Travel Summary
- There are confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) Swine Flu in Algeria (source: Algerian Health Ministry. The Algerian authorities are screening passengers at Algiers International Airport. These measures will be extended to all international airports, ports (both goods and passengers) and land border stations in the near future. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. The Algerian authorities inform us that anyone suspected of having swine flu will be quarantined at one of 109 designated hospitals – see the Health section of this advice for further detail. You should monitor local media reports for any further developments and advice. There is a dedicated swine flu p age on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu is available on the UK Department of Health website .
- We advise against all but essential travel to the administrative districts (wilayas) of Boumerdès, Bouira, Tizi Ouzou, east of Algiers, which have been the focus of sustained terrorist activity over the last three years. Travellers should also exercise caution in the wilayas of Bejaia, the 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.
- The high threat from terrorism in Algeria remains. You should exercise extreme caution at all times as terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, targeting places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers such as restaurants, hotels and shopping centres. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
- If visting Algiers you should continue to exercise caution at all times. It is generally safe to move around the centre of the city during the day. You should avoid areas that you do not know, particularly in the suburbs of the city, and especially after dark. See the 'Travelling in Algiers' section of this advice for more details.
- There is a high threat of kidnapping in Algeria by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. 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. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
- You should continue to check this advice regularly for updates and see the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
- If you decide to travel over land outside the major cities, it is advisable to avoid travelling at night and preferable to travel in a convoy of at least 2-3 vehicles. Sustained small-scale attacks, including bombings, illegal roadblocks and kidnapping occur in many rural parts of the country. See the Crime and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.
- 2 British nationals required consular assistance in Algeria in the period 1 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (0 cases); hospitalisations (0 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (0 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (8 cases). The main type of incidents for which British nationals required consular assistance in Algeria in 2008 related to family disputes, often involving child abduction/custody issues and/or theft of family documents and passports. See the Entry Requirements (Travelling with children) section of this advice and child abduction for more details.
- We 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 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 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:
- On 22 February 2009 an attack occurred in the Jijel Province, killing nine security guards and injuring two others. During February there were a number of incidents in or near Tebessa, 600 kms to the east of Algiers, close to the border with Tunisia.
- On 20 August 2008 an attack was carried out in Bouira. Two bombs were detonated. One hit a bus outside a hotel and the other close to the town’s military headquarters. There were 11 fatalities and at least 30 others injured.
- On 19 August 2008 a bomb targeted a police training school in Issers in the wilaya of Boumerdès, resulting in 43 fatalities and 38 people injured.
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 strongly 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 terrorism abroad.
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 victims of crime abroad.
Political Situation
Algeria Country ProfileYou 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 driving abroad.
Air travel
It is good practice to re-confirm flights to, from or within Algeria.For more general information see airline security.
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. For more general information see travelling during ramadan.
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 your trip.
For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.
Entry requirements
Visa
British nationals intending to visit Algeria must ensure they obtain a visa before travelling from the Algerian Consulate in London.
Passport validity
The Algerian Consulate 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 Consulate in London.Health
A (H1N1) – Swine Flu
There are confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) - Swine Flu in Algeria (source: Algerian Health Ministry). There are no reported or suspected cases of Swine Flu in Algeria. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated swine flu page. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.
The Algerian authorities have informed us that anyone suspected of having swine flu will be quarantined and transported to one of the 109 designated hospitals in the country. Once at the hospital further tests will be carried out, samples will be tested in Algiers, and treatment will be carried out as appropriate. You should 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 you should 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.
In 2008 there were confirmed reports of an outbreak of Typhoid fever in the Djelfa region. Travellers should practice strict food and water hygiene. Young children, those visiting friends and relatives and long-term visitors, 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.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 21,000 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.
Natural disasters
Parts of Algieria 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 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. For more general information see travel insurance.If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.
