Middle East and North Africa

Terrorism

The high threat from terrorism in Algeria remains. You should exercise extreme caution at all times as terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers such as restaurants, hotels and shopping centres.

We advise against all but essential travel to the wilayas (administrative districts) of Boumerdès, Bouira, Tizi Ouzou, (east of Algiers) and caution when visiting the wilayas of Bejaia to the east of Algiers, and Blida, Medéa, Chlef and Ain Defla (south and west of Algiers). Journeys within Algeria should be made by air where possible.

If you intend to visit Algeria you should check this advice regularly for the latest security advice. You should 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.

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 (AQIM), a name adopted by Algerian terrorist group the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) in January 2007.

On 22 October 2009, seven Algerian security guards were killed and two were injured in a gun attack 20 kms south-east of Tizi Ouzou, between Maatkas and Souk El Tenine. The security guards were en route to work, where they were responsible for protecting the building site of a Canadian company.

On 29 July 2009, 14 Algerian soldiers were killed and several others were seriously wounded in an ambush in Damous, in the wilaya of Tipaza. A roadside bomb was detonated and then the soldiers were fired upon. Damous is situated 150km west of Algiers and 75km off the city of Tipaza.

On 22 June 2009, five communal guards were killed and two others kidnapped in an ambush by terrorists during a shift changeover in Chechar in the wilaya of Khenchela in eastern Algeria.

On 17 June 2009, 19 gendarmes were killed in a terrorist attach against the officers who were guarding a group of Chinese workers on a construction project. The attack occurred in the wilaya of Bordj Bou Arreridj, 148 kms east of Algiers.

On 2 June 2009, 8 police officers and 2 civilians were killed and 2 others were injured in a terrorist attack against a police convoy carrying exam papers in Touint Tessemat, in the Wilaya of Boumerdes, some 30kms south-east of the town of Boumerdés.

The other most significant recent incidents have been:

Foreign workers and their means of transport have also been targets for attacks. In the last two years there have been at least three roadside bomb attacks on vehicles carrying foreign workers, which have resulted in six deaths and several injuries. For unavoidable travel and regular journeys we recommend changing the timings and routes where possible.

The Sahara Desert and mountainous regions in the south of Algeria have seen occasional outbreaks of terrorist violence. You should exercise caution when travelling in the area close to the borders with Tunisia and Libya. 

There is a high threat of kidnapping in Algeria and surrounding countries by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. A British national who was kidnapped with a group of travellers in the Mali/Niger border region in January has recently been executed. Travel in Algeria can be difficult and you should take all necessary steps to protect your safety. You should have confidence in your individual security arrangements and maintain a high level of vigilance. Extreme caution is advised if considering travelling near the borders with Mauritania, Niger and Mali where kidnapping is becoming an increasing threat. The kidnapping of two Austrian tourists in southern Tunisia in March 2008, two Canadian diplomats in Niger in late 2008 underline the potential risk to travellers in the region.

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 risk of further hostage taking.

If travelling in the southern border areas, we advise you travel with a reputable tour company or approved local guide at all times and travel in convoys of at least 2-3 vehicles.

For more general information see our terrorism abroad page.

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. You should 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, you should  employ the services of a recommended local guide and ensure local police have been informed of your plans.

Crime

While most visits to Algeria are trouble-free, in certain areas of larger cities there are incidents of robbery and thefts of and from motor vehicles. There have been reports of car-jackings and robberies and thefts by criminals posing as police officers outside the main cities. You should avoid areas that you do not know, especially after dark. Do not carry large amounts of money or valuables around with you.

For more general advice see our victims of crime abroad page.

Political Situation

Algeria Country Profile

You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid political gatherings and demonstrations and take local dvice about places best to avoid.

Local Travel

If you are travelling to Algeria you should 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.

You should, 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.

Road Travel

If you want to drive a car you will need to obtain a local permit. You should not use public transport other than taxis recommended by your hotel. Overland travel outside major cities should be avoided at night, as buses and other vehicles have been attacked, sometimes at illegal vehicle checkpoints.

For more general information see our driving abroad page.

Air travel

It is good practice to re-confirm flights to, from or within Algeria.

For more general information see airline security.