Angola: Safe Or Not?

Angola is a country with a high level of crime and violent crime, including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, and homicide. Local police often lack the resources to respond to serious criminal incidents effectively, and the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance on roads and bridges poses a significant risk to travellers. The UK and Canadian governments advise against all but essential travel to parts of Angola, including the provinces of Cabinda and Lunda Norte, due to security concerns and the risk of kidnapping and attacks on foreigners. Additionally, health facilities in Angola are under-resourced and may not have adequate supplies of basic vaccines or medications outside of large cities. Therefore, it is essential to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Angola and be aware of the potential risks and dangers.

Crime and violence

Angola has a high level of crime, some of it violent, and the local police often lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Muggers can be armed, and some attacks have been fatal. Criminals target areas popular with foreigners, such as near or inside ATMs and banks, and outside the arrivals and departures gates at Luanda airport.

To reduce your personal risk, you should avoid walking around Luanda, especially alone or after dark, wearing expensive-looking jewellery or watches, or using your mobile phone in public places. You should also avoid walking between bars and restaurants on the Ilha do Cabo. It is also recommended that you put your valuables and cash in a hotel safe, and keep a certified copy of your passport’s photo page in a separate place.

Theft from stationary or slow-moving cars is common in downtown Luanda. Keep valuables out of sight and do not use mobiles or laptops while in traffic. When driving, keep doors locked and windows closed. Do not respond if anyone signals you to pull over, as thieves may fake a minor traffic incident to get you out of your car.

Incidents of rape have been reported in popular nightlife areas, as well as in private homes. Women should not travel alone at night.

The provinces of Cabinda and Lunda Norte are particularly dangerous due to the presence of militant groups claiming independence. Murders, kidnappings and sexual assaults occur, and foreigners have been targeted. Access to basic goods and services in these provinces is restricted.

Health and medical care

Angola's health system is considered among the worst in the world. The country achieves only 71% of what is expected in terms of adult health rights based on its income. The Human Rights Measurement Initiative also reports that Angola achieves only 16.2% of what is expected in terms of reproductive health rights.

The country has struggled to develop an effective health care system since the end of the Angolan Civil War in 2002. The war left much of the country's infrastructure in ruins and caused the displacement of millions of people. As a result, the government has faced challenges in promoting programs that address the basic needs of its citizens.

Healthcare Infrastructure

Healthcare in Angola consists of a network of hospitals, clinics, and dispensaries. The National Health Service is run by the Ministry of Health, while Provincial and Municipal Hospitals are managed by Provincial Governments and Municipal Administrations, respectively. Services are provided free of charge, but they are very limited in rural areas.

The healthcare system in Angola suffered significant damage during the War of Independence (1961-1975) and the subsequent civil war (1975-2002). Hospitals were dilapidated, medical equipment was not maintained, and medical supplies were scarce. The public health system barely functioned, and only the wealthy could afford treatment at private hospitals.

Challenges and Improvements

One of the major challenges facing Angola's healthcare system is the shortage of health workers. The civil war prevented an entire generation of Angolans from receiving an education, including those who would have pursued medical careers. To address this shortage, Cuban physicians are currently working in the country to improve overall health outcomes, with a particular focus on maternal health.

Another issue is the limited access to healthcare in rural areas. While improvements have been made since the end of the civil war, the system continues to be underfunded and understaffed. Medical technology and infrastructure are outdated, and there is a lack of essential medicines and vaccines. As a result, both locals and expatriates often opt for private healthcare.

Diseases and Health Risks

Angola's location and climate make it susceptible to various tropical diseases. Malaria, for instance, is prevalent in the northern part of the country due to the climate and contributes significantly to maternal mortality. Other diseases, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and schistosomiasis, also pose significant health risks, especially during pregnancy.

Angola launched a national vaccination campaign against measles in 2014, targeting all children under ten years old in all 18 provinces. The country also has a large HIV/AIDS-infected population, with an estimated adult prevalence of 3.9% as of 2003.

Recommendations for Travellers

Travellers to Angola are advised to review health information and take necessary precautions. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to Angola to obtain personalized advice and recommendations.

Some of the key recommendations for travellers include ensuring that routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), influenza, and others. Additionally, travellers may need additional vaccines or medications, such as those for malaria prevention, depending on their specific destination and itinerary.

It is also important to practice safe food and water precautions, as contaminated food and water can lead to illnesses such as hepatitis A and travellers' diarrhea. Medical treatment in Angola is very expensive, and serious medical emergencies may require treatment outside the country. Therefore, travellers are advised to obtain travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Roads and landmines

Angola is littered with landmines and unexploded ordnance on roads and bridges. The country's civil war, which lasted 27 years, ended in 2002, and since then, organisations have been working to clear landmines. However, the process is far from finished, and there are still many areas that are unsafe.

Roads, landmines, and safety advice

The presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance is a significant issue in Angola, with roads, verges, and bridges all affected. Even in areas that have been cleared, it is advised to keep to well-established routes and take up-to-date advice from the United Nations or an international non-governmental organisation. The rainy season, from November to April, increases the risk of mines shifting due to flooding and resurfacing outside known minefields.

It is advised to avoid travelling alone, especially after dark, and to avoid wearing expensive-looking jewellery or watches or using mobiles in public places. It is also recommended to use pre-arranged cars or hotel cars when withdrawing money, and to keep valuables out of sight and locked away when driving.

LGBTQ+ safety

Angola has improved its LGBTQ+ rights in the early 21st century. In November 2020, the National Assembly approved a new penal code, which legalised consensual same-sex sexual activity. Additionally, employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity has been banned, making Angola one of the few African countries to have such protections for LGBTQ+ people.

However, there is no legal recognition of same-sex couples in Angola. Same-sex marriage is not recognised in the country. There is significant social pressure on individuals to marry a suitable partner of the opposite sex and have children. In 2005, the unofficial commitment ceremony of a same-sex couple was treated as "shameless" and "abominable" in the national news magazines.

While there are no laws censoring the discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics in Angola, prevailing social attitudes about sexual orientation tend to reflect traditional Catholic and Protestant values concerning human sexuality and gender roles. These values and mores do shape public policy. Recent studies in Angola show a discernible level of opposition to LGBTQ+ rights among the population.

In January 2019, Angola’s parliament made it illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of sexual orientation. However, public attitudes towards same-sex relationships are less tolerant than in the UK. Showing affection in public may attract negative attention. LGBTQ+ travellers should carefully consider the risks before travelling to Angola.

Scams and bribery

Angola has a high level of crime, with some of it being violent. Criminals tend to target areas that are popular with foreigners, so it is recommended to be extra cautious when withdrawing money from banks and ATMs. It is also advised to use pre-arranged or hotel cars when doing so. Walking around Luanda, especially at night, alone, or with expensive items such as jewellery, watches, or mobile phones, is not recommended.

Corruption is a significant issue in Angola, with the country being deemed one of the most corrupt countries in Africa. Bribery, or "gasosas", is common, with Angolan public servants routinely demanding bribes. Police officers often extort payments at checkpoints. It is also common for Angolan citizens to have to pay bribes to access basic public services such as healthcare, education, vehicle registration, and business permits.

Scams are also prevalent in Angola, with fraudsters using various tactics to deceive victims. Here are some common scams to be aware of:

• Advanced Fees/Prepayment Scam: You are asked to send money upfront to pay a fee for a product or service that doesn't exist.
• Mystery Shopping Scam: You are offered an employment opportunity to evaluate a money transfer service and are sent a fake check to use for the evaluation.
• Overpayment Scam: You receive a legitimate-looking check for more than the agreed-upon price and are asked to send back the excess funds. However, the check is fake.
• Employment Scam: You are offered a too-good-to-be-true job opportunity and are asked to send money upfront for expenses or are sent a fake check to cover expenses.
• Lottery/Prize Scam: You are notified that you have won a lottery or prize and are asked to send money to claim it or cover processing fees.
• Rental Property Scam: You are interested in renting a property and are asked to send money for legitimate-sounding reasons, but the property is not real.
• Emergency/Grandparents Scam: You receive an urgent plea for money from someone impersonating a friend, family member, or grandchild, claiming to be in an emergency situation.
• Internet Purchase Scam: You bid on an item in an online auction and are asked to pay via money transfer. The item is never sent.
• Relationship Scam: You develop an online relationship with someone who eventually asks you to send them money.
• Fake Check Scam: You receive a fake check and are asked to send back a portion of the money for various reasons.

Frequently asked questions