Angola's Borders: Open Or Closed?

Angola is a country in southwest Africa with a population of over 24 million people. It is bordered by Namibia to the south, Zambia to the east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north and northeast, and the South Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country also has an exclave province, Cabinda, which borders the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Angola has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age and was formed as a nation-state from the Kingdom of Kongo, which became powerful through its involvement in the Atlantic slave trade with the Portuguese Empire. Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975 after a protracted anti-colonial struggle and subsequently descended into a civil war that lasted until 2002.

Today, Angola is a relatively stable constitutional republic with a fast-growing economy, driven largely by its vast mineral and petroleum reserves. However, economic growth is uneven, with most of the nation's wealth concentrated in a small portion of the population.

In terms of borders, Angola has a total area of 1,246,700 square kilometres and requires visas for entry, which can be obtained at the country of origin's Angolan embassy. Due to its history of civil war, leisure travel in Angola is not recommended, and driving outside of the capital, Luanda, can be risky.

Angola's COVID-19 border restrictions

Angola is open to all travellers from around the world, but several COVID-19 restrictions are still in place.

Pre-departure requirements

Before departing for Angola, travellers must:

• Complete a Travel Registration within 72 hours.
• Present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
• Present a vaccination certificate if vaccinated.

On arrival requirements

Upon arrival in Angola, travellers must:

• Undergo a health screening.
• Take an antigen rapid COVID-19 test.
• Sign a consent form, confirming that they will comply with local health rules.

Quarantine requirements

All travellers are required to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. They will be tested for COVID-19 on day 10.

Angola's land borders

Angola is bordered by Namibia to the south, Zambia to the east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north-east, and the South Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country also has an exclave province, Cabinda, which borders the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The country's land borders have been through several changes over the years. Angola's present borders were established in the early 20th century, after strong resistance by native groups such as the Cuamato, the Kwanyama, and the Mbunda. The Berlin Conference in 1884-1885 also set the colony's borders, delineating the boundaries of Portuguese claims in Angola.

As of 2024, all non-essential travel was restricted, and land borders remained closed except for commercial transport within the country. However, domestic flights had resumed.

The country's land borders provide access to several national parks, including Cameia National Park, Cangandala National Park, Iona National Park, Quiçama National Park, and Mupa National Park. These parks offer opportunities to explore Angola's diverse wildlife, such as wildebeests, tsessebe, Lechwe antelopes, and reedbuck.

The land borders also provide access to unique cultural experiences, such as the Mushi-Kongo and other divisions of the Ba-Kongo, who retain traces of the Christianity professed by them in the 16th and 17th centuries. Additionally, Angola's land borders offer a glimpse into the country's history, with the Fortress of São Pedro da Barra in Luanda serving as a holding place for slaves and, more recently, a prison for nationalists during the war of independence.

Overall, Angola's land borders present a diverse range of natural, cultural, and historical experiences for visitors.

Angola's air travel

Angola has an excellent airport system covering the entire country. The system is open to international traffic through 4 de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda, with direct flights from South Africa (Cape Town and Johannesburg), Zimbabwe (Harare), Ethiopia (Addis Ababa), the UK (London), Belgium (Brussels), Portugal (Lisbon), and France (Paris). The airport is located 4km (2.5 miles) from the city. There are no airport taxis; visitors must be received by their agents or use a transport service provided by their hotel.

The national airline is Angola Airlines (DT), which operates domestic services within Angola, medium-haul services in Africa, and long-haul services to Brazil, Cuba, and Portugal. It is a state-owned airline and flag carrier of Angola, based in Luanda. It was originally set up by the government in 1938 as DTA – Divisão dos Transportes Aéreos and rechristened TAAG Angola Airlines in 1973. It gained flag carrier status in 1975.

Other airlines that fly to Angola include Linhas Aereas de Mocambique (LAM), Airlink, and Ethiopian Airlines.

Driving in Angola

If you do choose to drive in Angola, it is recommended that you hire an experienced local driver who is familiar with the roads and can navigate hazards such as wandering livestock and overloaded vehicles. Most companies provide a car and driver for their senior expat employees, and some have a pool of cars and drivers available to staff. Alternatively, you can hire a car from a local rental company, but be aware that you will need both a valid licence from your country of residence and an international driver's licence. The minimum age to drive in Angola is typically 18, but this can vary depending on the rental company and location.

Driving is on the right-hand side in Angola, and seatbelt use is mandatory. Petrol stations are generally open from 8 am to 8 pm, but some stations in major cities and on highways are open 24 hours. There are no tolls on Angolan roads.

When parking your car, do not leave it on the street overnight. Always use hotel parking or a well-lit area, and do not leave valuables in the vehicle. Aggressive driving, gridlocked traffic, and poorly maintained vehicles are common in Angola, so it is important to remain vigilant and expect the unexpected when on the road.

Angola's tourist attractions

Angola is a country located in southwestern Africa and is officially known as the Republic of Angola. It is the second-largest Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) country in both total area and population and is the seventh-largest country in Africa.

• Ilha de Luanda (Island of Luanda): A small peninsula stretching for 5 km in front of Luanda, the capital of Angola. It is known for its beaches, restaurants, and bars, making it a popular destination for nightlife and entertainment.
• Ilha do Mussulo: A 30 km long tongue of land/sand located in the southern outskirts of Luanda. It offers warmer waters and a calm lagoon-like environment, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and sunbathing.
• Marginal de Luanda: A renovated avenue/boulevard stretching from Luanda's Port to Luanda's Island. It offers stunning views of the island and the city skyline, making it a favourite spot for locals and expatriates to walk or run.
• Angola's National Bank and Currency Museum: The National Bank, located along Marginal de Luanda, is an imposing pink building constructed during the colonial era. Nearby is the Currency Museum, which showcases the country's monetary history and interactive exhibits.
• Fortaleza de Sao Miguel: A 16th-century fort located at the top of a small hill, offering panoramic views of Marginal de Luanda, the island, and the city. It also houses a historical museum and a restaurant with a terrace.
• Museu Nacional da Escravatura (National Museum of Slavery): This museum in Luanda documents the history of slavery in Angola and the torture endured by thousands of slaves before they were shipped to the Americas.
• Miradouro da Lua: Located on the main road to southern Angola, this site offers a unique lunar-like landscape created by wind and rain erosion. The bright colours of the land and the striking views make it a popular stop for travellers.
• Kissama National Park: Located about 75 km south of Luanda, this park offers safari experiences and a chance to see the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
• Beaches of Cabo Ledo and Sangano: These beaches, located about 100 km south of Luanda, are known for their perfect yellow sand and beautiful blue seawater. They are popular weekend retreats for expatriates and locals alike.
• Kalandula Falls: Located in the Lucala River, these falls are considered the second most impressive in Africa after Victoria Falls. They stand at over 100 meters high and 400 meters wide, and during the rainy season, the views are even more spectacular.
• Benguela Beaches: Angolan beaches are renowned, and those around Benguela are considered the best in the country. Baia Azul and Baía Farta are two standout destinations, offering soft sand, deep blue seawater, and tranquil atmospheres.
• Tundavala Gap (Fenda da Tundavala): An enormous abyss in the Serra da Leba mountain range, located 18 km from Lubango. This natural wonder features a sudden drop of 1000 meters, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
• Pululukwa Resort: This resort, located in Lubango, offers a chance to connect with nature and enjoy wildlife such as zebras, antelopes, and crocodiles. It also boasts an excellent restaurant, making it a favourite destination for those seeking relaxation and culinary delights.

Frequently asked questions