Is Luanda safe?
Street crime and police shakedowns are the usual problems. Violent crime exists, but daytime centre and expat areas are manageable with precautions.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2024-09-22.
- Homicide rate in Angola: 4.1 per 100,000 people (2016, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Angola: 26.1 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 113 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 115.
Safety in Luanda at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Phone and bag snatching, car-window theft in traffic, muggings after dark, and police extortion at roadblocks. |
| At night | Do not walk at night; use Yango or a hotel car door to door. Keep phones and cameras out of sight in traffic. |
| Solo women | Manageable in the main areas with care, but catcalling is common. Avoid walking alone after dark and use ride apps or hotel cars. |
| Other risks | Cholera and malaria outbreaks; Yellow fever (vaccination required); Heavy traffic and road crashes |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Police asking for 'fines' or fees during stops
- Informal currency changers handing over fake or short notes
- Taxi drivers quoting inflated fares to foreigners
Take care
- Walking after dark almost anywhere: robbery risk
- Baixa and the port area: snatch thefts
- Beaches near Ilha at night
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing government buildings, military sites and airports is prohibited
- Carry a copy of your passport; police can ask for ID at any time
Quick answers
Is Luanda safe for solo female travelers?
Manageable in the main areas with care, but catcalling is common. Avoid walking alone after dark and use ride apps or hotel cars.
Is Luanda safe at night?
Do not walk at night; use Yango or a hotel car door to door. Keep phones and cameras out of sight in traffic.
What is the crime rate in Luanda?
Phone and bag snatching, car-window theft in traffic, muggings after dark, and police extortion at roadblocks. Nationally, Angola records 4.1 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2016).
What number do I call in an emergency in Luanda?
Police 113 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 115.
More about Luanda
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- TAAG Angola Airlines
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.