Middle East and North Africa
Algeria
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Still current at: 29 August 2008
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Updated: 20 August 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the health section, following a confirmed outbreak of Typhoid in Djelfa. The overall level of this has advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
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Travel Summary
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We advise against all but essential travel to Algiers and to the administrative district (wilayas) of Boumerdès, Bouira, Tizi Ouzou and Bejaia, which are east of Algiers and Blida, Medéa, Tipasa, Chlef and Ain Defla, which are south and west of Algiers. You should make journeys within Algeria by air where possible.
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The high threat from terrorism in Algeria remains. Since the beginning of 2007 there have been a number of bomb attacks in Algeria. The most recent attacks occurred in Bouira on 20 August 2008. Two bombs were detonated. One hit a bus outside a hotel and the other close to the town's military headquarters. Reports indicate that there have been 11 fatalities and at least 30 others injured. On 19 August, a bomb attack targeted a police training school in Boumerdès resulted in 43 fatalities and 38 people injured. Foreigners have been targeted by terrorists. 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. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
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If you intend to travel to Algeria in the immediate future you should review thoroughly information on the local situation, take full precautions for your personal security arrangements throughout your visit, and follow local advice.
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We recommend that you vary unavoidable travel, changing the timings and routes of regular journeys where possible. You should continue to check this advice regularly for updates and see the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
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If you decide to travel over land outside the major cities you should avoid doing so at night. Sustained small-scale attacks, including bombings, illegal roadblocks, kidnapping and murder, occur in many rural parts of the country. See the Crime and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.
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The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Algeria in 2007 relate to family disputes over child custody or abduction.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
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 Algiers and the wilayas (administrative districts) of Boumerdès, Bouira, Tizi Ouzou and Bejaia (east of Algiers) and Blida, Medéa, Tipasa, 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.
If you intend to travel to Algeria in the immediate future you should review thoroughly information on the local situation, take full precautions for your personal security arrangements throughout your visit, and follow local advice.
If you are in Algeria, you should exercise extreme caution at all times.
Since the beginning of 2007 there have been a number of bomb attacks in Algeria. The most recent attack occurred in Bouira, on 20 August 2008. Two bombs were detonated. One hit a bus outside a hotel and the other close to the town's military headquarters. Reports indicate that there have been 11 fatalities and at least 30 others injured. On 19 August in Issers, Boumerdès a bomb targeted a police training school, resulting in a reported 43 fatalities and 38 people injured.
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 Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M), a name adopted by Algerian terrorist group the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) in January 2007)
The other most significant recent incidents have been:
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 Algiers and the wilayas (administrative districts) of Boumerdès, Bouira, Tizi Ouzou and Bejaia (east of Algiers) and Blida, Medéa, Tipasa, 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.
If you intend to travel to Algeria in the immediate future you should review thoroughly information on the local situation, take full precautions for your personal security arrangements throughout your visit, and follow local advice.
If you are in Algeria, you should exercise extreme caution at all times.
Since the beginning of 2007 there have been a number of bomb attacks in Algeria. The most recent attack occurred in Bouira, on 20 August 2008. Two bombs were detonated. One hit a bus outside a hotel and the other close to the town's military headquarters. Reports indicate that there have been 11 fatalities and at least 30 others injured. On 19 August in Issers, Boumerdès a bomb targeted a police training school, resulting in a reported 43 fatalities and 38 people injured.
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 Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M), a name adopted by Algerian terrorist group the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) in January 2007)
The other most significant recent incidents have been:
- On 9 August 2008, a bomb attack in the port of Zemmouri in the Boumerdès province targeted a police station, reportedly killing 8 people and injuring at least 19.
- On 3 August 2008, a bomb attack in Tizi Ouzou targeted a police station, reportedly injuring at least 25 people.
- On 04 June 2008, there wre two explosions in Bordj el Kiffan. The attack targeted a Republican Guard barracks. The suicide bomber along with at least one soldier died, and several people were injured.
- On 21 September 2007, a bomb attack in Bouira injured at least nine people, including two French nationals and one Italian national.
- On 8 September 2007, a car bomb targeted the naval barracks in Dellys, 70km east of Algiers, killing at least 28 people and injuring over 60.
- On 6 September 2007, a bomb attack occurred amongst a crowd gathered outside a mosque in the wilaya of Batna, killing 20 people and injuring around 100.
