Difference between revisions of "Angola"

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{{Limited_country}}
 
 
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
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{{onRoute|West Africa}} {{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
 
{{onRoute|West Africa}} {{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
  
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
''Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.''
+
Angola is an extremely diverse and large country that is ready and willing to welcome tourists now the civil war is so far behind them. From jungle in the North to beaches in the West and mountains and deserts in the South, Angola really does have it all.
 +
 
 +
''NOTE:'' Angola's currency, the Kwanza, fluctuates a lot. Because of that there is a thriving black market rate that is usually around 50% better than the official rate. Bring US Dollars in cash with you to exchange on the street - the bigger notes get a better exchange rate ($100 is preferred). <br/>
 +
Because the rates change so much, prices listed on this page are indicative only. It's entirely possible things will cost half (or twice) as much during your visit.
  
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">(date last confirmed correct)</span>'''
+
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">June 2017</span>'''
  
==Required Paperwork==
+
==Travel Visa for {{PAGENAME}}==
{{visa_country}}
+
The travel visa for Angola has long been regarded as the hardest to get on the entire West Coast route, though this has changed significantly in the last few years. When going South many choose to get the visa in Accra [[Ghana]], though this means you only have eight weeks to travel through all the countries between [[Ghana]] and Angola, which is far too short.
''List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies''
+
 
 +
Lately many, many Overlanders moving south are getting a one month multi-entry visa in Pointe Noire, [[Congo]] without problem. The cost is <price currency="USD" cost="140" />, to be paid in Central African Francs. The visa takes a few days to issue.
 +
 
 +
Coming from the South many people have recently had luck in Lusaka, [[Zambia]] and sometimes in Rundu, [[Namibia]].
 +
 
 +
A visa on arrival is possible by applying for a pre-approval letter [http://www.smevisa.gov.ao online] and collecting the physical visa on arrival for 120 USD.
 +
The visa is valid for 30 days from date of arrival at the border, and it's multiple entry.
 +
 
 +
==Required Paperwork==
 +
* Passport of registered owner.
 +
* [[Drivers license]] of registered owner.
 +
* Original [[vehicle registration]].
 +
* Proof of [[vehicle insurance]] - they might not ask for it, but it’s better to have it.
 +
* (OPTIONAL) [[Carnet de Passage]]
 +
(no copies are required)
  
 
==Process at border==
 
==Process at border==
''Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle''
+
* Get yourself stamped in at Immigration.
 +
* Go to Douane to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the [[vehicle registration]] the officer will write out an import form, valid for one month. You can request a two month entry no problem, you just pay twice as much
 +
* If you have a [[Carnet de Passage]], you don't need the import form and you pay nothing.
 +
 
 +
* If crossing at the Santa Clara border with your vehicle, first visit the small office you pass while entering the parking area in from of the 2 large warehouse type buildings. This is the visa office and they will stamp you in. Next, visit the small office at the exit (between the 2 warehouse buildings), this is where you will receive your TIP and complete all the necessary road tax paperwork. THey will give you an account number you have to make a payment to at one of the banks in the large building beside the office. You may need a photocopy of the following documents - visa in passport, passport info page, photo of vehicle showing side/front/rear. If you need to make photocopies there is a small chinese run photo shop just after the roundabout when entering Angola you can walk to.
  
 
==Cost of entry==
 
==Cost of entry==
''State the cost for a vehicle to enter''
+
Entry with a [[Carnet de Passage]] is free, the Temp import costs <price cost="9" currency="USD" /> per month.
  
 
==Permitted length of stay==
 
==Permitted length of stay==
''State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle''
+
The standard temp import permit is one month, though you can simply ask for two months at the border.
  
 
==Extension of stay==
 
==Extension of stay==
''Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.''
+
Can be done quite easily and cheaply. Even extending your own personal Visa for another month is cheap and straightforward in any large city.
  
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
''Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.'' <br />
+
Uncertain, though it seems if you came back before the temp import expired nobody would be the wiser.
''Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.''
+
  
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
''Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.''
+
* Get yourself stamped out at Immigration.
 +
* Get your [[Carnet de Passage]] stamped out if you have one.
 +
 
 +
All should be free, do not pay for this.
  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
 
==Recommended books for Overlanding in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Recommended books for Overlanding in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
{{guide_books_country}}
 
{{guide_books_country}}
 +
 +
==Travel insurance for {{PAGENAME}}==
 +
{{Travel insurance country}}
  
 
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
 
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
''Yes or No if insurance is mandatory, and what kind is acceptable.''
+
Insurance does not seem to be required, Police never seem to ask for it for people just transiting through, though you might want to have something to show anyone looking for a bribe.
  
