🇦🇴 Angola · Complete Travel Profile

Passport A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry is required. It must have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps .

Visa Citizens of most countries can enter Angola without a visa for tourism for up to 30 days per visit (maximum 90 days per year) . For all other purposes, a visa must be obtained online before travel .

• Tourist Entry: You will receive a 30-day stamp upon arrival. A return ticket and proof of sufficient funds (approx. USD 200 per day) may be required .
• Visa for Other Purposes: For business or non-tourism visits, apply online via the Angolan Immigration Service . Processing takes at least 8 working days . An invitation letter from a local company or host, notarized in Angola, is typically required .
• Yellow Fever Certificate: A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for entry. Some sources indicate it is mandatory, while others state it is no longer officially required . To be safe, carry the certificate.
• Digital copies: Keep scans of all travel documents in your email/cloud.

Official sources: Angolan Immigration Service · Embassy of Angola.

Mandatory Vaccinations A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may be required for entry. Even if not enforced, vaccination is strongly recommended .

Recommended Vaccinations Consult a travel health specialist 4-6 weeks before travel. Recommended vaccines include :

• Hepatitis A – risk is high due to food/water contamination .
• Hepatitis B – recommended for longer stays or contact with locals .
• Typhoid – risk exists, especially if eating outside major hotels .
• Polio – ensure you are up to date.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria – ensure boosters are current .
• Rabies – recommended for travellers who may have contact with animals .

• Travel Health Insurance is absolutely essential. Policies must cover hospitalisation and expensive medical evacuation (repatriation). There is no reciprocal health care agreement . Medical evacuation to South Africa is often necessary .
• Malaria: There is a high risk of malaria throughout the country. Take chemoprophylaxis (anti-malaria tablets) and use mosquito repellent containing DEET .
• Other Health Risks: Waterborne diseases (avoid tap water, ice, raw food), schistosomiasis (avoid fresh water), and animal bites (seek immediate medical help) .
• Medical Care: Luanda has some expatriate-run clinics. Outside the capital, healthcare is extremely basic with shortages of specialists, blood supplies, and medication .
• HPV Vaccination: Angola launched a national HPV vaccination campaign in late 2025 for girls aged 9-12, and from January 2026, it is part of the routine vaccination schedule for 9-year-old girls .

Links: WHO · CDC Angola.

Current Situation Angola is generally stable but has a high crime rate in urban areas . A high-risk advisory applies to the Province of Cabinda .

• Crime: Armed robbery, burglary, and kidnapping are risks . Avoid isolated areas, do not resist if confronted, and be vigilant in busy places.
• Cabinda Province: Military confrontations and kidnappings are a threat. Non-essential travel is advised against .
• Landmines: Unexploded ordnance remains in some areas, especially near the borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. Stay on main roads .
• Demonstrations: Avoid all political gatherings and protests .
• Photography: Taking photos of government buildings, military sites, and key infrastructure is illegal and can lead to prosecution . Always ask permission before photographing people.
• LGBTQ+ Travellers: Same-sex relationships are decriminalised, but local sensitivities exist. Avoid public displays of affection .
• Emergency plan: Save local emergency numbers, embassy contacts, and your accommodation address in Portuguese.

Official travel advisories: U.S. State Department · UK FCDO · German Foreign Office.

• General Emergency: (+244)111
• Police: (+244)113
• Ambulance: (+244)112 or 116
• Fire brigade: (+244)115

Ministry of Interior: minint.gov.ao.

US Embassy in Luanda: Rua Amílcar Cabral 33 · ao.usembassy.gov · +244 222 641 000

UK Embassy Luanda: Rua Diogo Cão 4 · gov.uk/.../british-embassy-luanda · +244 222 334 800

German Embassy Luanda: Rua Reinhold Pohl 3 · luanda.diplo.de · +244 222 639 700

French Embassy Luanda: Rua Rainha Ginga 4 · ao.ambafrance.org · +244 222 391 800

🔍 Full list of embassies and consulates in Angola

Angola is a large country on the west coast of southern Africa, rich in natural resources and cultural diversity. After a 27-year civil war that ended in 2002, the country is now in a phase of reconstruction and development. It is the only country in Africa with Portuguese as its official language and is emerging as a destination for nature and cultural tourism .

• Political system: Presidential republic.
• Main income: Petroleum (major exporter), diamonds, and agriculture.
• Nature: From the Atlantic coast and lush northern rainforests to the Namib Desert in the south, Angola offers a vast array of landscapes .

Angolan society is known for its music (Kuduro, Kizomba), dance, and warm hospitality. Official Tourism Website · Government of Angola.

Climate Tropical and varied. The north is humid and rainy; the south and coast are drier. The desert in the south has extreme temperature variations .

