Algeria | |
| Still current at: 28 February 2013 Updated: 05 February 2013 |
| No restrictions in this travel advice | Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country | Avoid all but essential travel to whole country | Avoid all travel to part(s) of country | Avoid all travel to whole country |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Travel Summary (threat of retaliatory attacks following French-led intervention in Mali). The overall level of the advice has not changed; we advise against all but essential travel to specific areas of Algeria.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
- We advise against all but essential travel to areas within 450km of the Mali and Niger borders and within 100km of the Mauritania border. This is due to the increasing threat from terrorism in southern Algeria.
- We advise against all but essential travel to areas within 100km of the Libya and Tunisia borders, south of Tebessa. However you should also exercise extreme caution close to this area.
- We advise against all but essential travel to the following administrative districts (wilayas) east of Algiers: Boumerdès, Bouira and Tizi Ouzou. This is due to the high threat from terrorism.
- We advise extreme caution in all travel to the wilayas of Adrar, Tamanrasset and Illizi, south of the towns of Arak and Illizi.
- We advise caution in all travel to the following wilayas east of Algiers: Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bejaia and Skikda.
- There is a high threat from terrorism in Algeria. This is increased due to a threat of retaliatory attacks following the French intervention in Mali. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers such as restaurants, hotels and shopping centres. We advise a high state of vigilance, especially in areas outside the capital Algeirs .
- 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. We advise vigilance.
- 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. You should avoid areas that you do not know, especially after dark. You should also avoid public gatherings and disturbances. See Travelling in Algiers.
- There have been frequent but generally peaceful demonstrations in various locations across the country over the past year. However, some did involve clashes between police and demonstrators. Demonstrations are likely to continue. See Political situation.
- We advise against travel by road at night outside the major cities. See Crime and Local Travel.
- You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
There is a high threat from terrorism in Algeria. See Terrorism. You should exercise extreme caution at all times. Although major cities are heavily policed, terrorist attacks could still potentially take place and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers such as restaurants, hotels and shopping centres. While the vast majority of recent attacks have targeted Algerian government and security forces, the attack on 16 January (see below) was clearly targeting international interests.
On 27 January, a terrorist attack on a gas pipeline took place in the Bouira region approximately 80 miles southeast of the capital Algiers. This area is subject to frequent and indiscriminate attacks and we advise against all but essential travel to this region.
On 16 January, a serious terrorist attack took place near the town of In Amenas at a gas installation near the Algerian border with Libya, involving Algerian and foreign nationals. Tragically, a number of British nationals were killed. The British Embassy in Algiers was in direct contact with the Algerian authorities throughout the period of the attack.
On 29 June 2012, a military base in Ouargla was attacked by a car bomb. One person was killed and several injured. Following this incident, media reports indicate that the Algerian authorities have increased security in the region.
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.
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 Sahelpage 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 16 January 2013, a terrorist attack on the BP/StatOil gas installation at In Amenas. A number of British nationals were killed.
- On 29 June 2012, a military base in Ouargla was attacked by a car bomb. One person was killed and several injured.
- On 3 March 2012, a military base in Tamanrasset was attacked by a car bomb. 23 people were injured in the attack. The terrorist group the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa has claimed responsibility for the attack.
- 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. They were released on 18 July 2012.
- 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. She was released on 17 April 2012.
Political situation
Since January 2011 there have been frequent 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. Always observe instructions given by the local security authorities.Crime
While most visits to Algeria are trouble-free, in certain areas of larger cities there are incidents of robbery and thefts. Avoid areas that you do not know, especially after dark. Do not carry large amounts of money or valuables around with you.
Local travel
We advise against all but essential travel to areas within 450 km of the borders with Mali and Niger, within 100km of the border with Mauritania, and within 100 km of the Libya and Tunisia borders, south of Tebessa. This is due to an increasing threat from terrorism.
We advise against all but essential travel to the following administrative districts (wilayas) east of Algiers: Boumerdès, Bouira and Tizi Ouzou. This is due to a high threat of terrorist activity, particularly against the security forces in these districts.
We advise extreme caution in all travel to the wilayas of Adrar, Tamanrasset and Illizi, south of the towns of Arak and Illizi, due to the threat from terrorism.
We advise caution in all travel to the following wilayas east of Algiers: Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bejaia and Skikda, due to the threat from terrorism.
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.
Tourists should confirm their travel arrangements before arrival in Algeria, using a reputable guide with good local knowledge.
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.
Road travel
For short stays in Algeria, it is possible to drive using a UK licence. 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. You should also arrange with the driver to be collected for your return journey as taxis are not widely available, particularly after dark. Overland travel outside major cities should be avoided at night. Algeria has a high road traffic accident rate, with the authorities reporting that more than 4100 people were killed and more than 10,000 injured in road traffic accidents in 2011. It is advisable to travel in a convoy of at least two to three vehicles when travelling outside the main urban centres.
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. Not all restaurants serve alcohol and alcohol is not served anywhere during Ramadan. To avoid unwelcome attention women should carefully consider their dress when outside the main urban centres. 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. You will need your passport if travelling internally 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.
Do not attempt to take photos of any government building or security installation. This includes police and police checkpoints.
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.
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.
Yellow fever
Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.UK Emergency Travel Document (ETD)
UK ETDs are accepted for airside transit and exit from Algeria. A valid entry visa would be required for entry to Algeria on an ETD.
Currency declaration
Algeria has strict foreign exchange laws and the Dinar cannot be exported. See the Money section of this Travel Advice.
Travel with childrenBritish 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", giving his authority for the children to leave the country. There have been increasing cases whereby children are not allowed to leave the country with the (non Algerian) mother and embassies have very little scope to intervene. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Algerian Consulate in London.
Contact your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.
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. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial (0)21711414 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Parts of Algeria are susceptible to severe flood damage. Northern Algeria is also within an earthquake zone. You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake In May 2003, a severe earthquake struck the Algiers area. There were over 2,200 dead and more than 10,000 injured.
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 takes between six and twelve weeks. Dual nationals entering Algeria on their Algeria passport must ensure that their British passports are valid for return travel to the UK. We are unable to issue visas in the Algerian passports of dual nations.
Registration
If you are resident in Algeria make your whereabouts known to the British Embassy in Algeria, or by registering online with ourLOCATE service. This tells us where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. British nationals can contact the Embassy via email: britishembassyalgiers@fco.gov.uk
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.
