Algeria travel advice

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Risk level

Algeria - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Algeria due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of kidnapping.

Border areas - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to due to the high threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, to the areas within:

  • 200 km of the border with Mali, Mauritania and Niger
  • 50 km of the border with Libya, Morocco and Tunisia

 

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Safety and security

Border areas

Border areas often see greater criminal activity and violence.

Algeria's security concerns are mainly due to regional instability. There is a heightened risk of kidnapping and terrorist attacks in rural, mountainous, border and remote desert areas of North Africa. Extremist groups take advantage of porous borders to carry out attacks. They operate human, drug and weapons trafficking in these areas, contributing to the overall threat.

Terrorist groups and extremist militants are especially active along the borders with:

  • Mali
  • Niger
  • Libya
  • Tunisia
  • Mauritania

The border with Morocco has remained closed since 1994. Tensions are high in this region.

Although counterterrorism operations should limit the ability of militants to carry out large-scale attacks, you should avoid all travel to border areas.

Terrorism

There’s a constant terrorist threat across North Africa. Reports of planned terrorist attacks occasionally emerge.

In recent years, the Algerian government has intensified its fight against terrorists. Counterterrorism operations significantly diminished the capacity of terrorist groups to operate in Algeria. However, militants remain in the country even if attacks are less common. They mainly target security forces, local government, and Western interests. Terrorist activity in Libya, Mali, Niger, and Tunisia contributes to the overall threat, particularly in border regions.

Despite these efforts, terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include:

  • government buildings, including schools
  • places of worship
  • airports and other transportation hubs and networks
  • public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant during the following:

  • sporting events
  • religious holidays
  • public celebrations
  • major political events, such as elections

Terrorists could use such occasions to mount attacks.

Kidnapping

There’s a threat of kidnapping, mostly in remote, isolated and border areas.

Should you plan to travel to remote areas despite the risks:

  • be vigilant at all times
  • always carry your cellphone and charger
  • use only major roads and highways
  • vary your itineraries and schedules
  • consider hiring a reputable guide who knows the area well
  • stay at hotels that have strong security measures

Demonstrations and strikes

Demonstrations may occur. Political, social and economic tensions caused civil unrest throughout the country in the past. Security forces are highly visible and may use tear gas or other tactics to disperse crowds.

Even peaceful demonstrations can suddenly turn violent at any time. They can also lead to traffic and public transportation disruptions, causing road closures and delays.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Political activism

Over the past year, the Algerian government increased the number of arrests of activists, including some associated with the Hirak popular protest movement, which began in Algeria in February 2019.

Algerian authorities have also prevented dual Canadian-Algerian citizens from leaving Algeria after they were identified as politically engaged in Canada.

Participating in demonstrations or political activities, including on social media, may prevent you from leaving the country.

Exercise great care when interacting online, even when you are outside of Algeria.

Crime

The crime rate is moderate in Algeria. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in larger cities after dark. Armed robberies may also occur.

  • Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Keep a low profile
  • Never walk alone and avoid travelling after dark
  • Don’t show signs of affluence
  • Carry only small amounts of cash
  • Avoid using your smartphone or camera in public
  • Don’t resist if robbers threaten you

If you are travelling by car:

  • keep your windows closed and doors locked at all times
  • if possible, travel in a convoy
  • use secure parking facilities
  • never leave belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk

Romance scams

Internet romance scams via dating websites or social media have occurred.

If you are travelling to Algeria to meet an online contact:

  • keep in mind that you may be the victim of a scam
  • be wary of people who profess friendship or romantic interest over the internet

Overseas fraud

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Sexual harassment and assaults have occurred.

To avoid being the target of harassment, women should:

  • dress conservatively
  • avoid walking alone
  • travel in groups
  • travel during daylight hours only
  • sit in the back seat of taxis

Advice for women travellers

Adventure tourism

Desert expeditions or trekking can be dangerous, especially if they are not well organized. Trails are not always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly.

If you undertake desert expeditions:

  • never do so alone
  • always hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
  • travel in a 4 x 4 vehicle
  • buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
  • ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
  • don’t venture off marked trails
  • ensure that you’re properly equipped and carry sufficient water supply
  • know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, both of which can be fatal
  • stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
  • inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back
  • obtain detailed information on the activity before setting out

Water shortages

Water shortages occur regularly, especially from April to October. This is mainly due to fast-growing demand affecting the provision of essential services. They may trigger demonstrations.

Keep reserve supplies of water on hand.

Road safety

Road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Accidents are common.

Road conditions

Road conditions have significantly improved in recent years. However, they can be poor outside of Algiers. In desert regions, rough roads require 4 x 4 vehicles.

