Embassy of the United States Luanda, Angola

In the event of an arrest or a detention by Angolan authorities, you should request to speak with the Consular Officer. (In Portuguese you would say: "Eu quero falar urgentemente com o Cônsul da Embaixada dos Estados Unidos da América.")

Under international law the Consular Officer has the authority to visit prisoners to determine their condition and to assist them in obtaining legal and medical attention. The Consular Officer has the right and duty to use best efforts to protect the legal and human rights of all United States citizens, without interfering in the legal system of the host country. The Consular Officer does not have the authority to participate in the legal process by which the prisoner's case is handled or to request that host country laws not be observed. The Consular Officer will be in regular contact with any detained U.S. citizen.

Click here for a list of English-speaking attorneys practicing law in Luanda (PDF 80.4K).  The American Embassy cannot recommend anyone from the list.  For a more complete listing of Luanda attorneys, please consult the Luanda telephone directory.