Angola Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Angola.
Healthcare System
Angola's healthcare system is underdeveloped with significant disparities between private facilities in Luanda and public healthcare elsewhere. The public system suffers from inadequate funding, equipment shortages, and limited trained personnel. Private clinics in Luanda offer better standards but are extremely expensive.
Hospitals
Clínica Girassol and Clínica Sagrada Esperança in Luanda are the best private options for foreigners. Payment is required upfront and costs are very high. Public hospitals should be avoided except in dire emergencies. Medical facilities in provincial cities are extremely basic.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmácias) are available in Luanda and major cities but stock is inconsistent. Many medications may be counterfeit or expired. Bring all necessary prescription medications with you in original packaging, along with copies of prescriptions. Common over-the-counter medications may not be available.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage up to $200,000+ is absolutely essential. Ensure your policy covers Angola specifically as some exclude it. Medical evacuation to South Africa can cost $50,000-100,000.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive medical kit including basic medications, as supplies are unreliable
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical records, including blood type
- Identify the nearest acceptable medical facility upon arrival in each location
- Ensure your insurance company has 24/7 emergency contact and can arrange evacuation
- Consider scheduling a consultation at a private clinic in Luanda early in your trip to establish contact
- Avoid blood transfusions unless absolutely necessary due to screening concerns
- Dental care is limited; address any dental issues before traveling
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles are common, particularly in Luanda. Foreigners are often targeted as they are perceived as wealthy. Theft can occur in markets, crowded areas, and even at traffic lights.
Armed robbery and carjacking occur, particularly after dark. While less common than petty theft, violent crime does happen, especially in isolated areas or when victims resist. Express kidnapping (forcing victims to withdraw money from ATMs) has been reported.
Road conditions are poor with potholes, inadequate lighting, and limited road signs. Driving standards are erratic with frequent accidents. Pedestrians, animals, and broken-down vehicles on roads create hazards. Many roads outside cities are in very poor condition or unpaved.
Despite demining efforts, landmines and unexploded ordnance remain in rural areas, particularly in provinces affected by the civil war. Risk is low in cities and on main roads but significant off established paths.
Police checkpoints are common and officers may demand bribes or create issues with documentation. Foreigners may be stopped and asked for documents, sometimes leading to requests for payments.
Cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, and traveler's diarrhea are common. Water quality is poor and sanitation infrastructure is inadequate. Food hygiene standards are inconsistent, even in restaurants.
Malaria is endemic throughout Angola year-round, with risk in all areas. Dengue fever and yellow fever are also present. These diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals posing as police officers or government officials stop tourists, claim there is a problem with their documents or that they have committed an offense, and demand immediate payment of a 'fine' or confiscate valuables for 'inspection.'
Taxi drivers, shops, and service providers charge foreigners significantly inflated prices. In restaurants, tourists may receive menus with higher prices or be charged for items not ordered. Currency exchange at unofficial rates may involve counterfeit bills.
After taking photos, individuals claim you photographed prohibited locations (government buildings, military installations, police) and demand payment to avoid arrest or confiscation of equipment.
Unlicensed 'hotels' or individuals offer cheap accommodation that doesn't exist, is unsafe, or involves theft of belongings. Prepayment is requested and the accommodation is substandard or the contact disappears.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions, creating a commotion) while an accomplice steals your belongings, phone, or wallet.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival and keep their contact information readily available
- Make copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) and store separately from originals
- Share your itinerary with family or friends and check in regularly
- Learn basic Portuguese phrases as English is not widely spoken
- Keep a low profile and avoid displaying wealth through jewelry, electronics, or expensive clothing
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself
- Maintain situational awareness and avoid distractions like using phones while walking
Accommodation Safety
- Use reputable hotels with security measures; budget options may lack basic safety features
- Keep your room locked at all times and use the safe for valuables
- Know the location of emergency exits
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
- Choose accommodations in safer neighborhoods; ask your embassy for recommendations
Transportation Safety
- Use hotel-arranged transportation or reputable taxi companies rather than street taxis
- Avoid public transportation due to overcrowding and crime risk
- Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving
- Do not travel between cities after dark
- If hiring a car, ensure it's from a reputable company and check insurance coverage thoroughly
- Plan routes in advance and inform someone of your travel plans
Money and Valuables
- Carry minimal cash and use hotel safes for excess money and valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers during daylight hours
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep emergency cash in US dollars or euros in a separate location
- Be discreet when handling money; count change in a secure location
- Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels and some restaurants in Luanda
Health Precautions
- Ensure all vaccinations are current, including yellow fever (mandatory), hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies
- Take malaria prophylaxis as prescribed throughout your stay
- Drink only bottled water and avoid ice
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid contact with animals, including stray dogs
- Bring sufficient supplies of any prescription medications
- Consider hepatitis B vaccination if you might need medical treatment
Photography and Documentation
- Never photograph government buildings, military installations, airports, ports, or security personnel
- Always ask permission before photographing people
- Be discreet with expensive camera equipment
- Keep digital copies of important documents in secure cloud storage
- Photograph your luggage and valuable items for insurance purposes
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for emergency communication (Unitel or Movicel are main providers)
- Keep your embassy's emergency number programmed in your phone
- Download offline maps before travel as internet can be unreliable
- Learn basic Portuguese phrases for emergencies
- Consider a portable WiFi device or international roaming plan for important communications
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Angola safely but should exercise additional caution. While Angolan society is generally respectful, women traveling alone may attract unwanted attention. Sexual harassment and assault do occur, particularly in crowded areas and after dark. Conservative dress and behavior are advisable, especially outside Luanda. Women hold positions in business and government, but traditional gender roles remain prevalent in many areas.
- Dress conservatively; avoid revealing clothing which may attract unwanted attention
- Avoid walking alone, especially after dark; use hotel-arranged transportation
- Be firm but polite in declining unwanted attention; avoid engaging with harassers
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deflect some attention
- Book accommodations in reputable hotels with good security
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers or leaving drinks unattended
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations immediately
- Join group tours or activities rather than exploring alone
- Keep your phone charged and accessible for emergencies
- Inform hotel staff of your plans and expected return time
- Be aware that some bars and nightclubs may be frequented by sex workers
- Consider connecting with other travelers or expat women's groups for advice and companionship
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Angola as of 2021, and the constitution prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, there are no legal protections for same-sex relationships, and same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise extreme discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not assume that legal protections translate to social acceptance or safety
- Be cautious about discussing LGBTQ+ topics openly, even in seemingly safe environments
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance, though options are very limited
- Be aware that there are no openly LGBTQ+ venues or establishments
- Consider the risks carefully before traveling as an openly LGBTQ+ person
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel groups for updated safety information
- Keep contact information for your embassy readily available
- Be prepared for potential discrimination and have a safety plan
- Consider traveling with a trusted companion
- Monitor local news and be aware that attitudes may be particularly conservative outside Luanda
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with high-limit medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential for travel to Angola and should be considered non-negotiable. The poor state of healthcare facilities means that serious illness or injury will require medical evacuation to South Africa or Europe, which can cost $50,000-150,000. Many standard travel insurance policies exclude Angola or have insufficient coverage limits. Medical care, even at private facilities in Luanda, is extremely expensive and payment is required upfront before treatment.
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