Driving can also be dangerous due to the following:

  • narrow, winding, and mountainous roads
  • slippery roads and winter conditions in the northern part of the country
  • sand-laden winds in the southern part of the country
  • heavy traffic and congestion, especially in urban areas
  • potholes and unpaved roads
  • poorly maintained vehicles

Driving habits

Drivers don’t always respect traffic laws. They often drive at excessive speeds. They may be aggressive and reckless. Texting and driving is also a common practice.

If you plan on travelling by car in Algeria, you should consider renting a car with a hired driver rather than driving yourself. If you choose to drive:

  • always drive defensively
  • plan your trip ahead of time, especially if you visit a rural area
  • avoid road travel at night
  • use only main roads and highways
  • avoid stopping in isolated areas
  • keep your car doors locked and the windows closed at all times

Checkpoints

Checkpoints on roads heading into and out of larger cities and on roads throughout Algiers are common.

Don’t go through checkpoints without stopping, even if they appear unattended.

Public transportation

Metro

The Algiers metro is safe and reliable to use during daytime.

Buses

Buses are unreliable. They are rarely on time, especially during rush hours. Some public and private vehicles are poorly maintained. They are often the site of petty theft, armed robbery and sexual harassment incidents.

  • Don’t use local or intercity public buses
  • Use only reputable tour operators

Taxis

Hotel-associated taxis are considered safe.

They generally only serve city centres. They may be limited in availability, particularly late at night and during peak hours.

  • Avoid boarding taxis at taxi stands or flagging taxis in the street
  • If using hotel taxis, request the service at the front desk
  • When travelling by air, pre-arrange your pickup with your hotel before your arrival or use authorized airport taxis
  • Note the driver's name on the picture identification badge, as well as the licence number
  • Never share a taxi with strangers
  • Make sure the driver doesn’t pick up other passengers along the way to your destination
  • Negotiate the fare in advance
  • Have small bills available for payment

Ridesharing apps

Most vehicles used by these drivers are in poor condition.

Travellers have also reported that vehicle information and drivers' name rarely match the information they receive when using some ridesharing apps in Algeria.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

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Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Algerian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months before the date you expect to leave Algeria.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

You must obtain a visa from the embassy or the closest consulate before visiting Algeria.

Students must travel on a tourist visa.

Children and travel

Children born to Algerian fathers automatically acquire Algerian citizenship at birth, regardless of where they were born.

Canadian minors born to Algerian fathers must produce paternal authorization to leave the country if they are:

  • travelling alone, or
  • without one of their parents or legal guardians.

Algerian law considers a person to be a minor until age 19.

Confirm the requirements with the Embassy of Algeria before departing Canada.

Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

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Health

Relevant Travel Health Notices

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Influenza

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

  •  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
  •  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
  •  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

Risk

  • There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is not recommended.
  • Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
  • Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

 

Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Hepatitis B

 Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Rabies

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions, including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Polio

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country.
Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.

Recommendations:

  • Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
  • One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera

Risk

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions.

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

  • visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
  • visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Chikungunya

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Cutaneous and mucosal Leishmaniasis

Cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis causes skin sores and ulcers. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •  washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is available in major cities, mainly in the northern part of the country. Access to good health care may be difficult in the south due to a lack of specialized professionals. 

Public clinics and hospitals may be overloaded. Public facilities may lack medical supplies and equipment. Doctors may not speak English.

Private clinics and hospitals are better equipped. Services may be expensive, but they usually have sufficient qualified medical personnel speaking English well.  

Doctors and private hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Medication

Some prescription medications may not be available in Algeria.

If you take prescription medication, you are responsible for determining its legality in the country.

  • Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
  • Always keep your medication in the original container
  • Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
  • Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

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Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Penalties for breaking the law in Algeria can be more severe than in Canada, even for similar offences. No transfer of offenders treaty exists between Canada and Algeria. If you’re convicted of a serious crime, you must serve your jail sentence in Algeria. You may also have to remain in Algeria for a parole period after your release.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect a jail sentence and a heavy fine.

Alcohol

The consumption of alcohol in public is illegal.

Avoid drinking alcohol outside licensed premises.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Algerian law criminalizes sexual acts and relationships between persons of the same sex. 2SLGBTQI+ travellers may also be charged with offences of indecency or other related offences.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could also be discriminated against or detained based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.
Convicted offenders could face up to 3 years of imprisonment and heavy fines.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Algeria.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Death penalty

Although capital punishment has not been applied since 1993, you may still face the death penalty if you’re found guilty of serious offences.

Dress and behaviour

Algerian customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs.

Public displays of affection, including holding hands and kissing, are not socially accepted.

Foreign female travellers are not expected to wear head covers. However, revealing clothing is considered inappropriate.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

  • dress conservatively
  • behave discreetly
  • respect religious and social traditions
  • seek permission from locals before photographing them

Ramadan

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

  • drinking
  • eating
  • smoking

Religious proselytism

Religious proselytism is illegal.

You should avoid engaging in religious activities that contradict or challenge Islamic teachings and values. This includes preaching, possessing, or distributing religious literature or material.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Algeria.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Algeria, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

Algerian authorities have prevented dual Canadian-Algerian citizens from leaving Algeria after they took part in demonstrations or made political comments on social media.

Be aware of the possibility of surveillance and potential repercussions if you discuss the political situation in public or online.

Mandatory military service

Algerian men over the age of 19 are subject to mandatory military service.

Local authorities may prevent you from leaving the country if you’re a dual Canadian-Algerian citizen and are unable to produce either:

  • a deferment card exempting you from military service
  • a certificate of census registration
  • evidence that you have completed your military service

Obtain a document certifying your status from the Embassy of Algeria before travel.

Family law

Algerian family law is different from Canadian family law. Decisions are based on Islamic law. Children of an Algerian father automatically acquire Algerian citizenship at birth.

If you are involved in a custody dispute in Algeria, consult an Algerian lawyer for advice and assistance regarding your specific situation.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Algeria.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Algeria by an abducting parent:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Algeria to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

Identification

Local authorities may ask you to show identification at any time.

  • Carry photo identification at all times
  • Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa in a safe place, in case they are lost or confiscated

Photography

Photography of sensitive installations is prohibited. This includes:

  • military sites
  • government buildings
  • bridges

Seek permission before taking photos of official buildings and individuals.

Export of antiquities

Laws on purchasing and exporting antiquities and objects of particular significance to Algeria's cultural heritage are strict. Algerian antiquities and other cultural artifacts cannot be exported.

Obtain and carry the required legal paperwork to purchase or export antiquities.

Driving

To drive in Algeria, you must have the following:

  • a valid Canadian driver’s licence
  • an international driving permit

International Driving Permit

Money

The currency of Algeria is the Algerian dinar (DZD).

Algeria is a cash-based economy. Credit cards are usually accepted at major hotels but rarely in restaurants and other businesses.

ATMs accepting foreign cards are available in banks and a few major hotels, but they are unreliable.

Customs

You must declare all foreign currency upon arrival. You must also report each exchange of currency made during your stay.

Currency exchange or purchase on the black market is illegal.

Upon departure, you must present the following:

  • the currency declaration form issued on arrival
  • bank receipts for all your exchange transactions

Algerian dinars cannot be taken out of the country.

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Natural disasters and climate

Wildfires

Wildfires are common between July and August, particularly in the northern part of the country.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

  • stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
  • follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
  • monitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situation

Météo Algérie - National Weather Service (in French)

Heat waves

The Sahara can be very hot, especially in the summer, with temperatures well above 40°C.

Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, which can both be fatal.

Dust storms

Sand storms and dust storms may occur at any time, particularly during the summer months in the southern area.

Sand-laden winds can blow at high speeds for days, creating difficult driving conditions. Poor visibility can also affect flights. These storms can cause respiratory problems, which can be fatal for some individuals.

During a storm:

  • stay indoors
  • keep windows closed
  • follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
  • monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from November to March. It can lead to severe flooding, especially in the North of the country.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable due to mudslides and landslides. Bridges, buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged.

  • Monitor local media for the latest updates, including those on road conditions
  • Stay away from flooded areas
  • Monitor weather reports
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Earthquakes

Algeria is located in an active seismic zone.

Even minor earthquakes can cause significant damage.

Earthquakes - What to Do?

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Need help?

Local services

Emergency services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 17
  • tourist police: 1548
  • medical assistance: 213 (0) 23 54 44 28
  • firefighters: 14

Consular assistance

Algiers - Embassy of Canada
Street Address18 Mustapha Khalef Street, Ben Aknoun, Algiers, AlgeriaPostal AddressP.O. Box 464, Ben Aknoun, 16306, AlgeriaTelephone213 (0) 770-083-000Fax213 (0) 770-083-070 or 213 (0) 770-083-040Emailalgercs@international.gc.caInternethttps://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-AlgeriaFacebookEmbassy of Canada to AlgeriaTwitter@CanadaAlgeriaAppointment Book your appointment online

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Algeria, in Algiers, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Disclaimer

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services.

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