==Cost of insurance==
+
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
''State the price of insurance and a time period.''
+
Unknown.
  
==Where to purchase insurance==
+
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
''Describe where insurance can be purchased.''
+
Unknown within Angola - an International Policy from home is probably best.
  
 
==Driving license==
 
==Driving license==
''State the kind of driving licenses required. i.e. International Driving Permit.''
+
Anything from your home country will be accepted.
  
 
==Driving side of road==
 
==Driving side of road==
 
Right. <br/>
 
Right. <br/>
Unknown if RHD vehicles can be driven in {{PAGENAME}}.
+
RHD vehicles are allowed without problem.
  
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
+
You probably need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher. It's a good idea to have them to avoid bribery.
(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
+
 
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==
 +
 
===General Road quality===
 
===General Road quality===
''Give a brief description of the general road quality. Mention if one way streets are common.''
+
Roads vary greatly in Angola. There are many, many new highways that rival those anywhere in the world. There are also lots of old broken-up roads with massive potholes and make for some very slow going. In the Namib desert in the South the sandy tracks are extremely primitive.
  
 
===Road signs===
 
===Road signs===
''Briefly describe the overall quality & existence of road signs for directions and hazards.''
+
Road signs do exist and usually show the distances to the next few upcoming towns. These are improving quickly.
  
 
===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
''List the frequency and approximate price of toll roads.''
+
None.
  
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.''
+
Bribery is quickly getting less and less common, though it does still happen. The easiest way to avoid this is to be polite, but don't speak Portuguese. Smile a lot and be sorry about it, but you simply don't understand.
 +
 
 +
See the [[bribery tips]] page for general advice.
  
 
==Checkpoints==
 
==Checkpoints==
''describe the frequency of checkpoints (police or military and what to expect.''
+
There are checkpoints and random stops where Police, Military and Customs will check your paperwork. Don't pay at any of these. Stay friendly and polite. Never use your mobile phone or camera at check points.
  
 
==Traveling with pets==
 
==Traveling with pets==
''List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.''
+
No issues crossing with dog from Namibia to Angola. Only document requested was proof of vaccinations. There may be official import forms but unknown and never asked for.
  
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">October 2012</span>'''<br />
+
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">June 2017</span>'''<br />
  
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
Line 87: Line 114:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Unleaded
 
| Unleaded
| <price cost="0.64" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost">[http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com]</ref>
+
| <price cost="0.49" currency="USD" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Diesel
 
| Diesel
| <price cost="0.42" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost" />
+
| <price cost="0.39" currency="USD" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+
Stations are becoming more common as Angola rebuilds after the civil war, especially in the North. Stations seem to always have gas, though frequently diesel is in short supply because the government is using it all to run much-needed generators. You should carry as much gas/diesel as possible, and fill up whenever you can.
''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
+
 
 +
Typically fuel availability near border crossings is difficult - with either long queues or closed stations.
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
+
Angola makes it's own, so the quality should be good.<br />
''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
+
  
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 +
 
==Driving at night==
 
==Driving at night==
''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''
+
Driving at night is not recommended due to the risk of violence or bandits. There can also be armed robbery on the roads in remote places and some even place bogus road blocks. Also watch out for cars without lights, animals, people and everything else you can imagine on the roads.
  
 
==Vehicle parking==
 
==Vehicle parking==
''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
+
Vehicles can be parked on the streets and usually are safe. At night try to park in compounds or other known safe zones
''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
+
  
 
==Special driving considerations==
 
==Special driving considerations==
''A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).'' <br/>
+
As with all of west Africa, expect the unexpected at all times. Literally anything is possible.
''List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.''
+
 
 +
Also Angola has one of the highest concentrations of land mines in the entire world. NEVER drive off road unless you follow lots of tire tracks and never walk through long grass or simply wander around in the wilderness.
  
