Is Traveling To Luanda, Angola, Safe?

Travelers to Angola should be aware of the high risk of crime, including robbery attempts, walking or driving at night, and keeping a low profile. Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program can help receive alerts and make informed decisions.

In Luanda, there is a high level of crime, with some attacks being fatal. Muggers can be armed and the presence of diamonds increases crime levels. Travelers may be asked for a letter from their employer, organization, or individual explaining the reasons for their visit.

Angola does not require a visa for tourists, but U.S. citizens traveling for tourism must present a valid passport for at least the planned duration of stay. Most international companies and organizations operating in Angola have security rules for staff.

Crime rates in Angola are high, with common crimes including pickpocketing, snatch and grab robberies, and armed robbery. The US State Department recommends increased caution due to crime and health, and some areas have increased risk.

Luanda is generally safe during day light, but the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Angola due to civil unrest and violent crime. The Peninsula is fairly safe, but foot patrols are out at night walking around certain areas.

Luanda is one of the top areas where crime can occur in Angola, and it is also one of the spots most frequented by travelers. To ensure safety, travelers should take these precautions and stay vigilant at all times.

What are the risks in Angola?

Corruption in Angola is a significant issue due to a lack of checks and balances, insufficient institutional capacity, and a culture of impunity. Procurement practices, particularly in the oil and mining sector, are opaque and corrupt. Clientelistic networks govern business conduct, with many companies acting as front organizations for government officials. The Probity Law criminalizes bribery, illicit enrichment, and conflict of interest, but offenses are rarely prosecuted. Gifts and facilitation payments are common in business.

The judicial system is also at high risk due to corruption, with companies often paying irregular payments or bribes to influence decisions. The courts are perceived as weak in settling commercial disputes and challenging government regulations. Most companies avoid taking commercial disputes to court, and many municipalities lack prosecutors or judges, leading to civil conflicts in rural areas. Angola ranks among the most difficult countries for businesses to enforce contracts, with an average enforcing time of 1296 days. Angola is not a signatory to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Award or a member state to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.

Do they speak English in Luanda?

Angola’s official language is Portuguese, but several local languages, including Kikongo, Kimbundu, and Umbundu, are considered co-official. Luanda, the capital and largest city in Angola, has a rich cultural and historical heritage from colonialism. Despite its challenges, such as nerve-wracking traffic and limited entertainment opportunities, Luanda has reinvented itself as a peaceful modern city.

Since the end of the conflict in 2002, the government has invested heavily in Luanda, including large social housing high-rise blocks, extensive repaving, construction of six-lane highways, and railway lines. A large new airport is under construction, scheduled to open in 2023.

Luanda International Airport (LAD) is the country’s main international air travel hub, located six miles south of the city. Taxis to the city run about Kz8, 200, but taxis are scarce, so travelers should have pre-booked car service to their accommodation. The city is also home to the country’s main international air travel hub, Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (LAD).

Is Luanda safe to walk?

Common crimes in Luanda include petty theft, armed robbery, and carjacking, with violent crime rates higher at night. It’s advisable to avoid walking alone or at night.

Is Angola high risk?

Angola is known for its high crime rate, which encompasses various offenses such as petty theft, armed robbery, and carjacking.

Is Angola safe to travel now?

The US State Department advises US citizens to exercise increased caution in Angola due to crime and health concerns. The US Embassy in Luanda offers information on LGBTQIA+ travelers and emergency response numbers for local emergency services.

What is the crime rate in Luanda Angola?

In Luanda, Angola, crime rates are high, with high rates of drug use, property crimes, violent crimes, corruption, and bribery.

Is Angola safe for Westerners?

Angola is a country with high crime rates and landmines, requiring caution due to its remote location. The provinces of Cabinda and Lunda Norte should be avoided for non-essential travel due to security concerns. The High Commission of Canada and the Consulate of Canada in Luanda have limited or non-existent assistance in these areas. The province of Cabinda is also a potential target for militant groups claiming independence, potentially leading to clashes with security forces.

Is Luanda safe at night?

Luanda, the capital of Angola, is known for its safety risks, particularly for solo female travelers during nighttime. Despite a decline in crime rates, criminal activities like theft and pickpocketing remain prevalent. Walking alone at night is not recommended, especially in desolated or unlit areas. Reliable and secure transport services are encouraged, and local advice on safety is crucial. Public transportation in Luanda primarily consists of minibuses and taxis, which are overcrowded and lack emphasis on passenger safety.

Taxis are safer, but rates should be negotiated in advance. For women’s safety, private transport or hiring a trusted driver is recommended. Street harassment in Luanda is moderate, with occasional cat-calling, unwanted attention, or stares from locals. However, most locals are respectful and helpful towards tourists. It is essential to maintain awareness and take normal precautions as in any other city.

Is it safe to walk around Luanda?

Luanda is known for its high crime rate, with some violent attacks and fatalities. It is crucial to hand over valuables and money immediately in case of an attack. Most international companies in Angola have security rules for staff, so it is essential to follow them. Criminals target areas popular with foreigners, so it is essential to be cautious when withdrawing money from banks and ATMs. Avoid walking alone or after dark, wearing expensive jewelry or using mobiles in public places, and avoiding crowded places like markets and large gatherings.

Are taxis safe in Luanda?

To ensure safe taxi travel in Angola, use pre-booked taxis using apps like ‘Yango’ and ‘Heetch’. Ensure the driver’s identity matches before entering. Local minibus transport is unsafe. The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists airlines in Angola that don’t meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to and from the UK. Check the list when choosing airlines. Prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural disasters.

What are the dangers in Luanda?

Luanda is a city known for its high crime rate, with some violent attacks and fatalities. It is crucial to report any attacks and follow security rules set by international companies operating in Angola. Additionally, foreigners should be cautious when withdrawing money from banks and ATMs, as criminals often target popular areas.