Foreign workers and their means of transport have also been targets for attacks. In the last year there have been at least three roadside bomb attacks on vehicles carrying foreign workers, which have resulted in six deaths and several injuries.
The Sahara Desert and mountainous regions in the south of the country have not normally been subject to terrorist violence, but the abduction of a group of unaccompanied foreign tourists there in early 2003 underlined the potential risk to travellers in the region. We therefore advise caution when travelling to the south eastern wilayas of Tamanrasset and Illizi and recommend that you travel with a reputable tour company or an approved local guide.
There is a risk of kidnap from terrorists operating in Algeria and throughout North Africa. 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.
You should also exercise caution when travelling in the area close to the borders with Tunisia, Mauritania and Mali. Incidents have shown that there is an increased risk of terrorist attacks, banditry and kidnapping in these areas. We are aware of press reporting on 10 March 2008, announcing that two Austrian tourists had been kidnapped in the south of Tunisia, close to the border with Algeria.
We recommend varying unavoidable travel, changing the timings and routes of regular journeys where possible.
Crime
Most visits to Algeria are trouble-free. In certain areas of larger cities there are incidents of robbery (muggings), bag snatching, pick-pocketing 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.
You should employ the services of a recommended local guide if you plan to tour the Casbah area of Algiers, and ensure local police have been informed of your plans. For more general advice see: Victims of Crime Abroad
Political Situation
Algeria Country Profile
You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.
LOCAL TRAVEL
If you are travelling to Algeria you should seek the advice of your hosts about appropriate security measures. You should arrange to be met on arrival in Algiers and should stay at one of the main hotels that take proper security precautions.
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.
Air Travel
It is good practice to re-confirm flights to, from or within Algeria.
Local laws and customs
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.
The weekend is Thursday and Friday. There are no restrictions on alcohol in restaurants, or in urban areas generally. In rural areas, women would be expected to dress conservatively.
Possession, use and trafficking of controlled drugs are all serious criminal offences in Algeria, which 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. 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.
Entry requirements
Visas
British nationals intending to visit Algeria must ensure they obtain a visa before travelling.
Passport validity
The Embassy will not accept a passport with less than three months validity remaining.
Currency declaration
Algeria has strict foreign exchange laws and the Dinar cannot be exported. (see General (Money) section below).
Travelling with children
British women who are the wives or partners of Algerian citizens should be aware that any children they have together will be regarded as Algerian citizens if the father's name is on the birth certificate. If 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". For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Algerian Embassy in London.
Health
Since August 2008 there have been confirmed reports of an outbreak of Typhoid fever in the Djelfa region. Travellers should practice strict food and water hygiene. Young children, long-term travellers and those visiting friends and relatives, travelling to this area may wish to consider vaccination before travelling to this region of Algeria.
Facilities at private clinics are usually more comprehensive than at government hospitals.
Facilities at private clinics are usually more comprehensive than at government hospitals.
In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 19,000 adults aged 15 or over in Algeria were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on the vaccination requirements for Algeria.
For further information on endemic diseases, like malaria, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements for Algeria you should see the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel
NATURAL DISASTERS
Parts of Algiers and the surrounding region 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.
NATURAL DISASTERS
Parts of Algiers and the surrounding region 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
We strongly recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance (including medical evacuation) is obtained before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
We strongly recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance (including medical evacuation) is obtained before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Replacing a passport in Algeria
The British Embassy in Algiers does not issue passports. Before setting off, you should 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.
Registration
If you are resident in Algeria you should make your whereabouts known to the British Embassy at the address below, or by rgistering online with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you live abroad so our consulare and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More informaton about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Registration
If you are resident in Algeria you should make your whereabouts known to the British Embassy at the address below, or by rgistering online with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you live abroad so our consulare and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More informaton about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Money
You should not expect to be able to use ATM cards in Algeria Use of Credit Cards is still confined 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. You should not attempt to change money on the streets. Algeria has strict foreign exchange laws and the Dinar cannot be exported.
Travel advice for this country
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contacts
Algeria, Algiers, British Embassy
Address:
Ambassade Britannique,
12 Rue Slimane Amirat (Ex Lucien Reynaud),
Hydra,
Telephone:
Fax:
(213) 21 23 00 67
Office hours:
Sun-Thur: 0700-1430 GMT
Sun-Thur: 0800-1530 Local Time