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Print Version
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TRAVEL REPORT
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Last Updated: November 29, 2006 14:43
EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:55
EST
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| Angola |
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1. INTRODUCTION
The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Sections 4 and 8 have been updated.
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2. ATTENTION
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)
You are advised against all travel to rural regions and cities other than Luanda, Huambo, Benguela, Lubango, Malange, Sumbe, Kuito, Soyo, Namibe and all other provincial capitals. Travel outside these cities should be conducted under the auspices of international organizations with considerable knowledge of the country.
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to this country. (IDW7)
You are advised against non-essential travel to Angola. The security situation in the country has improved significantly since the signing of the cease-fire in April 2002, which brought an end to the country's civil war. However, outside of the major cities, road conditions are poor, landmines pose hazards, and many essential services such as communications are unavailable. Angolan military forces have been posted along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, in anticipation of possible unrest related to post DRC election tensions in August and September 2006. In the Northern exclave of Cabinda, a peace accord was signed in August 2006 between the government and insurgent groups. Travel should be restricted to the city of Cabinda until the demobilisation of insurgent forces is completed.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to this country despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Petty crime is a concern in Luanda, despite a considerable police presence. Pickpockets are active outside the arrivals and departure gates of the airport. Do not show signs of affluence. Violent crime and carjackings have also been reported. Four-wheel-drive and luxury vehicles are targeted. You should not resist if threatened by carjackers. Avoid travel after dark, particularly to and from the airport.
You should be careful at all times and carry certified copies of the identification page of your passport as well as original travel documents issued by Angolan authorities, such as resident or work permits, visas, and driver's licences. Make sure they are all up-to-date. Police and military checkpoints are common in both urban and rural areas. You should be prepared to present copies of documents and not challenge the authority of requesting officials.
Shortages of food, lodging, medicine, transportation, utilities, and water affect most of the country. Luanda does not experience shortages of food, although lodging is scarce. Costs can be high and standards are often lower than internationally acceptable.
Poisonous snake bites are a potential danger in the countryside.
In case of an emergency, dial 113 or 222-391-479.
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4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Right-hand turns are not permitted on a red light. Left-hand turns are rarely allowed. Traffic in a round roundabout has right-of-way, but in other shaped roundabouts it varies; when in doubt, yield. Be extremely careful of unexpected hazards on the road such as pedestrians and animals. Generally, roads and bridges are in very poor condition. Drivers under the influence of alcohol are common, especially on weekends, and the return trip to Luanda from beach outings can be particularly hazardous.
Landmines remain a serious danger. Many areas of the countryside, including secondary roads and bridges, are heavily mined. Roads that have been frequently travelled and thought to be landmine-free may be unsafe. Banditry is also a concern.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
For visitors, door-to-door taxis are few and expensive so it is advisable to hire a car with driver. Drivers can overcome the problems of few parking spaces and negotiate heavy traffic and the idiosyncrasies of local traffic flows, including any accidents.
It is recommended to avoid using public transportation, including buses and van taxis. In-country flights are frequently cancelled, leaving travellers stranded. Maintenance of aircraft, especially leased Antonovs, is unreliable. Air travel within the country should be limited to airports in the provincial capitals or other cities with paved landing strips. Contact the Embassy of Canada in Harare, Zimbabwe, for the latest security information (see section 7 below).
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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
The dry season extends from May to October and the rainy season extends from November to April. Unpaved roads may become impassable during the rainy season. You should follow regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Criminal suspects may also be subjected to very long periods of pre-trial detention before their case is heard by a court.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
Involvement in black-market currency conversions could lead to an arrest.
Importing any genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is illegal.
All handicrafts to be exported must have a special government stamp affixed to each item. Some handicrafts considered of high cultural value may be retained by customs. It is illegal to remove turtle shells and ivory from the country.
Avoid photography of airports, major roads, bridges, communications installations, military personnel and government buildings.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:
Angola - LUANDA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Rua Rei Katyavala 113, Luanda, Angola
Tel.: 244-222-448-371, 448-377, or 448-366
Fax: 244-222-449-494
E-mail: consul.can@angonet.org
The Embassy of Canada in Harare, Zimbabwe, has consular responsibility for Angola. The address is as follows:
Zimbabwe - HARARE, Embassy of Canada
Address: 45 Baines Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1430, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel.: 263 (4) 252-181, 252-182, 252-183, 252-184, or 252-185
Fax: 263 (4) 252-186 or 252-187
E-mail: harare-consular@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.harare.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Consulate of Canada in Luanda or the Embassy of Canada in Harare, Zimbabwe, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Angolan authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on August 28, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Angola, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Angola. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. You must also be in possession of a visa and an onward or return ticket. A tourist visa can take up to 15 working days to process, whereas the issuance of a business visa takes at least 90 working days. The length of stay for a tourist visa may not exceed 30 days. Angolan visas take a whole page. Ensure you have enough pages remaining in your passport. Additional pages cannot be added in a passport and issuing a new passport may take several weeks.
Airport and roadblock procedures have been reinforced and any question about documentation or identification, including visas and vaccination cards, can lead to delays or rejected entry. Ensure that you have obtained the appropriate visa prior to your arrival. Canadians arriving in Angola without the required visa could face arrest and/or deportation. Travellers who overstay their visa are subject to high fines and possible arrest.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Employment Visa: Required
Transit Visa: Required
Diplomatic or Special Passport: Visa required
Angolan-Canadians should be aware that if they enter Angola on their Canadian passport, they must leave the country on it as well.
A warning that those who wish to work in Angola must first acquire a Criminal Clearance Certificate from their local Canadian police or RCMP before travelling, as it can only be obtained while in Canada.
You are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination. If you cannot show proof of valid vaccination against yellow fever you may be subject to involuntary vaccinations and/or heavy fines upon entry.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the Kwanza (AOA). It is not convertible on the international market. It cannot be imported or exported. No more than US$5,000 may be taken out by a non-resident, unless they have made an official declaration upon entry into Angola. Traveller's cheques are rarely accepted and major credit cards are accepted at only a few of Luanda's largest hotels. ATMs do not accept international cards. Newer U.S.-dollar bills are favoured due to the ease with which the older bills are counterfeited.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Angola (capital: Luanda) is located in southwest Africa, bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Namibia, and the Atlantic Ocean. The official language is Portuguese. Tourist facilities are very limited.
International calls are difficult to place from outside the capital. Most personal cellular phones are not compatible and must be reprogrammed for use within Angola.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor reports of poliovirus transmission in Angola.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical treatment is very expensive and payment in advance required. Medical facilities are very poor throughout the country, except in Luanda. Many doctors do not speak English or French, including in Luanda.
Water used for consumption should be boiled first or otherwise sterilized.
As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Angola is high, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Angolan procedures for allowing a child to be adopted by a foreigner are extremely complicated. Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
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18. ANNEX
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