May 19, 2004
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Algeria is the second largest country in Africa, with over four-fifths of its territory covered by the Sahara desert. The main population centers are found on the northern coast. Facilities for travelers are widely available, but sometimes limited in quality.
The workweek in Algeria is Saturday through Wednesday, and the U.S. Embassy workweek is the same.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: Passports and visas are required for U.S. citizens traveling to Algeria. For more information concerning entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria at 2137 Wyoming Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 265-2800 or go to http://www.algeria-us.org/ on the Internet.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
Algerian fathers of minor children (under 18 years of age for boys, 19 years of age for girls) can legally prevent their children from leaving Algeria.
DUAL NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all Algerian laws affecting U.S. citizens, individuals who also possess Algerian nationality may be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on citizens of that country. For additional information, see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer.
The Algerian Government requires all U.S.-Algerian dual national males under the age of 35 to register for service in the Algerian military. The relevant Algerian authorities may prevent dual nationals and those subject to registration from leaving Algeria until permission is granted to do so. Authorities sometimes grant waivers to U.S.-citizen dual nationals studying abroad, though there is no guarantee that this practice will continue.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Although no Americans are known to have been killed by terrorists in Algeria, more than 120 third country nationals were murdered at the height of the terrorism threat in Algeria in the 1990s. In January 2001, terrorists killed several Russian citizens in the mountains of eastern Algeria. In February 2003, 32 Western Europeans were taken hostage in the Sahara desert areas of southeastern Algeria. Fourteen of the hostages were taken by the terrorists into northern Mali. One of the hostages died in captivity. All the others were released by late August 2003.
In response to the terrorist threat, the U.S. Government substantially reduced the number of U.S. government personnel in Algeria during the 1990s. Currently, Embassy staffing is gradually increasing, and Embassy services are returning toward normalcy. Adult (over 21 years of age) family members may accompany Embassy officers and staff assigned to Algiers on two-year tours.
U.S. government employees now travel on official and personal business by commercial carriers to, from and within Algeria. U.S. citizens should carefully consider the security implications of traveling on regularly scheduled public ground transport and in taxis.
AREAS OF INSTABILITY: Although terrorist violence has substantially diminished in the major cities, terrorists continue to attack security forces and strike randomly at civilians outside urban areas. In recent months, there have been sporadic terrorist incidents near the capital. Terrorist acts in rural areas continue on an irregular basis.
Although the Government of Algeria has discontinued a late-night curfew in the central area of Algiers, it continues to maintain roadblocks on some of the principal roads heading into and out of the capital. (See the Traffic Safety section below.)
There were several large political demonstrations in Algiers and the Kabylie region to the east of the capital during the spring and summer of 2001. Since then, demonstrations in Algiers have been banned, although there were several small demonstrations in March and April 2003 against the war in Iraq. There were several large demonstrations in the Kabylie region and throughout Algeria in Spring 2004 in the run-up to the presidential election.
Travel overland, treacherous in many parts of Algeria, requires a permit issued by the Algerian government. The Department of State recommends that American citizens in Algeria avoid traveling overland outside major urban areas. Americans who must travel overland or work in locations outside of major cities should do so with substantial armed protection.
CRIME: The crime rate in Algeria is moderately high and increasing. Serious crimes have been reported in which armed men posing as police officers have entered homes of occupants, and robbed them at gunpoint. False roadblocks/checkpoints have been employed to rob motorists. Some of these incidents resulted in the murder of the vehicles’ occupants. Armed carjacking is also a serious problem. Petty theft and home burglary occur frequently, and muggings are on the rise, especially after dark in the cities. Theft of contents and parts from parked cars, pickpocketing, theft on trains and buses, theft of items left in hotel rooms and purse snatching are common. Alarms, grills, watchdogs and/or guards protect most foreigners' residences.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds can be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlets, A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlets are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov , or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/ .
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Hospitals and clinics in Algeria are available, but of uneven quality, and are not up to Western standards. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services. Most medical practitioners speak French; English is not widely used.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s website at http://www.who.int/en . Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith .
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Algeria is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor
Drivers will encounter checkpoints on principal roads heading into and out of Algiers and other major cities. Security personnel at these checkpoints expect full cooperation, although they rarely stop foreigners. Motorists should be aware that terrorists have occasionally been reported to put up false roadblocks as ambushes, primarily in parts of eastern Algeria.
Travel overland requires a permit issued by the Algerian government. For specific information concerning Algerian driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, contact the Algerian Embassy. For additional information about road safety, click here.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority to operate such service, between the U.S. and Algeria, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Algeria's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.htm .
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Algerian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Algeria of items such as firearms, body armor, binoculars, communications equipment, antiquities, medications, business equipment (such as laptop computers), or ivory. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Algeria in Washington, D.C., for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Algerian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org , or visit uscib.org for details.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Algeria's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Algeria are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
CONSULAR ACCESS: U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. In accordance with Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, to which Algeria is a party, competent authorities in the host country must notify without delay a consular post of the arrest of one of its citizens.
CURRENCY INFORMATION: Travelers checks and credit cards are accepted in only a few establishments in urban areas. The Government of Algeria requires all foreigners upon entering the country to declare all of their currency on the customs form. The original form and documentary proof of currency legally exchanged while in Algeria are obligatory when departing the country.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone the Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747. The OCS call center can answer general inquiries regarding international adoptions and will forward calls to the appropriate country officer in the Bureau of Consular Affairs. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Algeria are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Algeria and obtain any updated information on travel and security within Algeria. The U.S. Embassy is located at 4 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, B.P. 408 (Alger-gare) 16030, in the capital city of Algiers. The telephone number is [213] (21) 691-425/255/186. The fax number for the U.S. Embassy is [213] (21) 69-39-79. The U.S. Embassy workweek is Saturday through Wednesday.
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 29, 2003, to update sections on Safety and Security, Crime and Customs Regulations.
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