Middle East and North Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• We advise against all but essential travel to the areas bordering Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Libya and Tunisia, as well as to the administrative districts (wilayas) of Boumerdès, Bouira, Skikda, Tizi Ouzou and Bejaia, east of Algiers.
  

• Travellers should also exercise caution in the wilayas of, Blida and Medéa south of Algiers, Chlef to the west, Ain Defla and Bourj Bou Arreridj to the south east of Algiers and Tamanrasset and Djanet in southern Algeria. Journeys within Algeria should be made by air where possible.
  

• There is a high threat from terrorism in Algeria. You should exercise extreme caution at all times. Whilst major cities have seen an increase in the level of policing, terrorist attacks could still potentially take place in any areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers such as restaurants, hotels and shopping centres. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
  
  
• Terrorists have been involved in kidnaps in Algeria and the wider Sahel region. We believe further kidnap attacks are likely. See our Sahel page for further information and advice about the regional threat from terrorism.
  
  
• In September 2011, the media reported a threat made by terrorists allegedly linked to Al Qaeeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M) against airlines used by energy companies to transport their staff, potentially including British nationals, in Algeria. Foreign workers have previously been targets of attacks in Algeria. Security has been tightened around airports as a result.
  
  
• If visiting Algiers, and other major cities, you should continue to exercise caution at all times. It is generally safe to move around the city centres during the day. You should avoid areas that you do not know, particularly suburbs of the city, and especially after dark. You should also avoid public gatherings and disturbances.  See Safety and Security - Travelling in Algiers.
  
  

• There have been a number of generally peaceful demonstrations in various locations across the country. However, some did involve clashes between police and demonstrators. Demonstrations are likely to continue. See Safety and Security - Political Situation.
  

• We advise against travel by road at night outside the major cities. See Safety and Security - Crime and Safety and Security - Local Travel.
  

• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.

Safety and Security - Terrorism
There is a high threat from terrorism in Algeria. You should exercise extreme caution at all times. Whilst major cities have seen an increase in the level of policing, terrorist attacks could still potentially take place in any areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers such as restaurants, hotels and shopping centres.

In September 2011, the media reported a threat made by terrorists allegedly linked to Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M) against airlines used by energy companies to transport their staff, potentially including British nationals, in Algeria.

Foreign workers have previously been targets of attacks in Algeria. Security has been tightened around airports as a result.

There is a high threat of kidnap in the areas to which we advise against all but essential travel. Terrorists have been involved in kidnaps in Algeria and the wider Sahel region, and we believe that further kidnaps attacks are likely.

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M) operates directly or through criminal gangs who carry out kidnappings on their behalf or pass on their kidnap victims for monetary gain. Attacks have occurred across a wide area of the Sahel region, including Algeria. Since 2008, AQ-M has taken over 25 hostages of a variety of nationalities, primarily European. A number of these hostages are still being held, including a group of French nationals kidnapped in September 2010. A British citizen was amongst a group of tourists who were kidnapped in Mali in January 2009. He was killed some months later. See our Sahel page for further information on the regional threat.

You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risks of further hostage taking.

Recent attacks in Algeria include:
 

• On 23 October 2011, two Spanish nationals and one Italian national were kidnapped from a refugee camp near the town of Tindouf in the province of Tindouf in the west of Algeria, near the borders of Morocco, Western Sahara and Mauritania.
• On 26 August 2011, two suicide bombers attacked the Algerian Military Academy in Cherchell. Reports indicate that at least 18 people were killed and over 20 injured. The Algerian authorities are reported to have increased security in and around Cherchell and at checkpoints leading into Algiers.
• On 4 February 2011, an Italian national was kidnapped along with her Algerian driver and guide near the south-eastern city of Djanet close to the border with Libya. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M) claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.

Since the beginning of 2007 there have been a number of bomb attacks in Algeria. There were two bombs in central Algiers on the morning of 11 December 2007. These occurred near the Supreme Court building in El Biar and at the offices of the UN agencies in Hydra.  Over 30 people were killed, and many more injured. The attacks were claimed by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQM).

Foreign workers in Algeria have previously been targets for kidnap or attacks in specific parts of Algeria, with Al Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) believed to have also made threats against foreign workers in the Skikda Walaya in the east of Algeria. We therefore advise against all but essential travel to areas bordering Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Libya and Tunisia, as well as to the administrative districts (wilayas) of Boumerdès, Bouira, Skikda, Tizi Ouzou, Bejaia, east of Algiers.

Travellers should also exercise caution in the wilayas of, Blida and Medea south of Algiers, Chlef to the west, Ain Defla and Bourj Bou Arreridj to the south east of Algiers and Tamanrasset and Djanet in southern Algeria. Where travel is unavoidable, we strongly recommend changing timings and routes where possible to avoid predictability.

Check this advice regularly for the latest security advice; review thoroughly information on the local situation; take all necessary precautions in terms of your personal security arrangements throughout your visit, and follow local advice. You should exercise caution at all times.

See our terrorism abroad page.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Algeria Country Profile

Since January 2011 there have been sporadic demonstrations and protests in a number of locations across the country, including Algiers. In general, demonstrations have been peaceful but some have involved clashes between police and demonstrators. Protests are likely to continue and there is a risk of incidental violence if you are caught up in a demonstration that does not pass peacefully. You should take precautions for your personal safety, avoid political gatherings and demonstrations and take local advice about places best to avoid. Always observe instructions given by the local security authorities.

Safety and Security - Travelling in Algiers
In Algiers itself it is generally safe to move around the centre of the city during the day, but best if accompanied by someone who knows the city well. Avoid areas that you do not know, particularly in the suburbs of the city, and especially after dark. Do not carry large amounts of money or valuables around with you. If you plan to tour the casbah area of Algiers, employ the services of a recommended local guide and ensure local police and your hosts/hotel have been informed of your plans.

Safety and Security - Crime
While most visits to Algeria are trouble-free, in certain areas of larger cities there are incidents of robbery and thefts - particularly from outside cafe areas where it is easy to pass by at speed. There have been reports of car-jackings and robberies and thefts by criminals posing as police officers outside the main cities. Avoid areas that you do not know, especially after dark. Do not carry large amounts of money or valuables around with you.

See our victims of crime abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel
We advise against all but essential travel to any areas bordering Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Libya and Tunisia, as well as to the administrative districts (wilayas) of Boumerdès, Bouira, Tizi Ouzou and Bejaia, east of Algiers. Travellers should also exercise caution in the wilayas of Blida, Medéa, Chlef Ain Defla, Tamanrasset, Djanet and Bourdj Bou Arreridj. Journeys within Algeria should be made by air where possible, whilst noting media reports of alleged threats to some charter flights. – See Travel Summary.

Seek the advice of your hosts about appropriate security measures. You should arrange, if possible, to be met on arrival in Algiers and, if travelling alone, should stay at one of the main hotels where proper security precautions are taken.

Where possible, make journeys by air and stay in pre arranged accommodation at your destination. Business visitors without established contacts should seek advice in the first instance from the British Embassy, Algiers or the Algeria desk in UK Trade and Investment.

Avoid all travel outside the towns of Tamanrasset, Djanet and Bourdj Bou Arreridj without a local guide. Tourists in the area should confirm their travel arrangements before arrival in Algeria, using a reputable guide with good local knowledge. 

Safety and Security - Road Travel
If you want to drive a car you will need to obtain a local permit. Taxis can be safe to use but get the hotel to ensure a reliable taxi is used to avoid it picking up other unknown passengers on route. Overland travel outside major cities should be avoided at night, as buses and other vehicles have been attacked, sometimes at illegal vehicle checkpoints. It is advisable to travel in a convoy of at least two to three vehicles. Sustained small-scale attacks, including bombings, illegal roadblocks and kidnapping occur in many rural parts of the country.

