Algeria

Use High Level of Caution

Avoid Travel to the following provinces: Blida, Béjaïa, Tizi Ouzou, Annaba, Tébessa, Tamanghasset, Souk Ahras, Tindouf, Skikda, Médéa, Aïn Defla, Khenchela, Jijel, Laghouat, Illizi, El Tarf, Ouargla, El Bayadh, El Oued, Boumerdès, Bouira, Biskra, Béchar, and Adrar

The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria is located in North Africa on the Mediterranean Sea between Tunisia and Morocco. It is the largest country on the Mediterranean Sea and the second-largest in Africa. Algeria's population is about 35 million people. The government is a republic with a president as both chief of state and head of government.

Since independence in 1962, Algiers has been a political, economic, and cultural hub and is the largest port and the largest city in Algeria. The country is known for its fossil fuels sector and its agricultural fertility. Due to oil and gas revenues, Algeria has paid off its foreign debt.

In recent years, the government has encouraged tourism. UNESCO World Heritage sites include the Casbah, Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad, Tipasa, M'Zab Valley, Djémila and Timgad, and Tassili n'Ajjer.

Currency	DZD: Algerian dinar
Language	Arabic. French and Berber dialects also spoken
Capital	Algiers
Recent Alerts	3
Latest Alert	June 22, 2021 - Libya Closes Border with Algeria

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Algeria. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a high risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Algeria through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a high risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Algeria.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people are at significant risk for typhoid through the consumption of contaminated food and water in Algeria. The risk is greater when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.
Schistosomiasis Schistosomiasis is found in Algeria.
Tuberculosis Travellers to Algeria are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Rabies Rabies occurs in Algeria. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Yellow Fever There is no risk for yellow fever in this country. This country requires all persons over one year of age to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs or if transiting more than 12 hours in an airport located in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Cholera Cholera does occur in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Algeria.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. The vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. The vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Yellow Fever Vaccine There is no risk for yellow fever in this country. This country requires all persons over one year of age to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs or if transiting more than 12 hours in an airport located in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Algeria.

None required.

Safety and Security in Algeria

Emergency Numbers

17 From a land line only

213 (0) 21-235-050 medical assistance

1548

1055 Gendarme (Inter-city/rural police)

021-73-53-50 from a mobile phone

Reliability and response time for emergency services varies. Emergency operators may or may not speak French and normally do not speak English.

Personal Safety

Petty crime and theft are common in Algeria, particularly in downtown Algiers. Avoid showing signs of wealth and keep valuables out of sight to avoid being targeted. Keep your belongings in sight at all times. Theft on trains and buses and theft from parked cars and hotel rooms does occur. Travel documents should be kept secure at all times.

Women travelling alone in Algeria may experience harassment and verbal abuse.

Same-sex relations and behaviours are illegal. All travellers should avoid open displays of affection due to the conservative nature of the country. Dress modestly in respect for the country's customs. Take note of whether you will be travelling during Ramadan. If travelling during this time, do not eat, drink or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset.

Road travel is dangerous in Algeria and should be avoided. Internal travel throughout the country should be done by air. Attacks occur at night in rural and remote areas and on public transportation outside of the cities. Travel within Algiers and main cities is generally safe, but exercise caution, particularly at night. Avoid using public transportation, as they have been targeted by terrorists and thieves.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid all travel to the border areas with Mali, Niger, Mauritania, Libya, and Tunisia. There is a serious threat of kidnapping, terrorism, and banditry.

Extreme Violence

While terrorist violence has decreased, terrorist incidents still occur across the country and have resulted in death and injury. There are ongoing threats against Algerian institutions, Westerners, and Western institutions.

Kidnapping is a serious threat in this country, especially outside city centres.

Political Unrest

While demonstrations in Algeria are generally peaceful, some have become violent in the past. Minimize safety risk by avoiding public gatherings and demonstrations. Demonstrations are illegal in Algiers.

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Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

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Updated: June 22, 2021