Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvltxt/ANGOLA.TVL

Text File | 1994-12-07 | 6KB | 114 lines

Angola - Travel Warning
July 22, 1994

U.S. citizens are warned against travel to Angola because of continued civil
war.  Travel within Angola is extremely unsafe because of the presence of
armed troops, roadside bandits, unexploded land mines and hostile actions
against aircraft.  U.S. Government personnel in Luanda are prohibited from
travel outside the capital.  Additional information can be found in the
Department of State's Consular Information Sheet on Angola.

No. 94-031

This replaces the Travel Warning dated February 15, 1994, to report hostile
actions against aircraft.

Angola - Consular Information Sheet
August 1, 1994

Warning:  U.S. citizens are warned against travel to Angola because of
continued civil war.  Travel within Angola is extremely unsafe because of
the presence of armed troops, roadside bandits, unexploded land mines and
hostile actions against aircraft.  U.S. government personnel in Luanda are
prohibited from travel outside the capital.

Country Description:  Angola is a developing African country which has
experienced war and civil strife since independence from Portugal in 1975.
On May 19, 1993, the U.S. recognized the Government of the Republic of
Angola, and a U.S. Embassy was established in Luanda on June 22, 1993.
Facilities for tourism are virtually non-existent.

Entry Requirements:  Visas are required.  Persons arriving without visas are
subject to possible arrest or deportation.  For information on entry
requirements, the traveler may contact the Angolan Embassy at 1899 L Street,
N.W., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20036, [phone].

Areas of Instability:  Travel in many parts of the capital city is
considered unsafe at night because of the increased incidence of armed
robberies and carjackings.  The presence of police checkpoints after dark,
often manned by armed, poorly trained personnel, contributes to unsafe
nighttime travel.  Police at checkpoints actively solicit bribes and have
used deadly force against vehicles for not stopping as requested.

In addition, the U.S. Embassy in Luanda on July 19 released the following
statement:

"This message is intended to warn all American citizens that under current
conditions, travel within Angola is unsafe.  Americans who, nevertheless,
undertake such travel should be aware that rapidly changing military
activity may hinder their ability to depart from areas which they enter.  If
you are involved in humanitarian assistance or other work that takes you
into areas of conflict in Angola, the U.S. Embassy would like to call your
attention to the following:

In recent days several aircraft involved in humanitarian assistance
operations have been the targets of hostile actions, including artillery
barrage, small arms fire, and projectiles of, as yet, unconfirmed type and
origin.  So far this year there have been no deaths or injuries of American
citizens from these incidents.

In addition to recent hostile acts directed against aircraft, we must note
that in at least two recent cases, humanitarian assistance workers have been
unable to leave at will from areas where they were working because of war
conditions.  Dangers to humanitarian assistance and other workers also
include direct personal threats and land mines.

In sum, travel inside Angola is now more dangerous than ever, and American
citizens are hereby notified that the United States Embassy strongly advises
against such travel in any capacity.  American citizens are encouraged to
register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Luanda immediately
upon arrival in Angola and to keep this information regularly updated.
Further information on security conditions in Angola is available through
the U.S. Embassy."

Medical Facilities:  Adequate medical facilities are virtually non-existent
throughout Angola, and most medicine is not available.  Travelers are
advised to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  Cerebral and chloroquine-
resistant malaria are endemic.  Information on health matters may be
obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers
hotline, telephone [phone].

Information on Crime:  Violent crime exists throughout the country.  Armed
robbery occurs in Luanda, day and night.  Travel outside Luanda is not safe.
 The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately
to the local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  The
pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan
Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while
traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general.  Both are available
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Shortages:  There are severe shortages of lodging, transportation, food,
water and utilities in Luanda and other cities in the country.  Shortages
result in a lack of sanitary conditions in many areas, including Luanda.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in
illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences
and fines.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy's Consular
Section, which can now extend full consular services, may obtain updated
information on travel and security in Angola.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located on Rua Houari Boumedienne in
the Miramar area of Luanda, P.O. Box 6468, telephone [phone] (24-
hour number); fax [phone].  The Consular Section is located at Casa
Inglesa, First Floor, Rua Major Kanyangunla No. 132/136, Luanda, telephone
(244-2) 39-69-27; fax [phone].

No. 94-145

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 18, 1994, to
inform of the current situation in Angola.