Middle East and North Africa

Local laws reflect the fact that Algeria is a Muslim country. You should 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. For more general information 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 you should take it with you if you are making a longer journey or travelling by air.  You should 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.

 

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

For more general information for different types of travellers see our your trip page.