 
==Security advisories and information==
 
==Security advisories and information==
Line 119: Line 147:
  
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
''Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.''<br />
+
Camping is slowly getting more common in Angola, with a few campsites here and there.<br />
''List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.'' <br />
+
Wildcamping is very possible in remote areas. See places in iOverlander for the ones that exist.
''Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.''
+
  
 
==Camping guide books==
 
==Camping guide books==
Line 127: Line 154:
  
 
==Drinking water==
 
==Drinking water==
''Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink.''
+
It's not recommended to drink tap water - filter it or buy bottles.
''If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.''
+
  
 
=Navigation=
 
=Navigation=
 
==Paper maps==
 
==Paper maps==
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
+
Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 +
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
Tracks4Africa are the undisputed best GPS maps for Africa.<br/>
+
* [http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ Garmin Open Street Maps] has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
+
* Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
 
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
 
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
  
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
+
* [http://ioverlander.com/ iOverlander] is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
  
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
''List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders''
+
* There are quite a few great spots listed in iOverlander - check there.
 
+
* Don't miss the free camping on the waterfront in Luanda at the Yacht club. iOverlander has the co-ordinates!
 
+
 
+
Bradt Guide to Angola
+
  
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=

Latest revision as of 20:43, 18 May 2019

West Africa > Angola Currency to display:

Visiting Angola[edit]

Angola is an extremely diverse and large country that is ready and willing to welcome tourists now the civil war is so far behind them. From jungle in the North to beaches in the West and mountains and deserts in the South, Angola really does have it all.

NOTE: Angola's currency, the Kwanza, fluctuates a lot. Because of that there is a thriving black market rate that is usually around 50% better than the official rate. Bring US Dollars in cash with you to exchange on the street - the bigger notes get a better exchange rate ($100 is preferred).
Because the rates change so much, prices listed on this page are indicative only. It's entirely possible things will cost half (or twice) as much during your visit.

Entering Angola with a Car or Motorbike[edit]

Correct as of: June 2017

Travel Visa for Angola[edit]

The travel visa for Angola has long been regarded as the hardest to get on the entire West Coast route, though this has changed significantly in the last few years. When going South many choose to get the visa in Accra Ghana, though this means you only have eight weeks to travel through all the countries between Ghana and Angola, which is far too short.

Lately many, many Overlanders moving south are getting a one month multi-entry visa in Pointe Noire, Congo without problem. The cost is $140.00 USD, to be paid in Central African Francs. The visa takes a few days to issue.

Coming from the South many people have recently had luck in Lusaka, Zambia and sometimes in Rundu, Namibia.

A visa on arrival is possible by applying for a pre-approval letter online and collecting the physical visa on arrival for 120 USD. The visa is valid for 30 days from date of arrival at the border, and it's multiple entry.

Required Paperwork[edit]

(no copies are required)

Process at border[edit]

  • Get yourself stamped in at Immigration.
  • Go to Douane to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the vehicle registration the officer will write out an import form, valid for one month. You can request a two month entry no problem, you just pay twice as much
  • If you have a Carnet de Passage, you don't need the import form and you pay nothing.
  • If crossing at the Santa Clara border with your vehicle, first visit the small office you pass while entering the parking area in from of the 2 large warehouse type buildings. This is the visa office and they will stamp you in. Next, visit the small office at the exit (between the 2 warehouse buildings), this is where you will receive your TIP and complete all the necessary road tax paperwork. THey will give you an account number you have to make a payment to at one of the banks in the large building beside the office. You may need a photocopy of the following documents - visa in passport, passport info page, photo of vehicle showing side/front/rear. If you need to make photocopies there is a small chinese run photo shop just after the roundabout when entering Angola you can walk to.

Cost of entry[edit]

Entry with a Carnet de Passage is free, the Temp import costs $9.00 USD per month.

Permitted length of stay[edit]

The standard temp import permit is one month, though you can simply ask for two months at the border.

Extension of stay[edit]

Can be done quite easily and cheaply. Even extending your own personal Visa for another month is cheap and straightforward in any large city.

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country[edit]

Uncertain, though it seems if you came back before the temp import expired nobody would be the wiser.

Exiting with a vehicle[edit]

  • Get yourself stamped out at Immigration.
  • Get your Carnet de Passage stamped out if you have one.

All should be free, do not pay for this.

Driving in Angola[edit]

Recommended books for Overlanding in Angola[edit]

Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Lonely Planet The World: A Traveller's Guide To The Pl...
Lonely Planet The World: A Traveller's Guide To The Pl...
by Lonely Planet
From $24.48 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon

Travel insurance for Angola[edit]

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements[edit]

Insurance does not seem to be required, Police never seem to ask for it for people just transiting through, though you might want to have something to show anyone looking for a bribe.