• Coastal (Luanda): Warm and humid, with a cooler season (May-October). Temperatures average 25°C to 30°C.
• Interior/Desert (Namibe): Hot days (over 40°C) and cold nights (near freezing).
• Rainy season: November to April (mainly in the north).
• Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics for the coast and north. Warm layers are essential for desert nights. A raincoat is recommended during the rainy season. Modest clothing is recommended in rural areas and religious sites.

Luanda weather forecast.

Official Portuguese (widely spoken). Many local languages (Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo) are also spoken.

• Useful phrases (Portuguese): Olá (hello), Obrigado/a (thanks), Por favor (please), Desculpe (excuse me), Fala inglês? (do you speak English?) – English is not widely spoken.
• Mentality: Warm, hospitable, and proud of their heritage. Formality and respect are important.
• Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic and Protestant.
• Internet/Wi-Fi: Good coverage in Luanda; limited in rural areas. Local SIM cards are available from mobile operators (Unitel, Movicel).

Voltage 220 V · Frequency 50 Hz

Plug types C (Europlug) and F (Schuko).

• Adapter needed? No, for most European devices (Type C/F).
• Converter? Not needed for 220 V devices. For 110 V devices (US, Japan), a step-down converter is required.

Currency Angolan Kwanza (AOA). Current exchange rate.

• Cash: Angola is predominantly a cash economy. US Dollars are widely accepted for exchange.
• Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted in major hotels and some upscale restaurants in Luanda. Outside the capital, cards are rarely accepted.
• ATMs: Available in Luanda, but may not always work. Cash withdrawals can be difficult.
• Price level: High, especially for imported goods and services.
• Tipping: Tipping is not expected but appreciated (around 10% in hotels).
• Currency Import/Export: Up to USD 5,000 can be imported/exported (minors USD 1,500). Local currency is limited to 50,000 AOA .

Airports Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport (LAD) – main hub.

• Getting around: Air transport is recommended for long distances. Overland travel should only be in convoys (at least 2 cars) with knowledgeable companions due to security and road conditions .
• Rail: The historic Benguela Railway connects the coast to the DRC border . A luxury train, the "Trail of Two Oceans," runs between Lobito and Dar es Salaam .
• Taxis: Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps (e.g., Uber – if available) for safety. Avoid public transport due to security risks.
• Car rental: Available but not recommended. Driving can be dangerous due to poor road conditions, checkpoints, and unmarked landmines .

TAAG Angola Airlines.

Hotel types International hotel chains (Hilton, Marriott) are expanding in Luanda and other cities . Outside the capital, accommodation is very limited.

• Safety: Keep doors and windows locked. Store valuables in the room safe.
• Opening hours: Shops 09:00–20:00.
• Local regulations: Alcohol is available in hotels, restaurants, and some licensed shops. Smoking is banned in many public spaces.
• Shortages: Plan for potential shortages of food, water, and fuel .

Must-try dishes Muamba de galinha (chicken stew), Calulu (dried fish with vegetables), and Fu ba (cassava porridge).

• Drinks: Local beers (Cuca, Eka), palm wine, and strong coffee from the northern plantations .
• Street food: Grilled meats and fish. Exercise caution with hygiene.
• Tap water: Do not drink tap water. Use only bottled water .

Time zone UTC+1 (West Africa Time – WAT).

• Public holidays: 1 Jan (New Year), 4 Jan (Day of the Martyrs of Colonial Repression), 8 Mar (Women's Day), 1 May (Labour Day), 25 May (Africa Day), 1 Jun (Children's Day), 17 Sep (Founding Father Day), 11 Nov (Independence Day), 25 Dec (Christmas).
• Closing days: Many shops closed on public holidays.

Event calendar.

Places Luanda, Malanje, Namibe, Benguela, Lubango, and the Cuando region.

• Cultural/Historical: Luanda's colonial architecture (Baixa), the Fortress of São Miguel, and the historic Benguela railway.
• Nature: Kalandula Falls (one of the largest in Africa), Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo, Iona National Park (oldest park, home to desert-adapted wildlife), Cangandala National Park (Giant Sable Antelope), and the Namib Desert (Welwitschia mirabilis plants) .
• Adventure: 4x4 off-road driving, hiking in the Serra da Leba mountain pass, and exploring the Cuatir Game Reserve (emerging safari destination) .
• Important: Tours to many attractions require advance planning and permits. The government is investing in tourism infrastructure, but the sector is still developing .

Official tourism.

Nightlife Luanda has a vibrant scene with bars, clubs, and live music (Kuduro, Kizomba, Semba). Exercise caution when leaving nightlife venues .

• Events: National festivals include the Luanda International Jazz Festival and the Carnival.

Event calendar.

• Official Tourism Website Angola
• Government of Angola
• Angolan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• TPA (TV) · Angop (news agency)
• Google Maps — Angola
• YouTube — Angola travel & documentaries
• Google News — Angola