U.S. Embassy Algiers
5 Chemin Cheikh Bachir Ibrahimi
El-Biar
16030 Algiers
Algeria
Telephone: 00 (213) 770-08-2000
Emergency after-hours telephone: (213) 770-08-2200
Fax: 0770-08-2299
Email: ACSAlgiers@state.gov

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Visit the Embassy of Algeria website for the most current visa information.

Requirements for Entry:

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Visa

Passengers arriving via a cruise ship and who will be part of an organized shore excursion do not require a visa in advance. Passengers wishing to visit certain cities of the south may qualify for a visa on arrival if this is organized by an approved travel agency.  All other travelers must obtain a visa from an Algerian embassy or consulate in advance of travel. If you have Israeli entry stamps in your passport, you may experience difficulties.

Dual Nationality: The Algerian government treats dual-national Algerian-Americans who enter Algeria on an Algerian passport solely as Algerian citizens. U.S. citizen women married to Algerians do not require the husband’s authorization to depart. Dual-national minor children exiting Algeria on an Algerian passport with just one parent will need to provide the Algerian family book (livret de famille) in order to demonstrate the relationship between the child and the accompanying parent.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Algeria.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists use simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds.  They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Terrorist Activity: Algeria has long been an important counterterrorism partner to the United States. It continues its aggressive campaign to eliminate all terrorist activity. However, active terrorist threats remain in Algeria and along its borders. In 2024, the Algeria reported nearly 53 counter-terrorism operations. These resulted in nine terrorists captured and 10 hideouts discovered and destroyed. Over the past five years, Algeria reported 24 major attacks. Almost all these terrorist attacks targeted Algerian security forces. Almost all involved improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or ambush tactics as suspects actively fled through rural mountainous regions.

We warn U.S. citizens against travel to remote areas in southern and eastern Algeria. This is due to a high threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping. As noted in our Travel Advisories for Algeria, U.S. citizens should:

• Avoid travel to rural areas within 50 km (31 miles) of the border with Tunisia and within 250 km (155 miles) of the borders with Libya, Niger, Mali, and Mauritania due to terrorist and criminal activities.
• Avoid overland travel across the Sahara. Travel to Saharan cities only by air.
• Remain on principal highways when traveling to coastal/mountainous areas east of Algiers and the mountains immediately south of Algiers.
• Always travel with reputable Algerian travel agents who know the area.
• Avoid staying overnight outside of the main cities and tourist locations.
• Inform local police when staying in locations outside of major cities.

Active terrorist groups in Algeria include Al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Individuals who are inspired by and loyal to Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) are also active. These groups typically target Algerian government interests and security forces outside of major cities and mainly in mountainous and remote areas, but still aspire to target Western interests. Successful Algerian counterterrorism operations have limited AQIM, AQIM-allied groups, and ISIS capabilities.

Recent incidents include:

• 2023 - Algerian soldier was killed in the Tissemssilt province flighting a terrorist group. The operation resulted in four terrorists arrested.
• 2020 and 2022 – Attacks targeting law enforcement facilities were prevented but killed and injured security forces. This occurred in the border regions of the southern wilayas of Bordj Badji Mokhtar and In Guezzam.
• June 2020 – AQIM claimed responsibility for the ambush of an army patrol in Ain Defla that killed one soldier. They also claimed an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Medea that killed two soldiers.
• February 2020 – ISIS-Algeria claimed responsibility for an attack on an army outpost in Bordj Badji Mokhtar, near the border with Mali. The attack was done with a suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED). It killed one Algerian soldier. 

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Algeria’s crime rate is moderate. Algeria has a very visible police presence throughout the country. Many plain-clothes police officers also exist. Petty theft and home burglary occur frequently in low-income areas. They also occur occasionally in affluent areas. Theft of contents and parts from parked cars, on trains and buses, and in hotel rooms occurs. Pickpocketing and purse snatching also occurs. In general, women face harassment in public if not accompanied by a male. Foreign women attract greater unwanted attention in public. International hotels generally provide adequate security.

