Angola

*This advice predates COVID-19. Travel within Angola is restricted due to the state of emergency and lockdown currently in place.

Proof of identity

Carry your identity documents at all times.

Photocopies are only valid if they are notarised by an Angolan Notary Public.

Police and military checkpoints are common. If you fail to produce valid proof of identity, you can be given a large fine.

Travel conditions

Travel outside Luanda can be difficult and dangerous.

Infrastructure is heavily damaged from Angola’s 27-year civil war.

Landmines and unexploded remnants of war are a danger:

• outside major cities
• in the interior of the country
• in areas bordering Zambia

If you need to travel outside of Luanda:

• only travel with experienced people who know and understand local conditions well
• keep to main roads to avoid landmines

Travel restrictions

Foreigners need official permission and documents to travel to:

• all areas of Cabinda
• Lunda Norte, except Lucapa and Dundo
• Lunda Sul, except Saurimo

If you travel here without permission, authorities may detain you or restrict your movements.

Seek official travel permission and documents from:

• the Angolan partner sponsoring your visit to Angola
• main police stations in Lucapa, Dundo or Saurimo

Driver’s licence

To drive in Angola, you need:

• a valid Australian driver’s licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• registration papers
• insurance papers

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road accidents are common due to:

• poorly maintained roads
• dangerous driving practices

Street vendors, motor scooters and pedestrians on the roads also pose safety risks.

You’re 4 times more likely to be killed in a car accident in Angola than in Australia.

Fuel shortages can occur. Plan your road travel accordingly.

More information:

Public transport

Public transport is overcrowded, poorly maintained and unsafe.

Air travel

Airports in regional centres in Angola have very limited facilities. Most runways are in poor condition. This is worse in the wet season, from October to May.

Flight delays often occur.

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Angola’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government