Travel alerts & warnings
Angola driving guide.
Driving in Angola offers access to dramatic waterfalls, escarpments and Atlantic scenery, but road conditions vary sharply beyond major routes. Luanda has heavy congestion, while rural journeys require daylight driving, extra fuel planning and generous time allowances.
- Advisory
- Increased caution
- Drives on
- Right
- Best season
- May to September
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased cautionin Angola due to crime, health, unrest, and landmines. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
- Crime
- Petty crime, assaults, and armed robberies are common. Other crimes, like burglary, occur, but with less frequency.
- Health
- Medical services in Angola are limited. Adequate trauma and ambulance services are not widely available. Even a minor health issue may require medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense.
- Unrest
- Demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur with little notice. They may disrupt transportation and other essential services.
Driving there
Your permit in Angola
- Angola honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Not party to the 1949 convention; the International Driving Permit is honored.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Angola
Road rules and safe routes
Wear seat belts and avoid using a handheld phone while driving. Stay on established roads: landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a risk in some former conflict areas, making unverified shortcuts and off-road detours unsafe.
Tolls and cash
Tolls may apply on particular roads or bridge crossings. Carry small-denomination Angolan kwanza, do not assume cards will work, and ask your rental company about collection points on your planned route.
Fuel outside cities
Fill up before leaving Luanda, Benguela, Lubango or Malanje, and refuel well before the tank runs low. Rural stations can be widely spaced or temporarily short of fuel; carry cash and confirm whether your rental requires petrol or diesel.
Speed limits and road hazards
Urban limits are commonly 60 km/h, but lower posted limits take precedence. Confirm interurban limits locally and follow signs; potholes, unmarked speed humps, pedestrians and livestock often require substantially slower driving.
Rentals and police checks
Reserve ahead and confirm that the rental agreement and insurance cover your intended provinces and road types; a high-clearance vehicle is useful beyond paved routes. Carry your original driving licence, IDP, passport and entry documentation, plus rental, registration and insurance papers; at police checkpoints, remain courteous and request official paperwork for any alleged offence.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Angola
Miradouro da Lua
Atlantic coast south of Luanda · About 1–1.5 hours south of Luanda, depending on traffic.
A roadside viewpoint over striking, erosion-carved cliffs; especially photogenic in late-afternoon light, provided you allow time to return before dark.
Quiçama National Park
South of the Kwanza River · About 2–3 hours from Luanda to the main visitor access area; internal transfers take longer.
Savanna scenery and wildlife excursions within reach of the capital; arrange access and a guided outing ahead rather than assuming unrestricted self-drive access.
Kalandula Falls
Malanje area · About 1.5–2 hours from Malanje, depending on the approach road.
One of Africa's most impressive broad waterfalls, with viewpoints overlooking a powerful horseshoe-shaped cascade.
Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo
Malanje area · About 1.5–2 hours from Malanje.
Huge dark rock formations rising above the surrounding countryside, with viewpoints and historical associations with the Kingdom of Ndongo.
Tundavala Gap
Huíla, near Lubango · About 45–60 minutes from Lubango.
A dramatic escarpment viewpoint above the plains; approach cliff edges cautiously because protection is limited.
Serra da Leba Pass
Road between Lubango and Moçâmedes · About 45–75 minutes from Lubango to the upper pass and viewpoints.
Angola's celebrated hairpin mountain road, best appreciated from designated viewpoints rather than by stopping on bends.
Heading to Angola?
Apply online in about ten minutes. We print and mail your permit, and you can track it the whole way.