Essential Arrival Tips

🇦🇴 First Time in Angola? Here’s What You Really Need to Know

Planning your first trip to Angola? Whether you’re travelling for business, adventure or to visit friends and family, arriving in a new country can feel overwhelming — especially if it’s your first time on the African continent.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before and after landing at Luanda’s new international airport, from required documents to getting internet access, changing money, and finding your way to the city.

Let’s make your arrival stress-free.

✈️ Before You Travel – What to Prepare

📘 Passport Validity

Make sure your passport is:

  • Valid for at least 6 months

  • In good condition

  • With at least one blank page for the entry stamp

💉International Vaccination Card

Angola requires all travellers to present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

  • This is often called the “Yellow Card” or International Certificate of Vaccination.

  • It must be signed and stamped by an official medical authority.

  • If you don’t have it, you may be refused entry or required to get vaccinated at the airport, which can cause delays.

📄 Visa Exemption – Bring the Official Document (If Applicable)

Angola now allows visa-free entry for citizens of 98 countries, for up to 30 days per entry and up to 90 days per year.

  • If your country is on the list, print a copy of Presidential Decree No. 189/23 before travelling.

  • Highlight or underline your country’s name on the printed list.

  • This may be helpful at immigration or at your departure airport if staff are unfamiliar with the new rules.

You can find the full list and download the official document here:

Visa-Free Entry to Angola: Full List of Countries (2025)

📱Install Essential Apps before you travel

Before your flight, make sure you’ve got the main transport apps used in Luanda:
T’Leva, Kubinga, Heetch, UGO, Yango, and inDrive.

If you need them, click the button below — I’ve listed the download links for each app there.

Ride-Hailing Apps

Also, don’t forget to download:
An offline translation app – Portuguese is the main language in Angola, and not everyone speaks English. Having a translator on hand can be a lifesaver.
An offline navigation app – Mobile data might not always be available or stable, so make sure you can find your way even without internet.

🌐 Consider Getting an International eSIM (Highly Recommended)

If it’s your first time in Angola, you may not find a working SIM card immediately upon arrival.

A good solution is to buy a global eSIM (digital SIM card) before flying. It lets you land with internet already working on your phone.

Popular options include:

✔ Works in Angola
✔ Easy setup from your phone
✔ You’ll be able to use maps, call a taxi, and stay connected immediately

If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, consider ordering a physical international SIM instead.

✈️ Arriving in Luanda – Which Airport?

Luanda is transitioning to a new international airport — the Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN), located about 40 km from the city centre. This is the airport Angola is preparing for most international traffic in the near future.

📍 Important Note:
Until October 2025, some international flights may still land at the older 4 de Fevereiro Airport, located closer to downtown Luanda. Make sure to check your ticket and airline details before travelling.

No matter which airport you arrive at, this guide will help you prepare — from documents and SIM cards to transport and local tips.

📱📶Turn On Your Phone and Activate Internet

If you have roaming or a global eSIM, now’s the time to turn it on.
You’ll need it to:

  • Call a ride

  • Check directions

  • Contact your hotel or Airbnb

💱 Get Local Currency – Angolan Kwanza (AOA)

You’ll need some kwanzas to pay for taxis, snacks, or SIM cards.

You can:

  • Use ATMs inside the airport (note that international bank fees may apply)

  • Visit a currency exchange booth (rates might not be great)

  • 💡 Tip: If possible, wait and exchange money in the city, where rates are often better

📶 Buy a Local SIM Card (Optional but Helpful)

There may be kiosks from these providers in the arrivals area:

  • Unitel

  • Movicel

  • Africell

If not:

  • Don’t worry — you’ll find SIM cards easily in malls

  • Prices are usually better and the process is smoother

🚘 Leaving the Airport – Transport Options

All transport information below refers specifically to the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, located about 40 km from Luanda’s city centre.

To find out the best ways to reach the city — including train schedules, public buses, ride-hailing apps, and updated prices — just click the button below:

👇
🟢 Transport to and from Luanda’s New Airport

We’ve gathered everything you need to plan your arrival smoothly and stress-free.

How to Get To and From the New Airport

💼 Need Local Assistance Upon Arrival?

If you require support after arriving in Luanda — whether it’s with airport transport, accommodation, local SIM cards, or general travel guidance — you can contact a trusted local travel agent.

Contact: 00244 943 130 500
(WhatsApp available)

This agency is based in Luanda and offers professional assistance to international visitors.

📌 Please note: These are paid services and may involve additional costs depending on your request.

🎁 Bonus Tip:

Angola is a welcoming country with a rich culture and beautiful places to explore — but like anywhere, preparation is key.
If you follow the tips above, your arrival will be smoother and you’ll enjoy your stay with peace of mind.

🎥 If you’re preparing your trip to Angola, this video will give you a clear picture of what to expect when arriving — especially if you land at the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport.
I go over the basics you really need to know: how to check which airport you’re flying to, how far it is from the city centre, and what your transport options are upon arrival.