Angola-Us Relations: Friend Or Foe?

Angola and the United States have maintained diplomatic relations since 1993, but the US State Department currently recommends that US citizens exercise caution in Angola due to crime and health concerns. US citizens travelling to Angola for tourism must have a passport valid for their entire stay and are not required to obtain a visa for visits of up to 30 days at a time (90 days total per calendar year). However, US citizens travelling for other reasons must obtain a visa or visa pre-approval before departure. While Angola has a strong and capable military, two-thirds of its population lives in poverty. The US has provided assistance to Angola in the form of COVID-19 vaccines, and the two countries are working together to promote economic prosperity and improve health and security.

Angola's diplomatic relations with the US

Angola and the United States have maintained diplomatic relations since 1993, but the history of their relationship is complex.

Angola's History with the US

Before 1993, the relationship between the two countries was antagonistic, with the US refusing to grant diplomatic recognition to the socialist one-party state that ruled Angola after its independence from Portugal in 1975. The US was opposed to Angola's ruling party, the left-wing, Soviet-aligned Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), and supported anti-government rebels during the Angolan Civil War.

Post-Cold War Relations

With the end of the Cold War, the US and Angola became increasingly comfortable cooperating to end the civil conflict through a negotiated settlement. On May 19, 1993, the US government, under President Bill Clinton, extended formal diplomatic recognition to the MPLA-led Angolan government, which had held multi-party elections in 1992.

Current Diplomatic Relations

Today, Angola is the third-largest trading partner of the US in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly due to its petroleum exports. US exports to Angola include machinery, aircraft, poultry, and iron and steel products. Angola is a partner country with Power Africa and is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The two countries have signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement to promote greater trade and investment.

US Assistance to Angola

The US provides assistance to Angola in several areas, including health, security, and economic development. US assistance seeks to prevent major infectious diseases, strengthen health systems, and build capacity within non-governmental organizations working in health advocacy and service delivery. The US has also worked with Angola to remove landmines, promote environmental conservation, and help war refugees and internally displaced people return to their homes.

In terms of security, the US provides military education opportunities and training to Angola through the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program, and works with the country to improve maritime security and develop English language capability.

Bilateral Representation

Both countries maintain embassies in each other's capitals, and Angola is an observer to the Organization of American States. The US State Department currently recommends that US citizens exercise increased caution in Angola due to crime and health concerns.

Angola's economic ties with the US

Angola is the third-largest trading partner of the United States in Sub-Saharan Africa, mainly due to its petroleum exports. The U.S. imports 7% of its oil from Angola, making it the eighth-largest supplier of oil to the United States. Chevron Corporation, TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, Eni, and BP all operate in the country and represent the vast majority of daily production. U.S. exports to Angola include machinery, aircraft, poultry, and iron and steel products. Angola is a partner country with Power Africa and is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The two countries have signed a trade and investment framework agreement, which aims to promote greater trade and investment.

The U.S. Government has invested $4 billion in Angola's petroleum sector, and U.S. companies account for more than half of the investment in Angola, with ChevronTexaco leading the way. The U.S. exports industrial goods and services, primarily oilfield equipment, mining equipment, chemicals, aircraft, and food, to Angola, while principally importing petroleum.

The World Bank Group supports Angola's efforts to reduce poverty and promote economic growth by working with the government, development partners, and civil society. Angola's economy has been heavily influenced by the effects of four decades of conflict in the latter part of the 20th century, including the war for independence from Portugal (1961-1975) and the subsequent civil war (1975-2002). Since the end of the civil war in 2002, Angola's government has prioritized the repair and improvement of infrastructure and the strengthening of political and social institutions.

Angola's economy was one of the fastest-growing in the world during the first decade of the 21st century, with reported annual average GDP growth of 11.1% from 2001 to 2010. High international oil prices and rising oil production contributed to this strong economic growth, although it was accompanied by high inequality. Angola's economic fortunes have been tied to global oil demand, resulting in volatile growth and high levels of poverty and inequality.

The U.S. provides technical assistance to Angola's financial sector and works to build the tourism sector through support on environmental conservation and demining. The U.S. assistance also includes the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program, which finances professional military education opportunities and deploys military training teams to Angola to strengthen medical readiness, maritime security, and English language capability.

Safety advice for US citizens travelling to Angola

Angola is a large export market for the US in sub-Saharan Africa, and the two countries have maintained diplomatic relations since 1993. However, US citizens should exercise increased caution in Angola due to crime and health risks. Here is some essential safety advice for US citizens travelling to Angola:

Crime

Violent crime, such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, and homicide, is common in Angola. Criminals have been known to target vehicles, especially in slow-moving traffic or by staging accidents to lure victims out of their cars. There have also been reports of kidnappings, with foreigners often being the victims. It is advised to avoid walking alone, especially at night, and to not display any valuable items such as cash, jewellery, or smartphones. Vary your routes and travel times, and always keep someone informed of your daily routine. When driving, keep the doors locked and windows rolled up.

