Algeria

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

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

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

Plug Type CPlug Type 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: Thursday, July 13, 2023