Cost of vehicle insurance[edit]

Unknown.

Where to purchase vehicle insurance[edit]

Unknown within Angola - an International Policy from home is probably best.

Driving license[edit]

Anything from your home country will be accepted.

Driving side of road[edit]

Right.
RHD vehicles are allowed without problem.

Mandatory items in vehicle[edit]

You probably need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher. It's a good idea to have them to avoid bribery.

Roads[edit]

General Road quality[edit]

Roads vary greatly in Angola. There are many, many new highways that rival those anywhere in the world. There are also lots of old broken-up roads with massive potholes and make for some very slow going. In the Namib desert in the South the sandy tracks are extremely primitive.

Road signs[edit]

Road signs do exist and usually show the distances to the next few upcoming towns. These are improving quickly.

Toll roads[edit]

None.

Bribery in Angola[edit]

Bribery is quickly getting less and less common, though it does still happen. The easiest way to avoid this is to be polite, but don't speak Portuguese. Smile a lot and be sorry about it, but you simply don't understand.

See the bribery tips page for general advice.

Checkpoints[edit]

There are checkpoints and random stops where Police, Military and Customs will check your paperwork. Don't pay at any of these. Stay friendly and polite. Never use your mobile phone or camera at check points.

Traveling with pets[edit]

No issues crossing with dog from Namibia to Angola. Only document requested was proof of vaccinations. There may be official import forms but unknown and never asked for.

Gas price in Angola and Diesel price in Angola[edit]

Last updated: June 2017

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded $0.49 USD per Liter
Diesel $0.39 USD per Liter

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency[edit]

Stations are becoming more common as Angola rebuilds after the civil war, especially in the North. Stations seem to always have gas, though frequently diesel is in short supply because the government is using it all to run much-needed generators. You should carry as much gas/diesel as possible, and fill up whenever you can.

Typically fuel availability near border crossings is difficult - with either long queues or closed stations.

Gas and Diesel Quality[edit]

Angola makes it's own, so the quality should be good.

Safety and Security Considerations[edit]

Driving at night[edit]

Driving at night is not recommended due to the risk of violence or bandits. There can also be armed robbery on the roads in remote places and some even place bogus road blocks. Also watch out for cars without lights, animals, people and everything else you can imagine on the roads.

Vehicle parking[edit]

Vehicles can be parked on the streets and usually are safe. At night try to park in compounds or other known safe zones

Special driving considerations[edit]

As with all of west Africa, expect the unexpected at all times. Literally anything is possible.

Also Angola has one of the highest concentrations of land mines in the entire world. NEVER drive off road unless you follow lots of tire tracks and never walk through long grass or simply wander around in the wilderness.

Security advisories and information[edit]

Camping in Angola[edit]

Camping is slowly getting more common in Angola, with a few campsites here and there.
Wildcamping is very possible in remote areas. See places in iOverlander for the ones that exist.

Camping guide books[edit]

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water[edit]

It's not recommended to drink tap water - filter it or buy bottles.

Navigation[edit]

Paper maps[edit]

Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Angola

Angola
Angola
by Reise Know-How Verlag
From $14.95 on Amazon
Nonfiction Reading And Writing Workshop Springboard: A...
Nonfiction Reading And Writing Workshop Springboard: A...
by National Geographic Learning
From $14.95 on Amazon
1. Angola Travel Reference Map 1:1,300,000 (internatio...
1. Angola Travel Reference Map 1:1,300,000 (internatio...
by International Travel Maps
From $10.85 on Amazon
Lonely Planet Africa Planning Map
Lonely Planet Africa Planning Map
by Lonely Planet
From $7.99 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Angola[edit]

  • Garmin Open Street Maps has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
  • Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
Gps Map Of Africa
Gps Map Of Africa
From $click on Amazon

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Angola[edit]

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Special Overland Travel interests[edit]

  • There are quite a few great spots listed in iOverlander - check there.
  • Don't miss the free camping on the waterfront in Luanda at the Yacht club. iOverlander has the co-ordinates!

Vehicle Maintenance[edit]

Dealers[edit]

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages[edit]

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Angola[edit]

Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References[edit]

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.


Helpful External links[edit]

Add any helpful external links here.