Travel Insurance for Angola

Country Risk Code: High

If you plan to travel or operate in Angola, it's important for you to think carefully about Angola travel insurance. In Angola, it's essential to get international travel insurance, including accident, medical and crisis cover. Cover for Emergency Evacuation is also required.

Angola is not a crime-free country. The country is characterised by several criminal activities, including rape and kidnapping. Foreigners have not been left out as they have been the main targets.

The Economic And Political Landscape In Angola

On the west coast of central Africa lies Angola. Angola has experienced a political crisis that led to violent attacks on residents; hence travelling to the country became dangerous. The country is filled with heavily armed civilians and landmines due to the crisis, which lasted for 27 years. Angola is blessed with a diamond mine located in the North and South Provinces of Luanda. The government may grant permission before anyone can access the location.

Security Risks in Angola

Angola may not be 100% safe for foreign nationals as Cabinda province asserts foreign national visitors are separatist group targets. In Jan 2010, there were triple murder cases of the Togolese football team member. Luanda, the Angolan capital city, is relatively safe during the day, but some areas should be avoided, especially at night. There are continuous clashes and fights between the separatist group and security forces, especially in the Cabinda province. Terrorism isn't left out as these separatist groups perform terrorist attacks on people. The group targets foreign nationals as they are known for raping, robbing, kidnapping, and murdering foreigners. The crime rate in Luanda is high. Mugging and carjacking are prominent in Luanda, especially on foreign nationals' properties.

Danger and risk still loom around landmines across the country. The British FCDO recommends that foreign nationals remain vigilant and move around with assigned security officers. They are advised not to leave Luanda without security provision.

Health Risks

The risk of Zika virus transmission exists alongside other diseases such as malaria, cholera, HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis(A and B). General healthcare is very poor. Angola requires international cover for emergency evacuation.

Transport Risks

Travellers should watch out as dangers and risks on Angola roads are high. The risks of accidents are high due to numerous potholes on the road. During rainy seasons travelling by road becomes riskier due to road erosions. Roads are paved, and unpaved ones become almost a challenge to pass. Police are known to extort and collect bribes from road drivers. Issuing fake tickets is also rampant on the roads of Angola. Angolan airlines are prohibited from extending air services to the EU because of security issues. Be informed that standard insurance may not cover these airlines.

Environmental Risks

Landmines are very common in Angola; hence visitors should watch out. These landmines are prevalent in small and major roads in rural areas and close to the Zambian border. Foreigners can identify spots where Landmines are located with red pebbles or a HALO Trust post(commonly red and white colour). Environment hazards common in rural areas may include roaming livestock on the road, charred and damaged vehicles. Bad roads and the absence of traffic lights cause traffic congestion, especially in major cities like Luanda. Congestions can cause lawlessness, chaos, and violence.

Travelling Tips

If you are embarking on a trip to Angola, here are some important traveling tips:

Choosing the Right Insurance for Your Angolan Trip

Some insurance covers do not extend to Angola. While considering the travel Insurance company to use, ensure that the insurer provides cover for traveling to the country as many insurers would exclude Angola. Ensure that your policy has medical expenses, emergency evacuation, ransom for kidnap and personal accident coverage in Angola.

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