Safety and security

Social unrest

The political situation in Angola is reasonably stable but there can be occasional outbreaks of social unrest.

If you’re travelling in the country, you should avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which can sometimes turn confrontational. Always keep yourself informed of what’s going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser. Please also follow any security-related instructions that may issue from local law enforcement authorities.

Terrorism

Although the threat from terrorism in Angola is low, there is still a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.

Landmines

Unexploded mines and ordnances are still a hazard outside Angola’s capital city, Luanda. Don’t stray off main routes in rural areas and always take local advice on the current situation from the United Nations or an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) on the ground.

Crime

Crime, particularly in Angola’s capital, Luanda, can be an issue and you should always take sensible precautions:

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you’re alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafés, train and bus stations
• Be aware a high proportion of the civil population is armed

Serious crime

In the capital, Luanda, criminal violence including muggings, car-jackings and armed hold-ups can happen in any area at any time. Muggings, particularly to steal mobile phones, as well as armed car-jackings appear to be on the increase.  We advise against walking around Luanda after dark.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Angola, report it to the local police immediately. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy in Lisbon if you need help.

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Angola, you should be extremely careful. Road conditions are poor, travel is usually in convoy, and travelling outside Luanda can be difficult and dangerous.

If you want to drive:

• Bring your full Irish driving licence and your international driving permit and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
• Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security.

If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Regional travel

Travel outside Luanda can be difficult and dangerous. There’s widespread poverty, social exclusion and disease, as well as a shattered infrastructure and mines and unexploded ordnance throughout parts of the country. If you travel outside Luanda, you should only do so in the company of people or organisations who are experienced in dealing with the local conditions.

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Do not use photographic equipment, maps, binoculars or GPS devices near government buildings or installations, as this may result in the confiscation of equipment or fines being imposed.

It is recommended that you carry a certified copy of your passport data page and relevant visa, for identification purposes in the event that you are stopped by the Angolan authorities. Failure to do so may result in a fine. 

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

Health

Get travel and medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We can’t advise you on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.

Yellow Fever

Irish citizens may be asked to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination especially when they are travelling from high risk transmission countries, including Uganda.

Medication

Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.

Malaria

Malaria is a constant threat in Angola. Before travelling, ask your doctor about suitable anti-malarial medication. And after arrival, take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using bed nets and repellents, and wearing closed shoes, long sleeves and trousers.

Cholera

Cholera is common in Angola. You should drink bottled or boiled and filtered water and eat only where food has been thoroughly cooked and basic hygiene precautions have been taken.

Zika

There is currently an outbreak of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in the region. Irish Citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

Water

We recommend that you drink only boiled or bottled water during your stay.

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

As of 29 September 2023, Irish citizens no longer require a visa to enter Angola, if they are travelling for tourism. Irish citizens can stay for up to 30 days per entry and a maximum of 90 days per year. If visiting Angola for a reason other than tourism, it is still necessary to apply for a visa at an Angolan embassy or consulate. Details on how to apply for a visa and the required documents can be found here.

Travellers can apply for a visa online at http://www.smevisa.gov.ao/, or alternatively by post or in person at the Consulate General of Angola in London.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport if travelling to Angola and to carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re in Angola you should contact the Irish Embassy in Lisbon. We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you.

What we can do:

• Issue an emergency travel document that will get you home.
• If required, provide advice on applying for new passport.

You will need a police report if you want to make a claim on your travel insurance. We will not provide you with a travel document without a police report.