See our driving abroad page.

Safety and Security - Air travel
It is good practice to re-confirm flights to, from or within Algeria.

See airline security.

Local laws reflect the fact that Algeria is a Muslim country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. See our travelling during Ramadan page.

The weekend is Friday and Saturday. There are some restrictions on serving alcohol in restaurants in urban areas. To avoid unwelcome attention women should dress conservatively. Possession, use and trafficking of controlled drugs are all serious criminal offences in Algeria and carry custodial sentences.

You are not required to carry your passport at all times. But take it with you if you are making a longer journey or travelling by air. Keep a photocopy of it somewhere safe.

Homosexuality is illegal in Algeria. Sexual acts between persons of the same sex are punishable by imprisonment. Where one of the participants is a minor, penalties for the other party are increased.

Do not attempt to take photos of police or military personnel or establishments.

See our your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visa
British nationals intending to visit Algeria must ensure they obtain a visa before travelling from the Algerian Consulate in London. This service can take up to three or four weeks so you should plan ahead. You cannot acquire an entry visa on arrival.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Algeria. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Algeria.

Entry Requirements - Currency declaration

Algeria has strict foreign exchange laws and the Dinar cannot be exported. See the Money section of this Travel Advice.

Exit Requirements - Travel with children
British women who are the wives or partners of Algerian citizens must be aware that any children they have together will automatically be regarded as Algerian citizens if the father's name is on the birth certificate. If any such children are brought to Algeria and are under 18, they will only be able to leave again if the father signs an "Autorisation Paternelle". There have been increasing cases whereby children are not allowed to leave the country with the (non Algerian) mother and embassies are unable to intervene. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Algerian Consulate in London.

With effect from 8 August 2011, there are reports of an outbreak of typhoid fever in Annaba, eastern Algeria. Travellers should exercise caution when travelling in the area and practise strict food and water hygiene. Regions previously affected by typhoid include Djelfa in 2008. See NaTHNaC’s Travel Health Information Sheet for further information and advice.

Cases of swine flu were reported late 2010 in Ain Delfa but cases were also reported in Annaba and Algiers. The Algerian authorities have informed us that anyone suspected of having swine flu will be quarantined and transported to one of the 109 designated hospitals in the country. Once at the hospital further tests will be carried out, samples will be tested in Algiers, and treatment will be carried out as appropriate. A number of schools have also been closed following suspected outbreaks.

Seek medical advice before travelling to Algeria and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Facilities at private clinics are usually more comprehensive than at government hospitals. 

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 17,000 adults aged 15 or over in Algeria were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. Exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS.

For more general health information see our travel health page and the UK Department of Health website. Monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.

Parts of Algeria are susceptible to severe flood damage. Northern Algeria is also within an earthquake zone. In May 2003, a severe earthquake struck the Algiers area. There were over 2,200 dead and more than 10,000 injured.

General - Insurance
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance (including medical evacuation) before travelling. Check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See our travel insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas ensure you are familiar with our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Replacing a passport in Algeria
The British Embassy in Algiers does not issue passports. Before setting off, ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and plenty of unused pages. Applications for new passports are accepted in Algiers for forwarding to the UK for processing, but this may take up to six weeks. If a courier is used, the cost will have to be borne by the applicant.

General - Registration
If you are resident in Algeria make your whereabouts known to the British Embassy in Algeria, or by registering online with our LOCATE service. This tells us where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Money
The use of ATM machines and credit cards in is still confined mainly to hotels and a limited number of other businesses in the larger cities. Algerian Dinars should be obtained from bureaux de change at the international airports and larger hotels or from banks in the main cities. Do not attempt to change money on the streets. Algeria has strict foreign exchange laws and the Dinar cannot be exported.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics
Thirteen British nationals required consular assistance in Algeria in the period 01 April 2010 – 31 March 2011.