Angola Travel Safety

General safety

Shortages of food, lodging, medicine, transportation, electricity, fuel and water occasionally occur in most parts of the country. You should be careful at all times and carry locally certified copies of the identification page of your passport as well as original travel documents issued by Angolan authorities, such as resident or work permits, visas and drivers licence. Make sure your documents are up-to-date. Police checkpoints are common in both urban and rural areas. You should be prepared to present copies of your identification documents. Do not challenge the authority of requesting officials. Failure to produce identification documents can result in a large fine. When travelling in the provinces, always carry original documentation. If photocopies are to be used in place of originals, the copies must be notarized by an Angolan notary public. Foreigners travelling into the interior of Angola sometimes require an internal travel document. This is normally provided by the Angolan organization or individual that invited the foreigner to Angola.

Precautions

Do not walk around Luanda after dark. Muggings (particularly for mobile phones) and armed robberies have been reported. Don't show signs of affluence. Don't withdraw large sums of money from an ATM, an exchange bureau or a bank. Groups of criminals may watch you withdraw money, possibly from inside the building, then coordinate a robbery on their phones, even in broad daylight. Carjackings, usually targeting four-wheel drive and luxury vehicles, occur. Be vigilant when travelling after dark, particularly to and from the airport. You should not resist if threatened by carjackers or robbers. Do not make eye contact with assailants or indicate that you might be able to identify them. Incidents of rape have been reported. Due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance. Pickpockets are active outside the arrivals and departures gates at the Luanda airport.

Road safety

Roads, especially secondary and tertiary roads, and bridges are generally in poor condition. Be extremely careful of unexpected hazards on the road, such as pedestrians and animals. Always drive with the doors locked and the windows rolled up. Keep your valuables out of sight. Overland travel outside of urban centres should be undertaken in convoys of at least two vehicles, ideally four-wheel drive vehicles. Incidents of drivers under the influence of alcohol are common, especially on weekends, and the return trip to Luanda from beach outings can be particularly hazardous due to reckless driving habits.

Landmines

Many areas of the countryside, including secondary roads, are heavily mined. There is a high risk from landmines and unexploded ordnance, especially near bridges and on unpaved roads outside major cities. Even roads that have been frequently travelled and are thought to be landmine-free may be unsafe.

Public transportation

It is recommended that visitors avoid using public transportation, including buses and van taxis. Door-to-door taxis are scarce and expensive, so it is advisable to hire a car with driver. Local drivers can overcome the problem of few parking spaces and can negotiate heavy traffic and the quirk of local traffic flows, including any accident.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Angola, incidents of attacks and sexual assault against foreign women, including rape and murder might occur. Be extremely vigilant at isolated places and while dealing with strangers. Female visitors and residents should take care when walking or travelling alone even during daylight hours. Exercise a very high degree of precaution during travel.

Crime

Crime is a concern throughout the country, including in the capital, Luanda, where it is a regular occurrence. Areas frequented by foreigners are often targeted.

Kidnapping

There is a risk of kidnapping, particularly in Luanda. Victims are often taken from their car by criminals seeking a ransom. Foreigners seem to be a preferred target. Be on the alert for ploys to stop your vehicle and use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules of travel.

LGBT

In January 2019 Angola's Parliament prohibited discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation. However, public attitudes towards homosexuality are less tolerant and public displays of affection may attract negative attention.

Illegal or restricted activities

It is illegal to remove turtle shells and ivory from the country. Avoid photographing airports, major roads, bridges, communications installations, military personnel and government buildings. Taking photos of urban areas may be frowned upon by police. Involvement in black-market currency conversion could lead to arrest. Punishment for drug-related offences can be severe. Prison conditions are very poor.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended.