Driving In Angola: Safe Or Not?

Angola is a country located in Central Africa, sharing borders with Namibia, Zambia, the Republic of Congo, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a unique gem in Africa due to its large reserves of natural resources, including oil, diamonds, and rich agricultural land. However, it is still a very poor country as it was ravaged by a bloody civil war that lasted from 1975 to 2002.

When it comes to driving in Angola, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, Angola has a high rate of violent crimes, including carjacking and robberies, which often occur on the roads. Additionally, the roads themselves can be dangerous due to poor conditions, lack of maintenance, and the presence of landmines in certain areas. The traffic rules in Angola may also differ from those in other countries, and aggressive driving is common.

To drive in Angola, you will need a valid driver's license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP). It is important to always carry the necessary documentation, including insurance, and to be prepared for police checkpoints and spontaneous roadblocks. Driving can be chaotic, especially in the capital city of Luanda, and it is recommended to use alternative modes of transportation such as taxis or ride-sharing services.

In conclusion, while driving in Angola can provide a unique opportunity to explore the country's diverse landscapes, it is important to be aware of the safety concerns and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe journey.

Crime and safety

Angola has a high crime rate, and criminals target areas frequented by foreigners. The capital city of Luanda is one of the most dangerous areas in the country for crime, with violent crimes such as muggings, robberies, and carjackings being common. These crimes are often perpetrated by armed criminals, and some attacks have been fatal. As such, it is recommended that you do not walk around Luanda, especially alone or after dark, and that you avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches or using your mobile phone in public. Theft from stationary or slow-moving cars is also common in downtown Luanda, so it is important to keep valuables out of sight and to lock doors and close windows when driving. In addition, you should not stop your vehicle if someone signals you to pull over, as thieves may use this tactic to rob you.

Outside of Luanda, the risk of crime is lower, but it is still present. In particular, the northern province of Cabinda has seen rapes, robberies, and murders involving tourists, and kidnappings are also a possibility. To protect yourself from violent crime outside of Luanda, it is recommended to take varied routes and schedules for your travel, avoid walking alone at night, and lock your car doors and keep your windows up.

Overall, while it is possible to minimise your chances of becoming a victim of crime in Angola, it is important to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

In addition to crime, there are several other safety concerns in Angola. For example, the country has a high threat of terrorist attacks, and there is a risk of civil unrest and political tension, particularly in Cabinda, Lunda Norte, and Lunda Sul. Demonstrations and protests can turn violent, so it is important to avoid large gatherings and follow the instructions of local authorities.

The roads outside of Luanda are often in poor condition, and landmines and unexploded bombs and weapons are still a problem on roads, verges, and bridges. Even in 'cleared' areas, it is important to stick to well-established routes and take up-to-date advice from the United Nations or an international non-governmental organisation.

Driving requirements

Angola is a beautiful country to drive through, with roads that pass through spectacular scenery. However, it is important to be aware of the driving requirements and safety measures before getting behind the wheel. Here are some essential driving requirements to keep in mind when planning a trip to Angola:

International Driver's License:

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for driving in Angola, especially if your native driver's license is not issued in English or Portuguese. The IDP serves as a translation of your license and facilitates communication with authorities and car rental agencies. It is also necessary for additional identification checks carried out by the police.

Vehicle Documentation:

When driving in Angola, it is mandatory to have proper documentation, including your native driver's license, proof of insurance, visa, and passport. Keep in mind that you may encounter police and military checkpoints on major highways, especially when travelling between provinces. Always carry your documents with you and ensure they are up-to-date.

Road Rules and Conditions:

Angolans drive on the right side of the road, and it is important to give way to traffic from the right at intersections and junctions. The speed limits are 60 kph in urban areas and 100 kph in rural areas. Be cautious and adhere to speed limits as police have mobile speed traps set up, and local drivers often ignore traffic signals. Additionally, be on the lookout for hazards such as potholes, faulty traffic lights, and roaming livestock.

Safety Precautions:

Driving in Angola can be unsafe due to the high risk of carjacking and robbery. It is recommended to keep your doors locked and windows closed at all times. Be vigilant and avoid pulling over, especially in rural areas, as thieves may fake a minor traffic incident to get you out of your car. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid driving at night if possible.

Fuel and Spare Parts:

Angola has a supply of petrol and diesel, but fuel shortages can occur, so it is advisable to fill up whenever you find a gas station. Additionally, bring spare parts for your vehicle, and regularly check its condition, including oil and coolant levels.

Local Laws:

It is illegal to use cameras, binoculars, GPS devices, or maps near government buildings or infrastructure. Always ask for permission before taking photographs, especially around government property or personnel. Additionally, Angola has strict drinking and driving laws, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.06%.

Road conditions

Angola has a large road network, with a total length of around 76,000 km. However, transporters interviewed agree that Angola has not yet achieved sufficient road security. The conditions of the roads range from fair to bad, with roads in inland provinces experiencing worse deterioration. Bridges and weighbridges, which are pivotal for the road system, have also experienced slow rehabilitation.

