Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Algeria due to terrorism and kidnapping. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required, unless entering via cruise ship. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country, if not entering via cruise ship.
US Embassy/Consulate
[213] (0) 770-08-2000; US Embassy in Algiers, 05 Chemin Cheikh Bachir Ibrahimi, El-Biar 16030, Alger, Algeria; https://dz.usembassy.gov/; ACSAlgiers@state.gov
Telephone Code
213
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 21606666; Fire: 14; Police: 17
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Arid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer
Currency (Code)
Dinars (DZD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
Arabic (official), French (lingua franca), Berber or Tamazight (official); Berber dialects include Kabyle, Shawiya, Mzab, and Tuareg
Major Religions
Muslim (official; predominantly Sunni) 99%
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Algiers, particularly the Casbah; Hoggar Mts. and Atakor Volcanic Field; Oran City; Constantine
Major Sports
Soccer, boxing, judo
Cultural Practices
It is best for men to allow the woman to extend her hand or offer her cheek first. If the hand is not extended, a man may make a slight bow or nod as a polite acknowledgement.
Tipping Guidelines
Waiters and bartenders should be tipped 10% of the total bill. Taxi fares are usually pre-negotiated, but a tip of 5-10 dinars is appreciated. Hotel maids should be tipped 90-100 dinars a night.
Souvenirs
Kandura tunics, leather items, rugs, copper and brassware, coral jewelry
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022
