Sub Saharan Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Safety and security

Terrorism

Crime

Incidents of rape have been reported in popular nightlife areas, as well as in private residences. You should not travel alone at night. For more information see sexual assault and rape overseas.

You should avoid walking around Luanda, especially after dark.  Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches in public places.  Do not change or withdraw large sums of money in busy public areas. Avoid walking between bars and restaurants on the Ilha. You should also avoid crowded places such as markets, in particular the Roque Santeiro market.

Theft from stationary or slow moving cars is common in downtown Luanda and in the area between the port and the Sonils base. You should keep valuables out of sight and not use mobiles or laptops while in traffic. A high proportion of the civilian population is armed.

When driving, be very wary if another car signals you to pull over. Thieves use the pretext of a minor traffic incident to get you out of your car to either steal it or rob you.

You should take precautions with your valuables and cash.  Deposit them in hotel safes where practical.  Keep copies of important documents, including passports in a separate place to the documents themselves.

You should carry a certified copy of your passport (data page and visa) and/or identity documents at all times for identification purposes or you will be liable for an on-the-spot fine of 100 US dollars.

For more information see victims of crime abroad.

Political situation

Angola Country Profile

Local travel

We advise against all but essential travel to the interior of Cabinda Province.  In 2008 there were reports of violent incidents including rape, murder and kidnappings involving foreigners and Angolans in the Province of Cabinda.  Groups claiming responsibility for these attacks have declared their intention to continue attacks against foreigners.

You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

We advise against all but essential travel to North and South Lunda Provinces.  The Angolan authorities are sensitive to the presence of foreigners in diamond producing areas and you may be subject to movement restrictions or detention by the security forces. The presence of diamonds also increases the threat of crime and banditry, particularly on roads leading to and from these areas.  Armed hold-ups do occur.

If you travel outside Luanda and the provincial capitals, you should do so in the company of persons or organisations experienced in local conditions, as conditions can be difficult and dangerous. There is widespread poverty, social exclusion and disease; a shattered infrastructure and millions of mines and items of unexploded ordnance throughout many parts of the country.  Transport and accommodation are extremely limited outside Luanda, so make arrangements in advance.

Road travel

While you may drive on a UK licence for up to 30 days, an international licence or translation of the UK licence is recommended.  You should also ensure that all of your vehicle documentation is available for inspection, both in Luanda and the provinces. Police check points are common.

Major roads between Luanda and the provincial capitals are gradually being improved. However driving standards and some road conditions are very poor and travel outside major towns is usually in convoy of 4 wheel drive vehicles.  Outside major urban areas, mines and unexploded ordnance remain a problem, including on roads, verges, bridges, in buildings and the countryside.  There have been incidents of mines exploding, with loss of life, in places previously thought to be safe. Even in "cleared" areas, you should keep to well-established routes and take up to date advice from the United Nations or an international Non Governmental Organisation.

During the rainy season (November-April), bridges and roads risk being washed away by sudden floods and there is an increased chance of mines becoming displaced and surfacing outside known mine fields.

There are no taxis at the airport nor are they available to hail on the street.  Local minibus transport is unsafe.  You should ensure that your sponsor has arranged to meet you at the airport and to provide transport throughout your trip.

For more general information see driving abroad.

Air travel

With effect from 15 November 2008, all Angolan airlines (with the exception of specific aircraft on one TAAG route to Portugal - details in the European Commission link below) have been refused permission to operate services to the EU because Angola is unable to ensure that its airlines meet international safety standards.  It is recommended that you avoid flying with any Angolan-operated airline if an acceptable alternative means of travel exists.

The European Commission has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Union. The list can be found at www.ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en.htm.

Flights on all international carriers to and from Angola are often overbooked.  We recommend you contact your airline for advice about reconfirming your flight and minimum check-in time, which can be as much as four hours.

For more general information see airline security.