstruction and development projects, Angola still faces challenges with its infrastructure and with providing government services, especially in basic social services, aviation and travel safety, accommodations, and communications. Tourism facilities outside the capital of Luanda are often rudimentary, and costs for hotels and tourism facilities within Luanda are among the highest in the world. Read the Department of State Fact Sheet on Angola for additional information on U.S. – Angola relations. 

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Angola, 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 the 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 those in urban areas, can become impassable during the rainy season. Overloaded, poorly marked, and disabled vehicles, as well as pedestrians and livestock, pose hazards for motorists. Gas stations are available on major routes; however, the availability of mechanic and emergency services is extremely limited. 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. However, unexploded ordnance and unmapped mines remain a serious threat. 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 very 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, a problem exacerbated by missing manhole covers and large potholes. Street vendors, scooters, motorcycles, and pedestrians often weave in and out of traffic, posing a danger to themselves and to drivers. Avoid most public transportation, including buses and van taxis, as the vehicles are generally crowded and may be unreliable.

U.S. tourists to Angola may drive using a U.S. license for one month only, after which they should apply for an Angolan driving license. 

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Angola, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 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 permits the use of Angolan-owned-and-operated commercial air transportation by U.S. government personnel.

Safety and Security

The overall security situation in Angola has improved markedly since the end of the civil war; however, you should still exercise caution when traveling in Angola. U.S. citizens are advised not to walk at night, particularly in Luanda, and not to drive after dark outside of Luanda. Numerous security incidents have occurred at nighttime. Ground travel in some parts of Angola can be problematic due to land mines and other remnants of war. Do not touch anything that resembles a mine or unexploded ordnance. Despite Angola’s great progress in rebuilding highways and bridges, the infrastructure remains poor. Police and military officials are sometimes undisciplined, but their authority should not be challenged.

Travel in most parts of Luanda is generally safe by day, but car doors should be locked, windows rolled up, and laptop, cell phones, packages, and other valuables stored out of sight. You should avoid travel after dark, and no travel should be undertaken on roads outside of cities after nightfall.

If you are living in, or planning to visit, the northern province of Cabinda, you should be aware of threats to your safety outside of Cabinda city. In 2007 and 2008, armed groups specifically targeted and attacked expatriates in Cabinda; these armed attacks resulted in the rape, robbery and murder of several expatriates working in Cabinda. During the African Nations Cup soccer tournament in January 2010, separatists from the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC) attacked a vehicle carrying the visiting Togolese soccer team, killing three and injuring several others. Those responsible declared their intention to attack Angolan security forces in the future. Occasional attacks against police and Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) convoys and outposts continue to be reported. These incidents, while infrequent, have occurred with little or no warning. Exercise extreme caution when traveling outside of Cabinda city.

U.S. citizens are advised against all but essential travel to Lunda North and South provinces. As the Government of Angola is sensitive to the travel of foreigners in the diamond-producing areas of the provinces, proper permission and documentation has been required for visits to these areas.

It is against the law for U.S. citizens to take photographs of sites and installations of military or security interest, including government buildings, and doing so may result in fines and arrest.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Visit the Embassy's website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking our Traveler’s Checklist for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime is a problem in Angola, and the Department of State has designated Angola as “critical” for residential and non-residential crime. While most violent crime occurs between Angolans, foreigners have been victims as well. Street crime is a regular occurrence in Luanda. Since many transactions in Angola are cash-only, travelers may have to carry large amounts of money. The most common crimes are purse-snatching, vehicle theft, and vehicle break-ins. Bandits have increasingly targeted people in cars stopped in traffic by banging on and smashing vehicle windows in order to get cash and cell phones. At times they have brandished guns. Armed muggings, robberies, and car-jackings involving foreigners occur frequently. U.S. citizens are advised to travel the “Serpentine Road” that leads to the front of the U.S. Embassy by car only. There have been several muggings in areas near the embassy, even during daylight hours, including one violent assault where the attackers used a pistol during the robbery. In general, movement around Luanda is safer by day than by night. We strongly urge U.S. citizens not to walk after dark and not to drive outside of Luanda after dark. Air travelers arriving in Luanda are strongly advised to arrange reliable and secure ground transportation in advance. We advise avoiding the use of the public transportation known as “candongueiros” or “taxistas,” since these multi-passenger vans are largely unregulated and often dangerous. Visitors are encouraged to limit their taxi use to those taxi companies that have been reviewed and approved by the U.S. Embassy in Luanda, i.e., Morvic Taxi Company, Transcoop SA Taxi Company, Taxi Divisao, and the Universal Goods Taxi Company.

Motorists should stop at police checkpoints if so directed. Police officers may solicit bribes or request immediate payment of "fines" for alleged minor infractions. U.S. citizens asked for bribes by the police should politely ask the traffic police to write them a ticket if the police allege a moving violation. If the police officer writes the ticket, then the motorist should pay the fine or pursue an appeal at the location indicated on the ticket. If no moving violation is alleged and the officer is asking for a bribe, the motorist should, without 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 if motorists follow this advice. Motorists are reminded to have all proper documents in the vehicle at all times (i.e., vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and driver's license), as lack of documentation is considered a traffic violation. Local law requires that every driver in Angola has the proper permission to drive. U.S. tourists to Angola may drive using a U.S. license for one month only, after which they should apply for an Angolan driving license. 

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. The Rapid Intervention Police (PIR) unit is frequently seen patrolling various areas of the city. This well-trained and well-organized unit responds to major crimes.

There have been police operations against illegal aliens and private companies resulting in deportation of illegal resident foreign nationals and loss of personal and company property. Independent entrepreneurs in Angola should carry certified copies of relevant immigration and business documents at all times.

Travelers should be alert to fraud occasionally perpetrated by Luanda airport personnel. Immigration and customs officials sometimes detain foreigners without cause and then demand 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. Travelers are advised to carry their yellow fever vaccination card and ensure their yellow fever vaccine is up-to-date. If travelers forget to bring their yellow fever vaccination card and do not wish to receive the vaccine offered at the airport, they should be prepared to depart the country on the next available flight. Searches of travelers' checked baggage are common.

It is important that travelers maintain control of their carry-on baggage at all times and be on guard for any individuals attempting to insert items into baggage. If travelers believe something has been inserted into their baggage, they should report the incident immediately to airport authorities.

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. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities and, if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. 

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Angola for police is 113; for firefighters: 115, and for ambulance services: 112. Emergency numbers listed may not have an English-speaking operator available.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.