This Travel Warning is being issued to provide updated information on the security situation in Angola. This Travel Warning supersedes the one issued on March 24, 2003.

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the considerable risk of travel within the Republic of Angola. The November 21, 2002, signing of a peace agreement marked the definitive end of 27 years of civil conflict. However, fighting in most of the country damaged or destroyed much of the physical infrastructure including roads, bridges, hospitals and schools. Travel by road is difficult and can be dangerous due to the extensive presence of land mines in many areas. Services outside of major urban areas are virtually non-existent, and secondary roads may be impassable during the rainy season. Domestic air service is limited. Unreliable communications and the difficulty of travel within the country restrict the Embassy's ability to provide consular assistance outside of the capital, Luanda.

Street crime is a regular occurrence in the capital. The most common crimes are pick pocketing, purse snatching, vehicle theft, and vehicle break-ins. Armed criminals also commit muggings, robberies, and car-jackings. Police and military are sometimes undisciplined and their authority should not be challenged. Occasional acts of banditry have been reported on roads in the interior. Any ground travel in rural areas should be undertaken during daylight hours only. In Luanda and other cities, visitors are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel after dark.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with and obtain updated information on travel and security from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Luanda located at the Casa Inglesa Complex, Rua Major Kanhangula No. 132/135, tel. 244-2-371-645 or 396-727; fax 244-2-390-515. The Embassy is located on Rua Houari Boumedienne in the Miramar area of Luanda, P.O. Box 6468, tel. 244-2-447-028/(445-481)/(446-224); (24-hour duty officer 244-92-404-209); fax 244-2-446-924. The Consulate may be contacted by e-mail at luandaconsular@yahoo.com or consularluanda@state.gov.

Further information on travel to Angola is also located on the Embassy website at http://angola.usembassy.gov. For further information about conditions in Angola, please consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet on Angola and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.