Angola Travel Alert
JoAnne Green
This Travel Warning is being issued to provide updated information on
the security situation in Angola. This Travel Warning supersedes the
one issued on March 24, 2003.
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the considerable risk of
travel within the Republic of Angola. The November 21, 2002, signing of
a peace agreement marked the definitive end of 27 years of civil
conflict. However, fighting in most of the country damaged or destroyed
much of the physical infrastructure including roads, bridges, hospitals
and schools. Travel by road is difficult and can be dangerous due to
the extensive presence of land mines in many areas. Services outside of
major urban areas are virtually non-existent, and secondary roads may
be impassable during the rainy season. Domestic air service is limited.
Unreliable communications and the difficulty of travel within the
country restrict the Embassy's ability to provide consular assistance
outside of the capital, Luanda.
Street crime is a regular occurrence in the capital. The most common
crimes are pick pocketing, purse snatching, vehicle theft, and vehicle
break-ins. Armed criminals also commit muggings, robberies, and
car-jackings. Police and military are sometimes undisciplined and their
authority should not be challenged. Occasional acts of banditry have
been reported on roads in the interior. Any ground travel in rural
areas should be undertaken during daylight hours only. In Luanda and
other cities, visitors are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel
after dark.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with and obtain updated
information on travel and security from the Consular Section of the
U.S. Embassy in Luanda located at the Casa Inglesa Complex, Rua Major
Kanhangula No. 132/135, tel. 244-2-371-645 or 396-727; fax
244-2-390-515. The Embassy is located on Rua Houari Boumedienne in the
Miramar area of Luanda, P.O. Box 6468, tel.
244-2-447-028/(445-481)/(446-224); (24-hour duty officer
244-92-404-209); fax 244-2-446-924. The Consulate may be contacted by
e-mail at luandac...@yahoo.com or consula...@state.gov.
Further information on travel to Angola is also located on the Embassy
website at "http://angola.usembassy.gov".
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