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Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes
to travel to Angola...
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Angola, with the exception of the capital Luanda, due to the high risk of civil unrest and criminal violence. Ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you're comfortable travelling outside Luanda knowing that you may be caught up in political or criminal violence. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to parts of Angola other than Luanda, you should exercise extreme caution. We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Luanda.
Although the signing of a ceasefire in April 2002, after 27 years of civil war, has improved the security situation in Angola, there are on-going security risks, including from localised civil unrest. Tension is particularly high in the provinces of Cabinda, where an active separatist movement is based and foreigners have been kidnapped and threatened, and Lunda Sul and Lunda Norte, where police and military operations have been conducted.
You should avoid protests and demonstrations throughout Angola as they may become violent.
Crime
The crime rate is high throughout Angola. Criminal activity is often accompanied by violence. Armed banditry and car-jackings are common. At night and outside Luanda there is a much higher risk of violent criminal activity.
Local Travel
Over one-third of the population is internally displaced and infrastructure remains heavily damaged following Angola's 27-year civil war. Landmines remain uncleared in many rural areas.
If you travel outside Luanda, we recommend that you engage a firm that can provide security and logistical support.
Foreigners travelling into the interior of Angola need an internal travel document. This is normally provided by the Angolan partner sponsoring the foreign group which invited the foreigner to Angola.
Public transport systems are overcrowded, poorly maintained and unsafe.
Road traffic accidents are common.
The safety standards you might expect may not be met on flights within Angola, particularly on unscheduled flights or those operated by non-recognised airlines.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local laws and legal processes can be very different from those in your country. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or unjust by your standards.
Penalties for possession, trafficking and use of drugs, including 'soft drugs', include mandatory prison sentences.
Consensual homosexual acts between adults are not illegal in Angola although they are not considered socially acceptable.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Angola for the most up to date information.
A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for entry into Angola.
Angola is listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate before being allowed to board flights out of the country. If in doubt, check with your airline.
If you have visited Angola in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Australia.
Health Issues
Chloroquine resistant and cerebral malaria are endemic to the region. Access to adequate medical facilities is limited and difficult. Medical and emergency facilities outside the capital are extremely basic. Clinics will normally expect payment in cash for services dispensed.
There has recently been a large outbreak of Marburg virus haemorrhagic fever in Angola, centred in the Uige province of northern Angola, that may not yet be eradicated. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has coordinated a large international medical response to control the outbreak. The Department of Health and Ageing advises that the risk of contracting Marburg infection is very low unless there has been travel to the affected area and direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids (eg saliva, urine) of infected persons or animals, or objects that have been recently contaminated with infected body fluids. Further information can be obtained at the World Health Organization (WHO).
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers
Travel and Health Insurance
Travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. In particular, travellers should seek advice from their insurer on what type of circumstances and activities are the subject of exclusions in their policy.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
If you're gonna travel abroad, make sure you are prepared... take it from us, travel insurance is an absolute must!
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