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Please be advised that the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Advice is now available at Ireland.ie/travel. Travel Advice on this webpage is no longer being updated. To ensure you receive the latest Travel Advice for Algeria, please see Ireland.ie.

Algeria

If you’re travelling to Algeria, our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information.

Security Status

  • Normal precautions
  • High degree of caution
  • Avoid non-essential travel
  • Do not travel
  • Overview
  • Safety and Security
  • Local Laws and Customs
  • Natural Disasters and Climate
  • Additional Information
  • Embassy Contact

Overview

Overview

Security Status

High Degree of Caution

General Travel Advice 

The Department of Foreign Affairs advises against non-essential travel to desert and border regions due to the threat of terrorist attacks. A high degree of caution should be taken in other areas, including the coastal cities. Please refer to the Safety and Security section for more detailed information.

Algeria’s air, sea and land borders are partially open. The major airports are in Algiers (Houari Boumediene airport), Oran (Ahmed Ben Bella airport), and Constantine (Mohamed Boudiaf airport). Please note that the border with Morocco is closed.

Irish citizens require a visa to enter Algeria. Visas must be obtained prior to travel from an Algerian embassy or consulate.

A valid passport is required for travel to Algeria. Irish passports should have a minimum validity of 6 months from date of entry into Algeria. For more information on visas and passports, please see the Additional Information tab.

Visitors to Algeria are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the Embassy of Ireland in Switzerland, accredited to Algeria, on social media (Twitter/X @IrlEmbBerne and Facebook ‘Irish Embassy Berne’) to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if visitors have problems, try talking to local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

Visitors can contact the emergency services in Algeria by dialling the numbers below:

  • 1548 for the police
  • 1055 for the Gendarme (inter-city/rural police)
  • 14 for the fire brigade
  • +213 (0)21 23 63 81 or +213 (0)21 71 14 14 for an ambulance

Reliability and response time of emergency services vary. Emergency operators may speak French but normally do not speak English.

In the event of a medical emergency call an ambulance, contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Our tips for Safe Travels:

  • Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
  • Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
  • Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
  • Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.

As there is no Irish Embassy in Algeria, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Berne, Switzerland.

Safety and Security

Safety and security

Practical advice

  • Get advice locally about areas of risk and security concerns
  • Take common-sense precautions about safety and security
  • Know who to contact in case of an emergency

Social unrest

The political situation in Algeria is reasonably stable but we advise you to avoid all demonstrations and public gatherings, which can sometimes turn confrontational.

Keep yourself informed of events by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser.

Terrorism

The threat from terrorism in Algeria is high, especially outside Algiers and the main cities. Suicide bomb attacks have been carried out in major population centres, including Algiers, in recent years. These attacks have caused death and serious injuries and foreigners have often been targeted.

Avoid all travel to areas within 450km of the Mali and Niger borders with the exception of Tindouf town and Tamanrasset city; to areas within 100km of the Mauritania border; and to areas within 100km of the Tunisian and Libyan borders south of the town of Souk Ahras.

Avoid all but essential travel to Tamanrasset city, Amenas, Tindouf town, the provinces of Boumerdès, Bouira, and Tizi Ouzou east of Algiers (the area known as the Kabylie).

Great care should be taken in the remaining areas of the Provinces of Adrar, Tamanrasset and Illizi which are not covered above and the provinces of Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bejaia and Skikda east of Algiers.

Crime

Crime remains relatively low in Algeria but you should take sensible precautions:

  • Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
  • Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
  • Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you’re alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
  • Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
  • Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafés, train and bus stations.

Petty theft

Petty theft and home burglary happen frequently in Algeria, and muggings are on the rise, especially after dark in the cities. More serious crimes have been reported in which armed men posing as police officers have entered homes and robbed the occupants at gunpoint.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Algeria, report it to the local police immediately. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy in Switzerland (Berne) if you need help.

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Algeria, you should be extremely careful. Overland travel between major cities should be avoided, particularly at night.

If you want to drive:

  • Bring your international driving licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
  • Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Local Laws and Customs

Local laws and customs

Practical advice

  • Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them
  • Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

Alcohol

Algeria does produce some wine and beer, which is served in some bars, hotels, restaurants and night clubs in the bigger cities. However, alcohol isn’t served everywhere and it isn’t served anywhere during Ramadan.

Muslim culture

When travelling in Algeria, take care not to offend local culture or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or other religious festivals. Be conscious of your dress and behaviour if you intend to visit places of worship.

During Ramadan, Muslims are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours. To avoid offence, you should not eat, drink or smoke in public during this time. Guide books, local hoteliers and tour guides can be good sources of information for how to behave and dress respectfully.

Local culture

In Algeria the weekend is Friday and Saturday.

Female travellers

Female travellers can face particular issues around security and dealing with the religious and cultural beliefs of the countries they visit (especially if they’re travelling alone). We advise you to do some research before you travel, so you know what to expect from the country you’re visiting.

Some quick tips include:

  • Always take basic personal safety precautions, such as not walking alone at night or in quiet areas.
  • Don’t leave your food or drink unattended.
  • Keep details of your travel plans and where you’re staying to yourself.

LGBT

Homosexuality is illegal in Algeria. Sexual acts between people of the same sex are punishable by imprisonment and homophobic attacks can take place. Caution and discretion are advised at all times.

Photography

Don’t attempt to take photos of any government building or security installation. This includes police and police checkpoints

Natural Disasters and Climate

Natural disasters and climate

Climate

Algeria has a Mediterranean climate along the coast, with mild, wet winters, and hot, dry summers. The Sahara desert experiences extremely high summer temperatures, though it’s a bit cooler between November and April. Although daytime temperatures rarely fall below 25°C, desert nights can be cold even in the height of summer.

Flooding

Despite the lack of rain in the Sahara, other parts of Algeria are susceptible to severe flood damage.

Earthquake

Northern Algeria is within an earthquake zone. You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake. In May 2003, a severe earthquake struck the Algiers area and over 2,200 people were killed and more than 10,000 were injured.

Additional Information

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish citizens must apply for a visa to visit Algeria. Visas must be obtained prior to travel from an Algerian embassy or consulate.

Passports must be valid for at least six months from date of entry into Algeria.

Although you’re not required to carry your passport at all times, you should have it with you on longer journeys within Algeria. You will need it if you’re travelling internally by air.

In general, keep your passport somewhere safe and carry a copy with you at all times.

Health

There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for travel to Algeria from Ireland. There is no requirement to present certificates of vaccination/testing for COVID-19 or to complete a Passenger Locator Form.

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for Algeria.

Additional information on Algeria can be found via the following link:

Algerian Ministry of Health

Money

ATM machines are not as widespread as in Europe and credit card use is mostly confined to hotels and some businesses in the larger cities. Algerian Dinars should be obtained from bureaux de change at the international airports and larger hotels or from banks in the main cities. Street money vendors should be avoided. Algerian Dinars cannot be exported.

 

Embassy contact

Embassy Contact

Please note that there is no resident Embassy in Algeria.
If you require urgent assistance while the Embassy in Berne, Switzerland is closed, contact the main Embassy number, +41 (0)31 350 0380, and leave a message on the voice mailbox.

This mailbox will be monitored regularly.

Embassy of Ireland
2nd Floor
Kirchenfeldstrasse 68
P.O. Box 262
CH-3000 Berne 6
Switzerland

Tel: +41 31 350 0380

Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 12.00

Contact us