Angola's Safety For Americans: What You Need To Know

Angola is a country located in Central Africa, sharing its borders with Namibia, Zambia, the Republic of Congo, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While it boasts a wide range of music and a vibrant culture, it is also a place where violent crime, such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, and homicide, is common. The local police often lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Additionally, health facilities are often under-resourced and may not have adequate access to basic vaccines and medications, especially outside large cities. The U.S. State Department advises Americans to exercise increased caution when visiting Angola due to these safety and health concerns.

Crime in Angola

Crime is a significant issue in Angola, with various types of offences occurring frequently. While much of the crime happens between Angolans, foreigners have been targeted in recent years. The most common types of crime in Angola include violent crimes such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, homicide, and rape, as well as property crimes such as theft and vandalism.

The capital city of Luanda is one of the top areas for crime in Angola and is also one of the most frequented spots by travellers. Street crime is a significant threat in Luanda, with petty offences like pickpocketing and theft from vehicles and homes occurring frequently. These incidents can turn violent when perpetrated by armed criminals, who sometimes attack their victims while riding scooters. There are particular places in Luanda that are known to be dangerous, such as the Roque Santeiro market and Rocha Pinto, as well as the areas between bars and restaurants on the Ilha do Cabo. The "Serpentine Road" in front of the U.S. Embassy is also known to be unsafe to walk on.

In addition to street crime, serious offences like rape and murder have also occurred in Luanda's bar and club areas. Women are advised not to travel alone at night, and everyone is advised to avoid the streets of Luanda after dark.

Outside of Luanda, travellers are advised to bring an experienced guide or travel with a group that knows the area. Pulling over on roadways, especially in rural areas, is not recommended as thieves may use this as an opportunity to rob travellers. Carjackings are also a possibility.

The local police in Angola may not always have the resources or capacity to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, and it may be more effective to contact the Rapid Intervention Police (PIR) unit for more serious incidents.

The Angola Travel Advisory, reissued in July 2023, advises U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution in Angola due to crime and health concerns. It warns that violent crime, such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, and homicide, is common, and that health facilities may be under-resourced and lack adequate supplies of basic vaccines and medications outside of large cities.

Health in Angola

The country's best hospitals are found in the capital, Luanda, but even these are not up to the standards that many expats from other countries would be accustomed to. Most medical staff in Angola speak Portuguese, and there are also Cuban medical professionals in the country, so expats may be able to find Spanish-speaking doctors, but English speakers are few.

Public healthcare in Angola is severely underfunded and understaffed, and it can be difficult to access. As a result, most expats and locals who can afford it opt for private healthcare instead. However, even some private clinics are considered inadequate, and people often choose to travel to other countries, such as Namibia, Cuba, Spain, and Portugal, for more complicated procedures and treatments.

There are several health hazards in Angola, including the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, malaria, neonatal disorders, typhoid, tuberculosis, cholera, and diarrhoeal diseases. Malaria is a particular concern, especially in the northern part of the country, where the majority of the population lives. It is also a significant contributor to maternal mortality, accounting for about 25% of total maternal deaths. Angola has a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, with over 420,000 infected people estimated at the end of 2003. The country also has one of the highest maternal death rates in the world, with an estimated maternal mortality ratio of between 1,281 and 1,500 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births toward the end of the civil war.

In terms of sanitation and access to clean water, as of 2012, 54% of the population had access to an improved water source, and 60% had access to improved/shared sanitation.

Transport in Angola

Angola has a 20-year investment program (2018–2038) for seaport, railway, road, and airport infrastructure. The program aims to improve transportation across all 18 provinces, increase private sector financing through public-private partnerships, and enhance Angola's transportation links to the sub-region and the rest of Africa.

Rail

The Angolan government operates three separate railway lines: Luanda Railway (CFL) in the north, Benguela Railway (CFB) in the centre, and Moçâmedes Railway (CFM) in the south. Reconstruction of these lines began in 2005, and they are now all operational. The Benguela Railway connects to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The government has also launched a public tender for the concession of the Lobito Corridor (Benguela line) for the next 30 years.

