Angola bears the scars of its lengthy civil war, but now that it's over, the striking African nation is once again becoming a possible destination for intrepid travelers. Those hoping to book travel on Air 26 should know that this airline offers flights within Angola.
Book your trip through a creditable travel agent with a history of planning trips in the region and knowledge of safety issues.
Familiarize yourself with Angolan airports. The main airport in Luanda, the country's capital, is the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport, which offers amenities including a post office, restaurants and bars.
If you plan to arrive in Angola via the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport, you'll have to make arrangements to be picked up by a car service. Taxis are not available from this location.
Purchase a book with common Portuguese phrases to take with you on your trip. Most Angolans speak only Portuguese, so if you wish to communicate, you'll need to have access to a few basic phrases.
Avoid catastrophe by logging in to the U.S. State Department's Web site (see below) prior to your visit to take a look at the latest travel warnings regarding Angola. The site offers useful advice on what to do to make sure your visit to Angola is as safe as possible.
Apply for your visa via your country's Angolan embassy at least two weeks in advance of your vacation. Visas can take up to two weeks to be processed, since they are sent back to Angola for review.
Make sure that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever and that your vaccination is current. Pack your vaccination card to take with you on your trip. You will have to present it upon arrival in Angola.
Know that all your transactions will likely be in cash, and prepare accordingly. Most Angolan establishments do not accept credit cards, although they do accept U.S. currency.
Keep a close eye on your baggage while at the airport. Criminals have been known to place items into the bags of unsuspecting travelers.
Shop for Angola's lovely craft items, and never accept the first price presented to you. It's expected that shoppers will bargain for the best price.