Police and Law Enforcement

Local police often lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. In the event of a crime, contact the local police at 113, but be aware that emergency responses are frequently delayed and may not be available outside of Luanda. You can also contact the US Embassy in Luanda for assistance.

Health

Medical facilities in Angola are under-resourced and may not have adequate supplies of basic vaccines or medications, especially outside of large cities. Always travel with any required medicines, as most medicines are unavailable locally, and healthcare services are inconsistent. It is recommended to purchase medical evacuation insurance and enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency.

Travel and Transportation

Infrastructure in Angola may be poorly maintained due to the country's history of civil war. Roads outside of major cities can be in poor condition, with large potholes and a lack of signage or traffic signals. Landmines are also a risk outside urban areas, especially in the southern provinces. When driving, stay on main roads, use a certified four-wheel-drive vehicle, and avoid travelling at night. Public transportation is generally unregulated and unsafe, so it is advised to hire private transport from a reliable source.

Civil Unrest and Demonstrations

Civil unrest and demonstrations related to governance and economic issues can occur in Angola. It is recommended to avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations.

Photography Restrictions

It is illegal to take pictures or use binoculars, maps, or GPS devices near government buildings, military installations, and key infrastructure, which includes historic or abandoned train stations, airfields, and bridges. Violating these restrictions may result in fines, confiscation of equipment, and possible detention or arrest.

Currency and Customs

Upon entry and exit, you must declare any amounts over $10,000 in combined currency. Expect to be searched at the airport, and any amounts over the limit may be confiscated. Always carry your identity documents, and ensure that photocopies are notarised by an Angolan Notary Public. Police and military checkpoints are common, and you may be fined if you cannot produce valid proof of identity.

Angola's health system and travel requirements

Angola's health system faces challenges due to limited resources and inconsistent healthcare services. Health facilities outside major cities, such as Luanda, may have inadequate supplies of basic vaccines and medications. Therefore, travellers are advised to carry their own medications and required prescriptions. The US has been working towards strengthening Angola's health systems by providing assistance in preventing major infectious diseases, improving medical readiness, and increasing access to family planning and reproductive health services.

In terms of travel requirements, US citizens should be aware that a passport valid for the duration of their stay in Angola is necessary for visa-free entry for tourism purposes for up to 30 days at a time (90 days total per calendar year). For other purposes, such as work, study, or medical treatment, a visa or visa pre-approval is required. It is important to note that US citizens should have their passports valid for at least six months beyond their arrival date and have at least two blank pages.

Additionally, there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for entry into Angola, although some venues may require proof of vaccination. However, travellers should be aware of other vaccine requirements, such as the need for a yellow fever vaccination certificate for some onward travel within the country.

Currency regulations are also important to consider. Travellers must declare amounts over $10,000 upon entry and can exit with up to the same amount. It is recommended to bring sufficient cash, as ATMs may malfunction or have limited cash, and credit cards are rarely accepted outside a few major hotels in Luanda.

Lastly, Angola has a Level 2 Travel Advisory, which means US citizens should exercise increased caution due to crime and health concerns. Travellers should review safety guidelines and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip.

Angola's visa requirements for US citizens

Tourist Visa:

US citizens can enter Angola visa-free for tourism purposes for up to 30 days, with a maximum of 90 days per calendar year. They must present a valid US passport with at least six months' validity beyond their intended stay. However, it is recommended that travellers get their passports validated for at least the planned duration of their stay in Angola.

Business, Work, Study, or Medical Treatment Visa:

US citizens travelling to Angola for purposes other than tourism, such as work, temporary residency, study, or medical treatment, must obtain a visa in advance from the nearest Angolan Embassy or Consulate or through the Angolan Migration Service (SME). The processing time for visas is typically within three business days, but delays may occur.

Visa Application Requirements:

When applying for an Angolan visa, US citizens may need to provide the following documents:

• A completed visa application form.
• A valid passport with at least six months' validity and at least two blank pages.
• One or more recent passport-sized photographs.
• A letter of invitation or a notarized letter addressed to the Embassy of Angola, stating the reason for the visit.
• Proof of accommodation arrangements, such as a hotel reservation.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay in Angola.
• Proof of travel itinerary, such as flight reservations.
• A medical certificate and specific vaccinations, such as the yellow fever vaccination, may be required.
• Processing fees, which vary depending on the type of visa and must be paid by money order to the Embassy of Angola.

Currency Regulations:

US citizens should be aware of currency regulations when travelling to and from Angola. They must declare amounts over $10,000 when entering or exiting the country. Non-residents and residents may exit the country with up to $10,000, and any amount over this limit may be confiscated.

Frequently asked questions