Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Angola depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for AngolaEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 113
- Ambulance
- 112
- Fire
- 115
Currency
- Name
- Angolan Kwanza
- Code
- AOA
- Symbol
- Kz
Cash economy. ATMs in Luanda. USD widely accepted in Luanda and tourist areas. Carry kwanza cash outside the capital. Cards accepted at upmarket Luanda hotels.
Power Outlets
- Outlet type
- Type C
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
WAT (UTC+1) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
May–September is the dry season (cacimbo) — best for the highlands around Lubango, Tundavala Fissure, and the wild south. The Okavango River (called the Cubango here, before crossing into Botswana) floods during this period. Luanda is accessible year-round; January–April is hot and humid.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Increasingly expected in Luanda's restaurants |
| Taxis | Round up | Agree fare before departure — no meters |
| Hotels | Kz 500–1,000 for porters | — |
| Guides | $10 USD per day | — |
Dress Code
- Smart casual in Luanda — Angolans dress well
- Practical clothing for highland and rural travel
- Modest dress in churches and rural areas
Social Etiquette
- Angola is one of sub-Saharan Africa's fastest-growing economies — Luanda was briefly one of the world's most expensive cities
- The 27-year civil war (1975–2002) ended over two decades ago; the country is rebuilding remarkably
- Portuguese is the official language; English spoken in business circles in Luanda
- Greeting is essential before any request or interaction
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Angola has significantly opened to tourism since 2019 — e-visa available for many nationalities
- LGBTQ+ activity was decriminalised in 2021 — a landmark change in southern Africa
- Photography of government buildings, military, airports, and the Presidential Palace prohibited
- Roads outside Luanda: 4WD recommended for most rural travel; mine clearance is ongoing in some areas — stay on established roads
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Portuguese) | Olá / Bom dia | oh-LAH / bom JEE-ah |
| How are you? (Portuguese) | Como está? | KOH-moh ehs-TAH |
| Thank you (Portuguese) | Obrigado (m) / Obrigada (f) | oh-bree-GAH-doh |
| Please (Portuguese) | Por favor | por fah-VOR |
| No problem (Portuguese) | Não há problema | nown AH proh-BLEH-mah |
Plan Your Trip
Planning a trip to Angola?
Traveller builds your personalised packing list, checklist, and travel brief in seconds.
Plan this trip with Traveller