We have seen several cases in which U.S. citizen women meet an Algerian man online. They are then lured to Algeria for marriage and held against their will in abusive situations.

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Algeria. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.

Tips to avoid scammers:

• Look for red flags like their location is far away, their profile was recently created or seems to be too good to be true, the pace of the relationship is moving too quickly, or they ask for money.
• Set up a phone call/video chat in the initial stages.
• Do a reverse image search on the profile picture.
• If they ask for help, you should refer to them to the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate so we can work with local authorities to assist.
• If you believe you have been scammed, report the incident to local law enforcement right away and stop all communications with the scammer.
  

Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchase
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/Relative targeting
• Free Trip/Luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers
• Bank overpayments

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

GPS navigation apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app, make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. A GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety considerations.

Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are. Meet in a popular public place. Avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police and contact the U.S. Embassy at (213) 770-08-2000. The crime emergency lines in Algeria are 1548 and 17; for gendarmes, call 1055.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage. Staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, you may be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. This includes for laws you may not be aware of. Get information from the local authorities before you start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses.

• Always carry your passport, or a copy of it, with you, or you may be taken in for questioning by law enforcement officials.
• Photographing military installations and government buildings (often marked by an Algerian flag over the entrance) is prohibited.
• Items that are legal to bring into and carry in the United States may not be legal in Algeria.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could land you immediately in jail.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, and they may be illegal according to the local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:

See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:

Algerian law criminalizes so-called acts against nature. It also criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual acts between adult men and women. The law includes imprisonment of six months to three years and a fine of DZD 1,000 to DZD 10,000 ($8 to $80). The law also includes imprisonment of two months to two years and fines of DZD 500 to DZD 2,000 ($4 to $16) for committing a “homosexual act.” If a minor is involved, the adult may face up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of DZD 10,000 ($80).

LGBTQI+ activists reported sweeping accusations that resulted in multiple arrests for consensual same-sex sexual relations. The arrests were permitted under the vague wording of laws criminalizing “homosexual acts” and so-called acts against nature. However, there were no known prosecutions during the past year. LGBTQI+ status is not criminalized. However, LGBTQI+ persons may face prosecution under laws disproportionately applied against LGBTQI+ individuals. These typically concern prostitution, public indecency, and “associating with bad characters”. NGOs report that judges give harsher sentences to LGBTQI+ persons compared to non-LGBTQI+ persons.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Algeria prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public, however, is not as common as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation and lodging. It is also limited in communication/information, and general infrastructure. There is a significant difference between large cities and the rest of the country. 

Availability of rental, repair, replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices is severely limited. Service providers, like sign language interpreters or personal assistants, are also severely limited. 

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: Women walking along the streets in Algeria may experience sexual harassment from passing motorists and pedestrians. See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

Travel within Algeria: Non-Algerian employees of foreign companies or organizations based in Algeria must contact the Ministry of the Interior, Foreigners Office, before engaging in travel within the interior of the country. The Ministry will notify local police of the planned travel. The police may choose to assign escorts for that travel.

Marriage in Algeria: See our Marriage in Algeria page for documents that must be obtained before leaving the United States. 

Disaster Preparedness: Algeria is a seismically active country. Earthquakes regularly occur throughout the country. Make contingency plans for your travel in Algeria. Leave emergency contact information with family members outside of Algeria. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and at Ready.gov.

Currency: Algeria is a cash society. Most credit cards are not accepted outside of hotels. You must declare upon entry at Customs if you are traveling with more than 3000 Algerian dinar. You must also declare foreign currency that exceeds 1000 Euros (or the equivalent, approx. 1,100 USD). You can take up to 7500 Euros (or equivalent in other foreign currency, approx. 8,300 USD) out of the country. Proof that you withdrew the money from an Algerian bank account is required. Non-residents cannot take any amount of Algerian currency outside of the country. Algerian residents can take up 10,000 DA out of the country. Algerian dual-nationals who are not residents cannot exit with Algerian currency.