The roads outside Luanda and the provincial capitals are often in poor condition. Much of the road infrastructure was destroyed and neglected during the years of conflict, and despite efforts to rebuild, much of the network is still riddled with potholes and little is paved. In the rainy season, from November to April, roads should be navigated with extreme caution as the many potholes can cause severe damage to vehicles. The rainy season also increases the risk of landmines shifting due to flooding and resurfacing outside known minefields. Even in 'cleared' areas, it is recommended to stick to well-established routes and take up-to-date advice from the United Nations or an international non-governmental organisation.

In addition to poor road conditions, there are other hazards to be aware of when driving in Angola. These include wandering livestock, heavily overloaded vehicles, and aggressive driving from local drivers. Due to these challenges, it is recommended to use a four-wheel-drive vehicle and hire an experienced driver when travelling in Angola.

Traffic rules

Angola has a high crime rate, with violent crimes common. This includes carjacking and smash-and-grab robberies, which can occur at any time. The risk of violent crime is much higher at night.

If you're driving in Angola, it's important to be aware of the following:

• Always wear a seatbelt, whether you're sitting in the front or back of the car.
• Give way to traffic from the right at intersections and junctions.
• Be cautious at traffic lights, as Angolans often ignore them.
• The speed limit for urban areas is 60 kph, 80 kph on open roads, and 100 kph on highways.
• The blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Angola is 0.06%.
• It is prohibited to use a mobile phone or any other gadgets while driving.
• You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Angola.
• Driving is on the right side of the road.
• You must yield to pedestrians at crossings.
• Keep your car doors locked and windows closed when driving.
• Do not stop if another car signals you to pull over. Thieves may use the pretext of a minor traffic incident to get you out of your car and then steal it or rob you.
• Police checks are common on the roads, and you will need to show your documents.
• Roads outside of Luanda and the provincial capitals are often in poor condition, and landmines and unexploded bombs and weapons are still a problem.
• During the rainy season (from November to April), there is an increased chance of mines shifting due to flooding and resurfacing outside of known minefields.

Scams and fraud

Angola has a high crime rate, with violent crimes occurring frequently. Criminals often target foreigners and areas popular with them. When driving in Angola, it is important to be aware of the risks of carjacking and smash-and-grab robberies, especially in slow-moving traffic. It is recommended to keep your doors locked and windows closed when driving and to avoid stopping your vehicle if someone signals you to pull over.

In addition to the risk of theft and robbery, there are also scams and fraud schemes that target foreigners and locals in Angola. Here are some common types of scams and fraud to be aware of:

• Advanced Fees/Prepayment Scams: You may be asked to send money upfront to pay for a product or service that doesn't exist. Scammers may pose as representatives of phony loan companies, offering loans in exchange for advance fees. They may also lure victims with promises of investments or inheritance gifts that never materialise.
• Mystery Shopping Scams: Scammers contact victims with an employment opportunity to evaluate a money transfer service. They send a fake check to the victim and instruct them to use the funds to test the service. The victim later discovers that the check is fake and is left responsible for paying the bank.
• Overpayment Scams: In this scam, fraudsters pose as buyers and send a legitimate-looking check for more than the agreed-upon price. They then ask the seller to wire back the excess funds. Weeks later, the victim learns that the check is fake but is still responsible for paying the bank.
• Employment Scams: Scammers offer victims attractive job opportunities that promise high earnings with little to no experience required. They may request upfront payments for supplies or fees and then disappear with the victim's money.
• Lottery/Prize Scams: Victims receive a notification that they have won a large sum of money or a prize. To claim their winnings, they are instructed to send a small sum of money to cover processing fees or taxes. However, the winnings never arrive, and the victim is left out of pocket.
• Rental Property Scams: Scammers pose as property owners or renters and communicate with victims via email. They request wire transfers for application fees, security deposits, or rent and then disappear with the money.
• Emergency/Grandparent Scams: Scammers impersonate victims or their relatives and create a sense of urgency by claiming to be in an emergency situation, such as being arrested or injured. They plead for money from friends and family, playing on their emotions.
• Internet Purchase Scams: Criminals target victims who bid on items in online auctions. They instruct the victims to pay via money transfer, claiming it will protect their money. However, the merchandise never arrives, and the scammer disappears with the funds.
• Relationship Scams: Scammers meet potential victims online and develop romantic relationships with them. Over time, they start requesting wire transfers for various emergencies or needs, luring victims into sending them money repeatedly.
• Fake Check Scams: Victims receive a fake check and are instructed to deposit it and wire back a portion of the money for various reasons. Weeks later, they discover the check is counterfeit and are left responsible for paying the bank.

In addition to these scams, it is important to be cautious when using social media and to be aware of phishing attempts. Scammers may create fake profiles on social media platforms, posing as friends of influential people or peaceful citizens. They gain your trust and then ask for money or personal information. They may also use attractive profiles to seduce victims and exchange intimate photographs, only to later blackmail them.

Frequently asked questions