Reality Brief: Luanda
What to know about Luanda, gathered from AfriPilot's sourced information: alerts, rules, addresses and useful places. Nothing is added without a source.
Region: Luanda ProvinceGathered from 8 sources checked on October 2, 2026.
Current alerts
No official alerts recorded for this region.
Alerts checked on October 2, 2026 against the sources cited.
Essentials before you arrive
- Passport: France
Since 30 September 2023, French nationals (among 98 nationalities) need no tourist visa for 30 days per stay (family visits, business prospecting, leisure). Beyond that, apply online for a tourist visa before arrival.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, entry and residenceGuide: Entry and residence
Passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival, with 2 blank pages.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Angola travel advice: entry requirementsGuide: Entry and residence
Tourists may not bring in more than 5,000 USD or equivalent; kwanzas cannot be taken out of the country.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, entry and residenceGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: AngolaGuide: Entry and residence
According to France, single emergency number 111. The UK lists ambulance 112, fire 118, police 110; Canada lists police 113, medical assistance 116, fire 115.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, useful contactsGOV.UK (FCDO), Angola travel advice: getting helpGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: AngolaGuide: Health
High crime, often at gunpoint. Do not walk alone, even downtown, do not use public transport, take identified taxis (apps in Luanda), take care in Ilha in the evening and avoid the outskirts of Luanda at night. Do not resist if attacked.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, safetyGuide: Safety and emergencies
The currency is the kwanza (AOA), not convertible internationally; exchange is done at a few bureaus in Luanda and at banks, and foreign currency is scarce. Cards are increasingly accepted in hotels, rarely in shops: bring foreign cash.
Government of Canada, Travel advice: AngolaFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, useful informationGuide: Money and banking
Poor roads and dangerous driving: only drive by day, without leaving main roads (possible mines off the main routes). International permit with your French licence for 3 months.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, safetyFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, useful informationGuide: Safety and emergencies
Living in Luanda
High crime, often at gunpoint. Do not walk alone, even downtown, do not use public transport, take identified taxis (apps in Luanda), take care in Ilha in the evening and avoid the outskirts of Luanda at night. Do not resist if attacked.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, safetyGuide: Safety and emergencies
Demonstrations are regularly called in Luanda and major cities, amid tensions ahead of the August 2027 elections: stay away.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, safetyGuide: Safety and emergencies
The currency is the kwanza (AOA), not convertible internationally; exchange is done at a few bureaus in Luanda and at banks, and foreign currency is scarce. Cards are increasingly accepted in hotels, rarely in shops: bring foreign cash.
Government of Canada, Travel advice: AngolaFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, useful informationGuide: Money and banking
Field experience
- Tip
Pharmacies, clinics and hospitals
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): pharmacies (169), clinics (82), hospitals (33). Locate those near your home in the first days and check opening hours and on-call services locally.
- Tip
Where to shop for food
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): markets (27), supermarkets (104). Compare a few basic prices between market and supermarket before settling into habits.
- Tip
Banks, cash machines and exchange
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): banks (387), cash machines (4), currency exchange (22), money transfer (1). Withdraw and change money at these official places, preferably during the day, never in the street.
- Tip
A shop for your SIM card
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): phone and internet (99). Go with your passport: SIM registration is often mandatory.
- Tip
A furnished flat for the first weeks
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): furnished apartments (5). A furnished flat gives you time to visit several neighbourhoods before signing a lease.
- Tip
A coworking space as a fallback
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): coworking (2). Useful for remote work when the connection or power fails at home.
- Tip
Consulates in the city
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): consulates (7). Note the address of your country's consulate or the nearest embassy.
Useful contacts
Contact details taken from the official sources cited. Check them before going.
Emergency number
Single number 111 according to France.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Clínica Sagrada Esperança
Health, Luanda.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Clínica Girassol
Health, Luanda.
Avenida Revolução de Outubro, Maianga, Luanda+244 226 698 000France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Clínica Multiperfil
Health, Luanda.
Rua Morro Bento, Luanda+244 226 434 415France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
European Medical Center
Health, Luanda.
Rua Comandante Kwenha 36, Luanda+244 945 888 188France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Luanda Medical Center
Health, Luanda.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Embassy of France in Angola
Passport: FranceFrench embassy in Luanda.
31/33 Rua Reverendo Pedro Neto, BP 584, LuandaFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Angola, entry and residence· Oct 2, 2026