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Sub Saharan Africa

Angola

 Flag of Angola
Still current at: 25 November 2009
Updated: 20 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary (reference to the African Cup of Nations football tournament in 2010), the Air Travel section and the Health section (Swine Flu).  The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)


Travel advice for this country

Health

There are several competent private clinics run by expatriate organisations in Luanda. Fees are high and are charged in advance. Outside Luanda health care is very limited. Rabies is common to most African countries, including Angola (over 90 since November 2008). The local authorities are taking action but visitors are advised to take appropriate precautions. A result of this increase the rabies vaccine is in short supply.

Poisonous snakes can be found in most regions of Angola.  Scorpions are common in the drier areas.  Antidotes are in short supply.

Cholera outbreaks are common. You should observe routine food and hygiene measures when travelling in all parts of Angola, taking particular care with any food bought at the roadside or in the markets. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Angola you should seek immediate medical attention. Malaria, Hepatitis A and B and polio are common to Angola.

In December 2008 and January 2009, an outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which borders Angola.  Ebola is a severe disease, but the likelihood that a traveller will contract Ebola is low unless there has been direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, or with objects, such as needles, that have been contaminated with body fluids. Travellers should avoid all contact with infected patients. Further information can be found on the NaTHNaC website.
 
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 180,000 adults aged 15 or over in Angola were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 2.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
 
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Angola and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. 
 
For more general health information see travel health, Swine Flu and the UK Department of Health website.  You should monitor local media reports for any further developments and advice.

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Contacts

Angola, Luanda, British Embassy

Address:

British Embassy
Rua Diogo Cão 4
Caixa Postal 1244

Telephone:

(244) (222) 334582
(244) (222) 334583
(244) (222) 392991
(244) (222) 397681

Fax:

(244) (222) 333331

Office hours:

Embassy opening hours
Mondays to Thursday - from 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 16:30
Fridays - from 08:30 to 13:00

Visa

By appointment only

Consular

Mon-Thur: 07:00-11:00 and 13:00-15:00
Fri: 07:00-11:00

Local time = GMT+1

Website: http://ukinangola.fco.gov.uk/en/

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