Last updated: January 2025

With its landscapes, rich cultural history, and economy currently in development, Angola is a country where so many exciting experiences can be enjoyed by visitors. Yet, like in many developing countries, there are some problems regarding health and safety in this country. Proper planning and precautions may ensure your trip will be healthy and safe and obtaining an Angola visa is the first step in ensuring a smooth and safe journey. This guide tells of major health and safety recommendations to help you prepare for your visit and navigate safely in Angola.

Table of Contents

Safeguarding Your Health and Well-being for Angola Travelers

• Health Precautions for Angola Travelers
  • Vaccinations
  • Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevention
  • Food and Water Safety
  • Health Insurance and Emergency Care
• Safety Advice for Travelers to Angola
  • Crime Prevention
  • Safety While Traveling
  • Political and Social Situations
  • Respect for the Local Culture
• Environmental and Natural Hazards
  • Heat and Sun Exposure
  • Natural Disasters
• Emergency Contacts and Services
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Health Precautions for Angola Travelers

Travelers to Angola have to consider various health precautions, especially considering the fact that it is a country with a tropical climate and quite prone to diseases such as malaria and Yellow Fever. Some of the steps necessary to help protect your health during your journey include the following:

Vaccinations

A number of vaccinations are either required or recommended for travelers entering Angola. It is very important that one gets vaccinated well in advance of traveling, because some vaccines take time to complete their series of doses.

• Yellow Fever: Yellow Fever inoculation is necessary for all tourists visiting Angola. You are supposed to bring along a valid Yellow Fever inoculation certificate at the time of entry.
• Malaria: There is a high risk of Malaria in Angola. It is, therefore, important to take anti-malarial drugs prior and after traveling depending on your doctor's prescription. Insect repellants, proper clothing, and mosquito nets must be employed to keep away from the bites.
• Hepatitis A and B: Both vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B are highly recommended, as the former can easily be ingested through food and water contamination and the latter through exposure to infected body fluids.
• Typhoid: Due to the exposure risk through food and water contamination, it would be advisable to vaccinate against Typhoid.
• Rabies: If you are going to spend a lot of time in rural areas or communes with animals, consider getting vaccinated against Rabies.

Pay a visit to a travel health specialist at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to make sure all vaccinations are up to date.

Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevention

Aside from malaria, other mosquito-borne diseases exist in Angola, such as dengue fever and chikungunya.

• Mosquito Repellent: DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus-based repellents should be considered.
• Wearing Protective Clothing: Wearing long sleeves, pants, and shoes can help reduce the incidence of bites, especially during early morning and late evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.
• Sleep Under Mosquito Nets: Whenever you plan to sleep in a place where the mosquitoes are not controlled effectively, use bed nets treated with insecticide.

Food and Water Safety

Foodborne illnesses are the number one enemy of Angola travelers. Travelers' diarrhea is the most common gastrointestinal complaint for many tourists visiting abroad. To avoid it:

• Drink Bottled or Boiled Water: Tap water is not safe for consumption in most centers of Angola. Use bottled water with a sealed cap and always boil water before drinking. Also, avoid the use of ice if you are not sure that it has been made up from purified water.

• Avoid Raw or Undercooked Food: Take great care when eating from street roadside food vendors or ingesting uncooked dishes, such as salads, where the vegetables may have been washed in contaminated water.

• Eat at Reputable Establishments: One can only reduce the risk of contracting foodborne infections by selecting to patronize restaurants and hotels that boast good records

Health Insurance and Emergency Care

Medical care is limited in Angola, especially outside Luanda. Travelers are advised to have broad travel health insurance programs that include coverage for medical evacuations if needed.

Health Insurance: Make sure your policy covers emergency medical evacuation, as complex medical cases can require treatment in another country altogether. 

Emergency Numbers: Angola has one unified national emergency number at 112, but often services such as ambulances can be limited. Know the contact information for local clinics or hospitals near you.

Safety Advice for Travelers to Angola

While Angola has worked out the improvement of safety and security, especially in cities like Luanda, crime and safety issues still pose a concern for travelers. Follow these tips on safety to make sure that your experience will be secure.

Crime Prevention

A problem of petty crimes in the form of pickpocketing or theft exists in places with higher congestion. Sometimes, other more serious incidents in the form of armed robbery have been reported, especially at night or when the crowding is minimal.

• Avoid Showing Valuables: Refrain from displaying valuables such as costly jewellery, electronics, or a lot of money. Keep your valuables in a money belt or in a pouch well hidden from view.
• Stay in Well-Lit, Populated Areas: Avoid walking alone at night, especially if the area is isolated or not as brightly lit. If you must travel in the dark, use a reputable taxi service instead of public transportation.
• ATMs: Try to use ATMs in protected areas, for example, inside banks or shopping malls, and limit the use of such facilities after dark.
• Reliable Transportation: Use only licensed cabs or licensed ride-sharing services at the airport or within any city limits; don't use very crowded buses or informal taxi services, also known as "candongueiro."

