Angola: main airports
Angola has five airports with active connections. The main one is the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, about 40-47 km south-east of Luanda: since 1 March 2026 it has been the capital's only commercial airport, following the definitive closure of the historic Quatro de Fevereiro airport in the city.
The other four are regional airports with mostly domestic traffic: Cabinda Airport in the exclave of the same name separated from the rest of the country, Catumbela Airport for the coastal area of Lobito and Benguela, and the more remote Dundo Airport in the north-east and Mbanza Congo Airport on the northern border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the latter of historical interest for the ancient Kingdom of Kongo.
Angola: recommended activities
Angola: visa and entry requirements
Angola generally requires a visa for most nationalities; in recent years the country has progressively simplified the procedures for international visitors, but the rules can change: it is always necessary to check the up-to-date requirements with the Angolan consulate before departure.
Angola: safety
Luanda and the main cities are generally visitable with the normal precautions valid for large African cities, paying particular attention to petty crime in the busiest areas.
Some more remote areas of the country, including the Cabinda exclave, require greater caution and up-to-date information before travelling off the beaten track.
Angola: health situation
Malaria is present throughout Angolan territory and is the main health risk for visitors: pharmacological prophylaxis arranged with a travel medicine clinic is strongly recommended, in addition to the use of repellents and mosquito nets.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is generally required for entry; vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and typhoid are also recommended. Tap water is not considered safe: only bottled water should be used, avoiding ice and raw food. Health facilities are adequate in Luanda, much more limited in the rest of the country, where medical evacuation can take time.
Angola: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Angolan kwanza (AOA). Card acceptance is mostly limited to Luanda, international hotels and larger shops; cash remains important in the rest of the country.
Western transport apps are not widespread: official taxis and organized transfers remain the main options.
For local connectivity, the operators Unitel and Movicel offer prepaid SIM cards, generally purchasable in Luanda with passport registration.
For driving and car rental, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally required alongside the original licence. Always check the up-to-date requirements before departure.
