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Last Updated:
November 1, 2007 16:10
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Still Valid: November 15, 2007 23:38 EST |
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1. RECENT UPDATES The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. The contact information in Section 5 has been updated. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor reports of poliovirus transmission in Angola. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Angola (exceptions listed below)
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to 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 Regional Warning
You are advised against to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to the cities of OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. Canadians traveling to BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY It is the responsibility of individual travellers to make informed travel choices. The Government of Canada takes very seriously the safety and security of Canadians abroad and provides credible and timely advice in its Country Travel Reports. Situations vary from country to country, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Petty crime is a concern in 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. Poisonous snake bites are a potential danger in the countryside. In case of an emergency, dial 113. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Angolan authorities and was valid on 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 and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Angola and its consulate, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Passports handed over to the local Angolan immigration authorities for visa renewal may be kept for five or more weeks due to backlogs. Passport holders must ensure they retain a legible copy of the receipt for handing in their passport, as well as an Angolan notorised copy of their passport and present visa to be able to show to any inquiring authority, or risk heavy fines or deportation. Emergency passports are not always honoured at the airport when leaving. 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 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 A warning that those who wish to work in 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. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. 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. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address: Angola - LUANDA, Consulate of Canada Address: Rua Rei Katyavala 113, Luanda Postal Address: P.O. Box 3360, 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 Postal Address: P.O. Box 1430, Harare, Tel.: 263 (4) 252-181, 252-12, 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. BACK TO TOP 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 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. 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. All photographs of urban areas may be considered negatively by police. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY 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 The currency in Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. 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. BACK TO TOP 9. 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 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. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Medical treatment is very expensive and payment in advance required. Medical facilities are very poor throughout the country, except in Water used for consumption (including ice cubes) should be boiled first or otherwise sterilized. You should be cautious of eating non peelable raw vegetables due to the possibility of cholera and typhoid. There is currently an outbreak of cholera in Malaria is endemic in most of sub-Saharan As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 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. SIM cards can be purchased in Luanda for cellular phones that use such cards. Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist 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. See Canada's Health Portal. 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. Angolan procedures for allowing a child to be adopted by a foreigner are extremely complicated. Adoption: 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. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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