Safety While Traveling

Road conditions in Angola vary widely, with the safety of road travel impaired mostly outside of urban areas.

• Road Safety: Most roads are in poor condition, especially outside the main cities. Pedestrian and vehicle travel at night is extremely hazardous due to unlit roads, potholes, and undulating roads, together with many vehicles failing to carry lights. Rental car hire should include 4x4 drive if rural areas are planned for trips.
• Check Road Conditions: Flooding and mudslides during rainy months (November to April) often render some roads impassable. Monitor local news regarding weather and road conditions. 
• Hiring of Local Driver: For longer journeys or not-so-known routes, it is usually safer to hire a local driver-who is much accustomed to Angolan road conditions and traffic. 

Political and Social Situations

Though generally politically stable, Angola is still recovering from decades of civil conflict. Political demonstrations can occur.

• Avoid Political Gatherings: Though protests and political demonstrations are possible at any time and often take place in urban areas, they can sometimes turn violent. It is best to avoid large crowds or events related to political causes or functions.
• Know what's going on: Keep yourself updated with current news and any political changes. Also, watch for travel advisories from your country's embassy or consulate reports .

Respect for the Local Culture

Understanding and respect for local culture is required to facilitate a conducive and decent interaction with the people.

• Dress Conservatively: While Angola is modern and open, it is still common to maintain a conservative outlook in dress code, especially when out in rural areas or religious sites.
• Learn Basic Portuguese: Portuguese is Angola's official language. Knowledge of basic phrases will be appreciated by locals and will make operating in the country easier.

Environmental and Natural Hazards

Angola's climate, terrain, and wildlife possess unique beauty, but they also host environmental risks that travelers should prepare for.

Heat and Sun Exposure

The tropical climate of Angola can be unbearably hot during summer, requiring protection from heat and sun to be of priority.

• Keep Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, particularly when exploring outdoors. Always carry bottled water with you.
• Sunscreen: Use high-SPF sunscreen regularly, especially in instances of outdoor activities or visits to coastal areas.
• Clothing: Lightweight and breathable clothing along with sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat will provide protection from the sun.

Natural Disasters

Angolan rainy seasons run from November through April of each year and, at times, flooding and landslides have occurred in some areas.

Monitor Weather Conditions: Travelers visiting during the rainy season should check local weather reports for flood warnings and exercise caution when driving through rural or mountainous areas.

Emergency Contacts and Services

Local Emergency Number: The Angolan emergency number is 112, although it may not be too reliable across all parts of the country.

Embassy Support: Ensure that you register with your home country's embassy or consulate in Angola so that in an event of an emergency, they will be in a better position to assist you.

Conclusion

Angola is a rather interesting country, full of adventures for travelers. Taking necessary health precautions and being attentive to questions of personal safety and respect for local customs will make your Angolan trip not only well-deserved but also easy and enjoyable. Be prepared for the fact that there is certain risk involved-whether diseases, road conditions, petty crimes, or something else, and it will help one appreciate the rich experiences both culturally and naturally that Angola offers. Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any vaccinations before traveling to Angola?

Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Angola. You are supposed to show proof at the border. The vaccination which is highly recommended is hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine vaccines like measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

Does malaria pose a concern in Angola, and how do I prevent it?

Yes, malaria is a serious health threat throughout Angola, particularly in rural areas. Prevention includes taking anti-malarial medication, using insect repellent, and wearing long sleeves and pants in the evenings, sleeping under mosquito nets where necessary.

What should I do in case of a medical emergency in Angola?

Medical facilities are inadequate in most public hospitals but somewhat better in private hospitals and clinics in the major cities, such as Luanda. Travelers should carry comprehensive travel health insurance that provides coverage for medical evacuation. Serious cases usually require evacuation to South Africa, Europe, or elsewhere.

Are there any safety concerns for tourists going to Angola?

Although in overall, Angola is a safe country to travel in, it does have its petty crimes: pickpocketing, theft-more so in Luanda. Avoid solitary night walking, keep valuables close, and stay in areas that are well-populated. Try not to use ATMs quite frequently and don't flash too much money or display valuables openly.

What health-related things shall I bring with me to Angola?

In addition to regular travel supplies, bring a first-aid kit, anti-diarrhea medication, insecticide, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and any other prescription drugs. Bottled water and energy snacks are also good to have, especially if traveling in remote areas where medical facilities might be sparse.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only, and though the best most updated suggestions are provided, travel conditions or requirements for safety might change. It's always best to check with the current situation of relevant embassies or a travel agency before you go.