The official exchange rate may vary considerably from the actual exchange rate on the street. It is illegal to change money on the black market. You should only exchange foreign currency at banks or authorized currency exchange locations, such as major hotels. 

Upon leaving Algeria, authorities may ask if you have any currency and possibly search you. Penalties can be severe if you failed to declare foreign currency above the allowed amount upon entering Algeria but are found to possess it when exiting the country. They will compare the amount of foreign currency you declared when entering and the amount you are taking out. You will need to show documentation that your currency was exchanged legally.

For emergency services in Algeria, dial 021711414.

Ambulance services are available in major cities such as the capital city of Algiers, but training and availability of emergency responders varies and may be below U.S. standards. Ambulance services are also not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.  Response times are unpredictable and not as rapid as in the U.S. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

We highly recommend you review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage and general Traveler Advice for Algeria.

• Select your destination in the Travelers’ Health webpage.
• Review all sub-sections. These include the Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• Review the Traveler Advice webpage that provide advice on medical considerations including:
• Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
• Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
• and General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies, and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Credit card payment is not usually available. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment at time of services rendered

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more information on overseas insurance coverage.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.  The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons.  It is typically at its worst in the summer. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals.  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities: Adequate health facilities are available in Algiers and other major cities, but quality is variable. Health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards. Medical staff may speak little or no English.

Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child.

Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care primarily available through government institutions

Pharmaceuticals:

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check with the Algerian Ministry of Health [COUNTRY Federal Office of Public Health w/ link] to ensure the medication is legal in Algeria.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:

• If you are considering traveling to Algeria to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page.
• Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Algeria.

Water Quality: Tap water is often not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Be aware that many places serve tap water unless bottled water is requested. Ice for drinks may be made with tap water.

Adventure Travel:

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Road Conditions and Safety: Algeria suffers significant road safety problems, including poorly maintained roads, a lack of roadway signage, insufficient vehicle maintenance, defective and pirated auto parts, driver fatigue, and reckless and unskilled drivers. Lack of enforcement continues to be a major problem. While emergency response resources are adequate in Algiers and other populated cities, this is not the case in rural areas.

• Travel overland, particularly in the southern regions, may require a permit issued by the Algerian Ministry of Interior.
• Algeria recognizes International Driving Permits. U.S. citizens who wish to drive in Algeria should obtain an International Driver’s Permit in advance. See the Department’s Driving Abroad page for more information on driving permits. For information on obtaining an Algerian driver’s license, see the Algerian Ministry of Interior’s page for driving licenses.
• Drivers will encounter police and military checkpoints on major roads within/around Algiers and other major cities. Police will require you to turn off your headlights when approaching a checkpoint at night.
• Rather than traffic lights, police control most major traffic intersections in Algiers.

Traffic Laws: Driving in Algeria can be chaotic and unsafe.  There are limited traffic signs, very few designated lanes, and drivers often straddle two lanes when there are designated lanes.  There are very few sidewalks and pedestrians must often walk in the street.  When driving, ensure that you carry your state license and International Driver License.  In case of a traffic accident, contact the police and do not move vehicles until a police officer arrives.  Ensure that you get the other driver’s insurance information and identification as well.  

Public Transportation: Trains operate between cities in the coastal regions of Algeria (although not inter-country). They are generally safe and reliable. There is a new urban railway in Algiers that runs along the coast and is clean and well-policed. Due to concerns about crime and mechanical safety, citizens should carefully consider the risks of buses, as well as taxis hailed on the street. There are new radio-dispatch taxis within Algiers as well as taxi hailing apps such as “Yassir” and “Heetch”.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Algeria, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Algeria’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Algeria should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts.  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.