|
Customs
& Immigration: |
|
Visa: |
Most visitors require a visa.
For more information on
visa requirements. |
|
Passport: |
All visitors require a valid
passport. |
|
Customs: |
Upon arrival in Luanda,
passengers must pass through either the red or green corridor
depending on what goods they have to declare. Personal items are
not subject to tax. |
|
Health
Precautions: |
|
In order to
enter Angola all visitors must be in possession of a certificate
declaring they have been vaccinated against yellow fever. During
their stay visitors should take special precautions to avoid
mosquito bites and possible exposure to malaria. Extra care
should also be taken when drinking water and eating local
tropical food. It is advisable to drink only bottled water.
Should medical assistance be required, well equipped clinics are
available. AIDS/HIV are very prevalent in Africa, avoid having
unprotected sex. |
|
Driving
Regulations: |
|
/ |
|
Telecommunication: |
|
The phone
country code of Angola is +244. Telephone connections, cellular
and landline, are heavily overloaded, making communication
difficult at times. International lines are, however, often
better. |
|
Banking: |
|
Monday to Friday:
08:30 to 11:30 / 14:00 to 15:30. |
|
Currency: |
|
The national currency is the
Kwanza and in view of frequent alterations in exchange rates in
relation to the dollar, currency should be obtained from the
Banks. Currency may be exchanged at banks and at exchange
agencies. It is not permitted to take Angolan currency out of
the country. The international symbol for the currency is AOA.
US Dollars are widely accepted. |
|
Languages: |
|
The official language, and the
language for all documentation, is Portuguese. French, Spanish
and English are occasionally used in business. |
|
Transportation: |
|
Public: |
Car rental, taxi's and busses, but bear in
mind the long traveling times due to an inadequate road system
and or overcrowded roads in major cities. |
|
Vehicle
Rental: |
Left hand drive. Visitors must be in possession of
a valid international driver's license. Vehicles available from
major cities. |
|
Airports: |
|
Angola is well served in terms of
airports. The airport in Luanda and Lubango is open to
international air traffic. |
|
Electricity: |
|
220 V AC 50 Hz. Outlets are
the European standard CEE-7/7 "Schukostecker" or "Schuko" or the
compatible, but non-grounded, CEE-7/16 "Euro plug" types. |
|
Weights
& Measures: |
|
Metric system. |
|
Tipping: |
|
10 - 15 % |
|
Local
Time: |
|
GMT + 1 |
|
Climate: |
|
Generally hot and humid during
the rainy season from October to April, and dryer and milder
from May to September. |
|
Trade &
Shopping: |
|
Monday to Friday: 08:30 to
12:00 / 15:00 to 19:00. Saturday Mornings. |
|
Public
Services: |
|
Monday to Friday: 08:00 to
12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00 |
|
Postal
Services: |
|
The Angolan Postal Company has
offices in the main centers of the country and provides good
quality service. |
|
Border
Posts (Land): |
|
Oshikango (Namibia) -
Ngiva (Angola) and various other. |
|
Public
Holidays: |
|
When planning a trip, take note
that most shops, businesses and public services are closed on a
public holiday.
01
January - New Year's Day / 04 January - Martyr's Day
/ 04 February - Start of Liberation War / 08
February - Carnival Day / 08 March - International
Women's Day / 4 April - Day of Peace /
01 May - Labour Day / 25 May - African Day /
01 June - International Children's Day / 17
September - National Hero Day / 02 November -
Remembrance Day / 25 December - Christmas Day.
|
|
Safety &
Security: |
|
As in most
countries of the world, travelers are advised to take the
necessary safety precautions. It is not advisable to walk alone
in deserted streets, especially after dark, and only taxis
booked through a reputable taxi company should be used.
Visitors should try to avoid attracting unnecessary attention by
not carrying bulky camera bags or wearing expensive jewelry.
All valuables should be locked in the hotel's safety deposit
box. Ideally, traveler's cheques or credit cards should be
used, to avoid carrying around large amounts of cash. By
exercising reasonable care, visitors can ensure an enjoyable
stay in the country. Carry a satellite telephone in
the case of a breakdown or other emergency in rural areas. |
|
General: |
Avoid using your
camera in front of police (dressed in blue
uniforms). Photography will result, at best, in
a very heavy fine, but could also have more dire
consequences. Throughout Angola, taking
photographs of sites and installations of
military or security interest, including
government buildings, may result in arrest or
fines and should be avoided. Never step beyond
the red and white HALO trust posts. These denote
mine fields. In fact, beware of anything
surrounded by any kind of red stones or similar
markers.
|
|
NOTE: Information might change without prior notice... |
