Genvisec advises that  business and leisure travel should be well managed and professional advice sought prior.

 

Crime

 

Most international companies and organisations operating in Angola have strict security rules and regulations for their staff. You should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, and respect any advice or instruction from local security authorities.

 

There is a high level of crime in Luanda. Muggings, particularly to steal mobile phones and other valuables, and armed robberies can occur in any area at any time of the day or night. Areas popular with foreigners are particular targets.

 

Incidents of rape have been reported in popular nightlife areas, as well as in private homes. Don’t travel alone at night.

 

Avoid walking around Luanda, especially after dark. Avoid wearing jewellery or watches in public places. Don’t change or withdraw large sums of money in busy public areas. Avoid walking between bars and restaurants on the Ilha do Cabo, and avoid crowded places like markets.

 

Theft from stationary or slow-moving cars is common in downtown Luanda. Keep valuables out of sight and don’t 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 either to steal it or to rob you.

 

Deposit valuables and cash in a hotel safe where practical. Keep copies of important documents, including your passport, in a separate place from the documents themselves.

 

Local travel

 

Genvisec advises against all but essential travel to Cabinda province (but not including Cabinda city). There are regular 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.

 

Genvisec advises against all but essential travel to the province of Lunda Norte. 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 occur from time to time.

 

If you travel outside Luanda and the provincial capitals, do so in the company of persons or organisations experienced in local conditions, as conditions can be difficult. There is widespread poverty, social exclusion and disease, a shattered infrastructure and 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

 

Although you can drive on a UK licence for up to 30 days from the date of your arrival in Angola, an International Driving Permit or translation of your UK licence is recommended. Make sure all vehicle documentation is available for inspection. Police check points are common. Genvisec strongly advises a local driver is used in country.

 

Major roads between Luanda and the provincial capitals are improving, but driving standards and some road conditions are very poor and travel outside major towns is usually in convoys of two or more 4-wheel drive vehicles. Outside major towns, mines and unexploded ordnance remain a problem, including on roads, verges and bridges, in buildings and in 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 taxis at the airport and these can also be booked through your hotel or with the company direct. Local minibus transport is unsafe. In most cases your sponsor will arrange to meet you at the airport and to provide transport throughout your trip.

 

Air travel

 

A list of recent incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

 

Genvisec can offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. 

 

The International Civil Aviation Organisation has carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Angola.

 

TAAG, the Angolan national carrier, is the only carrier regulated by the Angolan civil aviation authority permitted to operate flights to/from the EU, and then only using the 9 aircraft specified in the list published by the European Commission.

 

For internal flights, and international flights to Sao Tome and Principe, Genvisec advises that in specific circumstances employees can travel on TAAG aircraft that are subject to the EU ban; no other Angolan airline should be used.

 

Political situation

 

You should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, and respect any advice or instruction from local security authorities.

 

Shortages

 

There are occasional shortages of petrol and diesel. Power and water can be cut off for days without notice. Residents should keep generator fuel stocks and water tanks topped up. Drinking water and other food supplies are not always readily available. You should keep stocks of tinned goods and drinking water.

 

Hotels

 

There is a shortage of hotel accommodation in Luanda. Most hotels are fully booked for as much as 2 or 3 months in advance. 

 

Communications

 

Not all mobile phone companies have roaming arrangements with Angola. SMS text messages may not get through. Mobile coverage outside the main urban areas is patchy. When travelling outside Luanda carry a mobile phone with contracts to both Unitel and Movicel as coverage for each provider varies throughout the country.

 

Health

 

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

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. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

If you need to contact the emergency services in Angola call 112/113/115. It is not guaranteed that the service will respond due to poor capacity.

 

Money

 

Credit cards are only accepted in a very limited number of hotels and restaurants, although this is increasing. Always ask whether your card will be accepted before incurring expenditure. There have been reports of credit cards being cloned for fraudulent purposes so you are advised to exercise caution when using your card.

 

The number of ATM’s is growing in Luanda and other cities. Check with your card issuer to see if your card will be accepted.

 

Travellers’ cheques are not accepted. Funds may be sent from the UK to Angola (but not in the other direction) by Western Union which has a number of agencies in Luanda and elsewhere and whose details are listed on the company’s website.

 

Bring enough cash for your needs or ensure that your sponsoring company or agency has made suitable arrangements. US dollars are widely used. Old series dollar bills (with small heads) are not accepted, nor are damaged or torn dollar bills.

 

There are limits on the amount of cash that can be imported and exported. The limit is currently the equivalent of 15,000 US dollars. Imports over this limit should be declared and the relevant forms completed on arrival. If you wish to re-export currency over the 15,000 US dollar limit you will need to show your original declaration form to the customs authority at the airport.

 

If currency over 15,000 US dollars is acquired whilst in Angola, you will need to obtain prior authorisation from the National Bank to export the currency.

 

Undeclared imports or exports of amounts over the equivalent of 15,000 US dollars are liable to seizure. The limits are subject to change. You should check the current limits with the Angolan Embassy or the National Bank.

 

New regulations about the import and export of foreign currency and Kwanzas came into effect on 27 February 2012:

 

Adult residents can take out of Angola the equivalent of USD 15,000 in foreign currency and non residents can take out USD 10,000. You can expect to be searched at the airport to ensure you are not leaving the country carrying more than the allowed amount of Kwanza.

The total ban on exporting Kwanzas has been lifted and residents and non residents can take out of Angola 50,000 Kwanzas in addition to the dollars or foreign currency mentioned above.

On entering Angola, residents continue to need to declare amounts over USD 15,000 and non residents amounts over USD10,000.

 

Destruction of Kwanza notes is illegal.

 

Local laws and customs

 

You must not use cameras, binoculars, maps, GPS equipment, etc. near government buildings of any description. Taking photographs in the streets can draw the attention of the authorities. Your equipment may be confiscated.

 

Drug taking and smuggling are offences. Punishments can be severe. Prison conditions are very poor.

 

If you are drunk when you arrive at Luanda airport you may be refused entry, detained and deported. Airlines can and do refuse to carry passengers out of Angola if they are drunk. Conditions inside police stations and the criminal investigation department are very basic.

 

Homosexual acts are illegal.

 

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 $US 100.

 

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