Luanda arrival guide
Essential Arrival Tips
Documents · Airport · Internet · Money · Transport
A practical first-arrival guide for Angola, helping you prepare before departure and move through your first hours in Luanda with more confidence.
Land prepared, move calmly
Use this guide as a practical checklist for documents, airport arrival, internet access, local money and transport into Luanda.
Rules, prices and airport services can change. Always confirm official requirements before travel and check with your airline or embassy.
Prepare your internet, apps, hotel address and transfer plan before departure, so arrival day feels smoother.
Passport, visa and health documents
- Travel with a passport in good condition and, ideally, valid for more than 6 months.
- Keep at least one blank page for entry stamps.
- Check whether your nationality is visa-free for tourism or if you need a visa before travel.
- Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate if applicable to your route or nationality.
Carry copies offline
- Passport photo page
- Visa or visa-exemption information
- Return or onward ticket
- Hotel or accommodation address
- Travel insurance and emergency contacts
Tourism visa exemption
Angola exempts citizens of 98 countries from tourist visas under Presidential Decree No. 189/23.
- The exemption is for tourism.
- The stay is up to 30 days per entry.
- The annual limit is up to 90 days per year.
- It does not cover work, study, residence or other non-tourist purposes.
Transport apps
Install the main ride-hailing apps used in Luanda before you fly, such as T'Leva, Kubinga, Heetch, UGO, Yango and inDrive.
Offline tools
Download offline maps and Portuguese translation packs. Mobile data may not work immediately when you land.
Contacts
Save your hotel, Airbnb host, driver and emergency contacts on WhatsApp before boarding.
eSIM is useful, but not guaranteed
A global eSIM can be a good first option because it may give you internet as soon as you land. Popular providers include Airalo, Holafly, Ubigi and Nomad.
However, eSIMs can sometimes fail because of roaming agreements, phone settings, coverage or activation issues. Do not rely on it as your only plan.
Local SIM backup
If your eSIM does not work, buy a local SIM. Unitel is generally the most widely used operator, with strong national coverage. Movicel and Africell are also available.
You can usually find SIM cards in official operator shops, shopping centres, authorised agents and sometimes at airport phone-service points. Bring your passport for registration.
Unitel example prices
- Net ao Dia: around 800 MB for 500 Kz / 24h
- Monthly data examples: around 1.5 GB for 1,500 Kz, 6 GB for 5,000 Kz, 12-13 GB for around 10,000 Kz
Africell example prices
- Afrinet daily examples: 600 MB from 200 Kz, 1 GB around 600 Kz
- Konekta 4G examples: 6 GB for 4,000 Kz / 7 days, 25 GB for 13,000 Kz / 30 days
Good to know
Prices, bundles and promotions change often. Treat these as guide prices and confirm in the operator app, shop or USSD menu when you arrive.
NBJ is the main airport for most regular passenger flights
Most commercial passenger flights now use Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, IATA code NBJ, located roughly 40-42 km from central Luanda.
The older Quatro de Fevereiro Airport, IATA code LAD, is no longer the main airport for regular international passenger arrivals and is more associated with private, executive or special operations.
Tip: check your ticket carefully for the airport code, especially if your booking was made far in advance.
Why cash helps
Cards are accepted in many formal businesses, but cash is still useful for taxis, tips, small shops, snacks, SIM cards and unexpected arrival costs.
Where to get kwanzas
- Use ATMs inside the airport if available, but expect possible international bank fees.
- Use exchange counters if needed, but airport rates may be weaker.
- If you can, exchange larger amounts later in the city after comparing rates.
Best option
Arrange a hotel transfer, trusted driver or confirmed pickup before your flight, especially for late arrivals.
Ride-hailing
Ride apps can be useful, but you need working internet and enough phone battery. Confirm the car, plate and pickup point before entering.
Avoid confusion
Avoid informal offers inside or outside the terminal if the price, driver or destination is unclear.
- Turn on your phone and test internet before leaving the terminal.
- Message your hotel, host or driver that you have arrived.
- Keep your passport and cash secure, but accessible for checks or SIM registration.
- Confirm the exact address of your accommodation before starting the journey.
- Buy water and basic essentials once settled, especially after a long flight.
Local help on arrival
If you need help with airport transport, accommodation, a local SIM card or practical guidance, arrange support before arrival whenever possible.
Contact: +244 943 130 500 (WhatsApp available)
Note: Paid services may vary by request. Confirm price and service details before booking.
Angola is welcoming and full of memorable experiences, but the first day is much easier when your documents, internet, money and transport are planned before you land.
Always verify requirements with an Angolan embassy, consulate, airline or official government source before travelling, as entry rules and services can change.