Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to Cabinda Province, except to Cabinda city. This is due to separatist groups carrying out targeted attacks on foreigners and the risk of kidnap.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 1km of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Lunda Norte province, except for official border crossings and their access roads. This is due to poor conditions, insecurity and banditry.
\n\nFind out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Angola’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Angola set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, check with the Angolan immigration department or contact the Consulate General of Angola in the UK.
\n\nYour passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Angola and have at least 2 blank pages.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.
\n\nYou do not need a visa to visit Angola for up to 30 days, if visiting for tourism.
\n\nIf travelling for work, study or business, you must get a visa in advance. If you do not have a visa, or if you have the wrong visa, you may be stopped from boarding or detained at the airport on arrival. Angola’s deportation process can take a long time.
\n\nYou can be fined 15,000 Angolan kwanzas a day if you overstay your visa. You may not be allowed to leave the country until your fine has been paid. You may also not be allowed to re-enter Angola.
\n\nThe Angolan authorities can fine you for visa offences, including:
\n\nThere is a risk of yellow fever transmission in Angola. This means you will need a certificate of yellow fever vaccination for some onward travel, including to South Africa.
\n\nFor full details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Angola guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Angola. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nDeclare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 5,000 US dollars or more (10,000 if you’re a resident). You’ll get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you.
\n\nYou cannot take out more than 5,000 US dollars (10,000 if you’re a resident) or its equivalent in any foreign currency.
\n\nYou can take out up to 50,000 kwanzas in cash in addition to the foreign currency.
\n\nOfficials at the airport may search you to make sure you’re not leaving the country with more than the allowed amount.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Angola.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Angola, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nPublic gatherings and demonstrations can occur with little notice and can quickly turn violent. In recent years, there have been protests against the increase in fuel prices and cost of living. In July 2025 there were 3 days of violent riots. Similar protests cannot be ruled out in future.
\n\nTo minimise your personal risk:
\n\nThere is a high level of crime in Luanda, some of it violent. Muggers can be armed and some attacks have been fatal. If you are attacked, hand over your money and valuables immediately.
\n\nMost international companies and organisations operating in Angola have security rules for staff. If your company has rules, read and follow them.
\n\nCriminals target areas popular with foreigners. You should be particularly careful when withdrawing money from banks and ATMs, as you could be followed and robbed.
\n\nYou can reduce your personal risk by:
\n\nPut your valuables and cash in a hotel safe where practical. Keep a certified copy of your passport’s photo page in a separate place.
\n\nTheft 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. Thieves may fake a minor traffic incident to get you out of your car. If they succeed, they may rob you and also steal the car.
\n\nIncidents of rape have been reported in popular nightlife areas, as well as in private homes. Never travel alone at night.
\n\nAlways carry ID – it is safest to carry a certified copy your passport’s photo page. If travelling outside of Luanda and the provincial capitals, take the originals with you, packed as securely as you can. If you do not have any ID, you may get an on-the-spot fine of 15,000 kwanzas.
\n\nDrug taking and smuggling are offences. Punishments can be severe and prison conditions are very poor.
\n\nDo not use cameras, binoculars or GPS equipment near any government buildings. Taking photographs in the streets can draw the attention of the authorities and they may confiscate your camera.
\n\nIn 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.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIf you’re caught buying or trafficking goods made of ivory it’s likely you’ll be prosecuted and get a prison sentence or fine.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Angola, see information on driving abroad. Road conditions vary significantly, particularly outside major urban centres, where infrastructure may be poor and emergency response capacity limited. For longer journeys, the use of a roadworthy 4-wheel drive vehicle may be appropriate due to terrain and road conditions. Travellers should use well-maintained vehicles from reputable providers. Outside major urban centres, foreign visitors usually travel in convoys of at least 2 vehicles for safety and in case of breakdowns. Where possible, avoid travelling at night due to poor road conditions, limited street lighting, and reduced access to timely assistance in an emergency.
\n\nAlthough you can drive on a UK photocard licence for up to 30 days, it is helpful to get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. Make sure you have your driving licence, IDP, and ownership and insurance documents in the car. You will need to show them at the frequent police checkpoints.
\n\nRoads outside Luanda and the provincial capitals are often in poor condition. Landmines and unexploded bombs and weapons are still a problem on roads, verges and bridges.
\n\nDuring the rainy season from November to April there is an increased chance of mines shifting due to flooding and resurfacing outside known mine fields.
\n\nThere have been incidents where mines have exploded with loss of life in places previously thought to be safe. Even in ‘cleared’ areas, keep to well-established routes and take up-to-date advice from the United Nations or an international non-governmental organisation.
\n\nTaxi apps are widely used in Angola. Whilst companies have made efforts to enhance passenger and driver safety these measures can vary. This can result in inconsistent safety and security standards, variable vehicle condition, and limited traceability in the event of an incident. We recommend against using taxi apps where possible. Passengers who choose to do so should always exercise caution and heightened situational awareness. Before entering a vehicle, check the driver’s identity and vehicle details match those provided in the app, share the details with a trusted contact, and avoid sharing rides with unknown individuals. Local minibus and coach transport is considered unsafe and should be avoided.
\n\nThe UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Angola that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to and from the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nDuring the rainy season from November to April, there are storms and heavy downpours. This can cause sudden, serious flooding in and around cities, including Luanda. Flooding can damage roads, buildings and bridges. Stay indoors during storms.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Angola. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to Cabinda Province, except to Cabinda city.
\n\nThere are regular violent incidents including rape, murder and kidnappings in Cabinda Province. These have involved both foreigners and Angolans.
\n\nSeparatist groups in the northern exclave of Cabinda (a province not joined to the rest of Angola) have been known to carry out attacks involving both foreigners and Angolans. Groups claiming responsibility for these attacks have said they’ll continue attacks against foreigners.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 1km of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Lunda Norte province, except for official border crossings and their access roads.
\n\nFCDO also advises against all travel to the provinces of Kasaï and Kasaï Central, across the border in the Central Democratic Republic of Congo.
\n\nFCDO advises against travelling to Lunda Norte and Lunda Sol unless absolutely necessary. Get security advice and travel with the support of a security company or sponsoring organisation.
\n\nThe Angolan authorities are sensitive to the presence of foreigners in diamond-producing areas, which includes Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul. They may impose restrictions on your movement in these provinces. If you do not comply, they may arrest you and detain you.
\n\nThe diamond mines increase the threat of crime and banditry on roads leading to and from these areas. Bandits may carry out armed hold-ups.
\n\nIf you travel outside Luanda and the provincial capitals, go with people or organisations that know the area, as conditions can be difficult. There is widespread poverty, limited infrastructure, and social exclusion and disease. There are mines and unexploded weapons in many parts of the country.
\n\nTransport and accommodation are extremely limited outside Luanda. Officials are likely to ask for your passport and visa or entry stamp, so take the originals with you.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 112 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Angola including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Angola. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nOn 15 May the Democratic Republic of Congo Ministry of Health announced an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo in the North-Eastern Ituri Province. Read more about the Ebola outbreak on TravelHealth Pro and see information on Ebola and similar diseases. World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
\n\nDue to the outbreak, you may experience heightened health screening at international borders in the region. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThere are several competent private clinics in Luanda. They charge high fees in advance. Outside Luanda healthcare is very limited. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Angola where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 112
\n\nFire: 118
\n\nPolice: 110
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Angola on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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