Algeria

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 1548 or 17 for police.
• Dial 1055 for Gendarmes (inter-city or rural police).
• Dial 14 or 1021 for a civil protection ambulance.

Terrorism

Terrorism remains a possible threat in Algeria. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and have historically targeted the Algerian security forces.  Kidnapping for ransom events in Algeria’s deep south have targeted foreigners in recent years.

 Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Terrorist groups

There are active terrorist groups in Algeria, including Al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and people inspired by Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS).

• In the past, these groups have typically attacked Algerian government buildings and police in areas outside big cities, especially in mountains and remote places. However, they may also aim to attack foreigners.
  
• Algeria's military and police have greatly reduced these groups' ability to carry out attacks.

Crime

• Petty thefts are common, including pickpocketing and purse or phone snatching. These crimes happen on public transportation and in hotel rooms.
• International hotels generally provide good security.
• Home burglaries occur more frequently in low-income areas. Theft of car parts and items inside parked cars also occur.
• Female travelers have experienced harassment or unwanted attention in public transport or other spaces.
• Algeria has a visible police presence throughout the country. Plain clothes police officers are also common.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams and Internet romance scams are common in Algeria. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• Romance and online dating
• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 1548 or 17 for police.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.
• There have been reports to the U.S. embassy of U.S. citizen women meeting an Algerian man online, traveling to Algeria for marriage, and then getting trapped in an abusive relationship they couldn’t leave.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders generally cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.

• Avoid participating in demonstrations or political activities, including on social media. Doing so could have legal consequences and prevent you from leaving the country.
• Always carry your passport or a copy of it. Law enforcement officials could take you for questioning if you don’t have one.
• Photographing military and government buildings is prohibited. They often have an Algerian flag over the entrance.
• Items that are legal to bring into the United States may be illegal in Algeria.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and could result in your immediate arrest.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Algeria seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

If you have both U.S. and Algerian citizenship, the Algerian government may treat you only as an Algerian citizen, particularly if you enter Algeria on an Algerian passport. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Gay and lesbian status is not illegal in Algeria. However, acts “against nature” and “consensual same-sex acts” between adult men and women are illegal.

• Penalties for committing “acts against nature” could include 6 months to 3 years in prison. It also carries a fine of DZD 1,000 to DZD 10,000 ($8 to $80).
• Penalties for committing an “homosexual act” include 2 months to 2 years in prison and a fine DZD 500 to DZD 2,000 ($4 to $16).
• Gay and lesbian people may face prosecution under other laws like prostitution, public indecency, and “associating with bad characters.”  People perceived as “foreign” are often given more freedom generally, as long as they do not evangelize their beliefs.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Algeria prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual or mental disabilities.

• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication or information, and general infrastructure.
• There is a significant difference between the major cities and the rest of the country.
• Availability of rental, repair, and replacement parts for equipment is severely limited.
• Availability of service providers such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants is severely limited.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

• Women walking on the street in Algeria may experience sexual harassment from drivers and people walking by.
• U.S. citizen women married to Algerians do not require the husband’s authorization to leave the country.
• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human Rights

Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Significant human rights issues include:

• Torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment
• Arbitrary arrest and detention.
• Serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, including unjustified arrests and prosecutions of journalists and censorship.
• Restrictions of religious freedom.
• Trafficking in persons.
• Violence or threats against activists or union members.
• Review our information for Journalists.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Algeria Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 14 or 1021 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulances in Algeria are different from U.S. ambulances  They are typically used just to transport people to the hospital rather than provide medical care. Most ambulances do not have medical equipment. Few of them have staff with medical training.

• You can request an ambulance with a physician, but the vehicle may not have any equipment on board and may take longer to arrive.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Most care providers abroad only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is usually not available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment for treatment before your visit.
• If you are admitted to a private hospital, they will require a large deposit to cover your stay.  You will be refunded if your stay does not require the full deposit amount.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available in Algiers and other major cities, but quality may vary.  It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Many medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. There may be an option for your family to stay the night or to hire a private night nurse.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications

Medications in Algeria are different from those in the United States. Because of supply problems, a medication available today may not be available tomorrow.  Bring enough of your medications to last your entire trip.

• You cannot purchase psychiatric medications without a prescription from a local psychiatrist.
• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Traveling with a large quantity of medication could lead to issues, including arrest.
• Check with the Embassy of Algeria to ensure the medication is legal in Algeria.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Algeria.

If you are considering traveling to Algeria to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is often not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Altitude

Some cities in Algeria are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel.

• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before traveling to high altitude cities.
• Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Algeria.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.
• Air quality changes with the seasons and is worse in the summer.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• Driving in Algeria can be chaotic and unsafe.
• Algeria has poorly maintained roads, a lack of traffic signs, insufficient vehicle maintenance, unreliable auto parts, driver fatigue, and reckless and unskilled drivers.
• There are very few sidewalks. Pedestrians often must walk in the street.

Traffic laws

Lack of traffic law enforcement is a major problem. Emergency response resources are adequate in Algiers and other main cities, but this is not the case in rural areas.

• Algeria recognizes International Driving Permits. U.S. citizens who wish to drive in Algeria should obtain an International Driver’s Permit in advance.
• When driving, ensure that you carry your state license and International Driver License.
• For information on obtaining an Algerian driver’s license, review the Algerian Ministry of Interior’s page for driving licenses.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.
• Drivers can find police and military checkpoints on major roads in Algiers and other major cities. Police will ask you to turn off your headlights when approaching a checkpoint at night.
• Instead of traffic lights, police control most major traffic intersections in Algiers.
• If you plan to travel by land in southern Algeria, check with the Algerian Ministry of Interior to see if you need a permit before you go.
• In case of a traffic accident, contact the police. Do not move vehicles until a police officer arrives. Ensure that you get the other driver’s insurance information and identification.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Due to concerns about crime and mechanical safety, hailing taxis on the street is risky.
• There are radio-dispatch taxis within Algiers. There are also taxi hailing apps such as “Yassir” and “Heetch” that are generally safe.

Public and commercial transportation

• Trains in Algiers are generally safe, reliable, clean and well-policed.
• Trains between cities in Algeria along the coast are generally safe and reliable.
• Due to concerns about mechanical safety, U.S. government employees working in Algeria are not allowed to take buses.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Algeria’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Algeria should check the following:  

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Algeria has 2 different climates. Northern Algeria has a mild, Mediterranean climate. It has wet and mild winters and hot and dry summers.

• Southern Algeria has a desert climate all year. It has minimal rainfall year-round, and very high temperatures in the summer. Some areas in southern Algeria experience years of drought.
• Heatwaves, wildfires, and sandstorms in southern Algeria are common in the summer. In the winter, floods and landslides may occur.
• Earthquakes are possible year-round.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates