Destination guide
Last updated: June 15, 2026The heart of the Lusophone diaspora in Africa — semba, kizomba, Luanda’s Marginal — and increasingly open to visitors. But there are important changes (even the airport moved). Here is the essential, verified.
Travel essentials
Angola has opened up to tourism: European citizens (Portugal is a priority nationality) enter visa-free for tourism, up to 30 days per entry and 90 per year. Nigerian, Ghanaian and Senegalese citizens need the Angola eVisa (pre-visa), obtained online before travel. Yellow fever is an entry requirement (see Health).
| Passport | Entry rule | Max stay |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal · Spain · France · United Kingdom | Visa-free (tourism) — Portugal is a priority nationality | 30 days/entry · 90/year |
| Cabo Verde · Guinea-Bissau | Possible exemption (CPLP) — confirm with the SME | — |
| Nigeria · Ghana · Senegal | Angola eVisa (pre-visa) required | — |
⚠️ Border rules change without notice. Always confirm with the official source (consulate, immigration, travel.state.gov, gov.uk, Portal das Comunidades) before travelling.
💡 Dual nationals: you are often required to enter and leave Angola on your Angolan passport. Confirm your situation before travelling.
Health
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required on entry. Other vaccines (malaria, hepatitis) are a clinical recommendation depending on your itinerary, not a border requirement.
Passport
Passport valid for more than 6 months, with at least two blank pages, plus a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds.
To confirm (not published as fact):
- The visa exemption for Cabo Verde and Guinea-Bissau (and the exact list of 98 countries) changes by decree — confirm with the Migration and Foreigners Service (SME) at the time of travel.
Arrival & Safety
Airport
IMPORTANT: since 1 March 2026, the old 4 de Fevereiro airport no longer handles commercial flights. All international flights now use the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ), about 40 km southeast of Luanda. Allow extra time for the trip into the city.
Getting in
In Luanda, the Yango app is well established (Heetch, T’Leva and Allo Taxi also operate); Uber does not. Using an app is safer than street taxis, especially on a night arrival or the long trip from the new airport. Alternatively, a private hotel transfer.
Safety
A blanket Level 2 advisory (US, updated March 2026), but the greater Luanda metro area is Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) for violent crime — armed robbery, assault and carjacking. Landmines also remain in remote rural areas. Avoid displaying valuables, use trusted drivers and keep documents in order (informal “fee” requests can occur).
⚠️ Border rules change without notice. Always confirm with the official source (consulate, immigration, travel.state.gov, gov.uk, Portal das Comunidades) before travelling.
Money
Currency: Angolan kwanza (AOA), highly volatile. International cards work best in upmarket hotels and large chains in Luanda; day to day, cash dominates. Many diaspora travellers carry part of their budget in euros/dollars and exchange through formal channels.
Connectivity
Three operators: Unitel (incumbent), Africell (entered in 2022, expanding fast) and Movicel. Good 4G in Luanda and major cities; outside urban centres, coverage drops to 3G.
SIM registration with passport and biometrics can eat hours of your itinerary. An eSIM activated before departure sorts out coordination on arrival — essential for business and the diaspora.
WhatsApp is the main artery of social and commercial communication in Angola. In Luanda, speeds are reliable for VoIP calls and streaming.