Road

Two trans-African automobile routes pass through Angola: the Tripoli-Cape Town Highway and the Beira-Lobito Highway.

Luanda, the capital of Angola, has experienced strong demographic growth, leading to an increase in the number of cars on the road, deterioration of the roads, high levels of pollution, and inadequate transport services. To address these issues, the Angolan Ministry of Transport (MinTrans) has presented several mass transport projects, but none have been implemented yet.

Aviation

The new Luanda International Airport, envisioned as a major transportation hub for the region, is under construction 40 km southeast of Luanda. It is designed to accommodate 15 million passengers annually with 12 aircraft docks, 4,200- and 3,800-meter runways, a VIP passenger terminal, and an air traffic control tower. The airport is expected to be finalized by November 2023.

The current international airport, 4 de Fevereiro, serves both international and domestic flights, and is limited to 5 gates and 2 runways. A presidential decree was issued in March 2019, authorizing the modernization and expansion of the existing airport.

There are a total of 30 airports located throughout the country, 17 of which have been recently renovated. However, only 12 of these receive regular commercial flights from the national air carrier Transportes Aéreos de Angola (TAAG).

Maritime

Angola has plans to build a deep-water port at Barra do Dande, north of Luanda, in Bengo province near Caxito.

Women's safety in Angola

Angola has committed to the empowerment of women and gender equality, and the country's National Development Plan includes policies to promote equal opportunities in employment and to address the under-representation of women in decision-making spheres. However, despite these commitments, women's safety in Angola is a concern, particularly in urban areas such as Luanda. Here are some key points regarding women's safety in Angola:

Violent Crime

Angola has a high rate of violent crimes such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, and homicide. Women are specifically targeted in some of these crimes, and victims of violent crimes, especially rape, are advised to seek immediate medical assistance due to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. It is recommended that women avoid walking alone, especially at night, and take precautions such as not displaying valuable items and varying their routes and travel times.

Police Response

Local police in Angola often lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, and it may be more effective to contact the Rapid Intervention Police (PIR) unit for assistance. In addition, immigration and customs officials have been known to detain travellers without cause and demand bribes, so travellers should be prepared for this possibility.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Angola, especially in cities like Luanda, is often crowded and unreliable, with frequent traffic accidents. Taxis are generally safer, but it is important to use a reputable company and negotiate fares in advance.

Street Harassment

Street harassment in Angola is notable but not overwhelming, and it can be diffused by ignoring it or reacting assertively. However, it is important to remain vigilant and take standard safety precautions.

Petty Crimes

Angola has a moderate risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. To minimise the risk, it is recommended to avoid flaunting expensive belongings and always be vigilant when carrying valuables.

Health and Medical Facilities

Health facilities in Angola, especially outside of large cities, are often under-resourced and may not have adequate supplies of basic vaccines or medications. It is essential to always travel with any required medicines, as most medicines may be unavailable, and healthcare inconsistent. In addition, Angola has a high breast cancer mortality rate, attributed to a lack of symptom awareness leading to late diagnosis.

Natural disasters in Angola

Angola has been affected by several natural disasters, including heavy rains, flooding, and drought. In 2002, heavy rains caused flooding in the southern provinces of Benguela and Namibe, destroying homes and disrupting supply routes from the coast. The overflowing Bero River submerged two suburbs of Namibe, the provincial capital, leaving at least 20,000 people homeless. The drought in the southern interior province of Cunene further exacerbated the situation, affecting families in the region.

Angola is also susceptible to tsunamis, although the risk is currently classified as low. According to available information, there is a more than 2% chance of a potentially damaging tsunami occurring in the next 50 years. However, the impact of tsunamis should be considered in project planning and construction near the coast.

Frequently asked questions