This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Safety and Security: Terrorism (update). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Algeria at this time because of the very high threat of terrorist attack.

We regularly receive information indicating that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners and Western and Jewish interests, as well as premises and symbols associated with the Algerian Government. Increasing calls to abduct foreigners point to a growing threat against places frequented by foreigners in the region. Terrorists have in the past mounted attacks on significant dates and anniversaries, but attacks could occur anywhere and at any time.

Algerian terrorist groups have been fighting to overthrow the Algerian government since 1992. Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb, which has formally identified foreigners as a legitimate target, has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks in Algeria and in neighbouring countries since 2006.

There have been a number of terrorist incidents in Algeria over recent years. Examples include:

• On 19 May 2010, two Algerian soldiers were killed and 18 other soldiers and civilians were wounded after a roadside bomb attack in the Boumerdes province.

• On 13 May 2010, one civilian was killed and 21 wounded in bomb attacks in Baghlia, Boumerdes province.

• On 22 October 2009, seven Algerian security guards were killed and two wounded in a gun battle 20kms south-east of Tizi-Ouzou, between Maatkas and Souk El Tenine. The security guards were on route to work, protecting the building site of a Canadian company.

• On 29 July 2009, 14 Algerian soldiers were killed and several wounded in an ambush near Damos, 150km west of Algiers.

• On 2 June 2009, a military convoy near Timezrit, in the district of Boumerdes, was bombed. Ten people were killed.

• On 12 February 2009, seven people were killed by two bombings in a local market near the town of Tebessa, in the east of Algeria, close to the border with Tunisia.

• On 8 June 2008, two people, including a French national, were killed in two separate attacks in Beni Amrane (Boumerdes province).

• On 4 June 2008, one person was killed and many injured by a suicide bombing outside the Republican Guards barracks in Bordj El Kiffan, Eastern Algiers, and a car bombing outside a cafe located close to the barracks.

• In January 2008, a car bomb attack targeted a police station in Thenia, 50km east of Algiers. A number of people were killed or injured. Also in January 2008, four people were killed and 12 injured in a car bomb attack outside the regional police headquarters in Naciria in the Boumerdes region, 120km east of Algiers.

There is an ongoing high threat of kidnapping against Westerners in the north and west regions of Africa, including remote areas of southern Algeria. Credible information indicates that terrorists are planning to kidnap and possibly kill Westerners in northern Mali and the remote and desert areas of Mauritania, southern Algeria and Niger. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times in Algeria and avoid unnecessary travel in southern Algeria especially near the regions bordering with Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali and Niger. The last two months of 2009 saw a significant increase in terrorist activity and kidnappings in these neighbouring countries. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnap Threat in Africa travel bulletin.

You should reconsider your need to travel by road to the districts of Boumerdes, Tizi Ouzou, Bejaia, Blida, Medea and Ain Defla due to security concerns. You should exercise extreme vigilance in the Kabylie region.

You should ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you are comfortable travelling to Algeria knowing that you could be caught up in a terrorist attack, kidnapping or banditry. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to Algeria you should exercise extreme caution.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include Algerian government offices, clubs, restaurants, embassies and high commissions, international schools, international hotels, expatriate housing compounds, churches and other places of worship, shopping centres, outdoor recreation events, tourist areas, shipping and transport infrastructure, ports, airports and aircraft, security installations and police stations, petroleum and electrical infrastructure and installations or identifiably Western interests including businesses.

Australians in Algeria should ensure they have appropriate personal security protection measures in place.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

Political developments in Algeria and international events may prompt demonstrations and protests. You are advised to avoid protests and demonstrations, particularly outside mosques and educational institutions, as they may turn violent without warning.

A state of emergency decree remains in force throughout Algeria. This may have implications for public meetings and gatherings.

Crime

Petty crime such as pick-pocketing, bag snatching and theft from motor vehicles has increased in recent years, especially in large cities such as Algiers and Oran. Crime levels are higher after dark.

Deserted beach areas should be avoided, even during daylight hours, because of the threat of banditry and carjacking. You should use a local licensed guide for any tours of the Kasbah area of Algiers. Criminals, posing as police officers, have been reported to have carried out robberies and car-jacking. Avoid carrying large amounts of money or valuables with you.

Local Travel

We strongly recommend you stay at international hotels which provide a high level of security.

You should reconsider your need to travel by road east of Algiers to the districts of Boumerdes, Tizi Ouzou and Bejaia, and south-west of Algiers to the districts of Blida, Medea and Ain Defla due to security concerns.

Road and traffic conditions in Algeria are very dangerous. A large number of people are killed and injured in traffic accidents, including buses, each year. Travel by road between major cities should not be undertaken at night due to the risk of attack and robbery. Bandits may use illegal checkpoints and blockades on roads to stop vehicles, including buses.

The land border between Algeria and Morocco is currently closed. There are reports of unexploded landmines in the area of Algeria bordering the Western Sahara region. Mines have been known to shift in sandstorms.

The areas bordering the Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali and Niger are known to be frequented by bandits and armed smugglers. Credible reports indicate that terrorists may be planning to kidnap foreigners travelling between Algeria and Mali.

See also our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.

Airline Safety

Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

Parts of Algeria, including Algiers, are subject to earthquakes and floods. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. Most international credit cards are accepted by the ATMs available in major cities.

ATM cards and credit cards can be used in hotels and a limited number of businesses in large cities. You should only buy Algerian dinars at bureaux de change at international airports and large hotels, and banks in major cities. The dinar cannot be exported.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery, cameras and electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe dry place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Algeria, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can’t get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for possession of illegal drugs, including soft drugs, include imprisonment.

Homosexual acts are illegal in Algeria and penalties include imprisonment.

Photography of military or sensitive sites, including military or security personnel, may lead to arrest and detention.

Serious crime, such as murder or treason, may attract the death penalty.

In Algeria it is against the law to attempt to convert Muslims to another faith or to distribute material that may be seen by local authorities as an attempt to convert Muslims to another faith.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local Customs

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Algeria, particularly for women, and you should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Physical contact between men and women in public should be avoided. Public displays of affection can cause offence, particularly in rural and traditional areas and near mosques, religious shrines and religious educational institutes.

The normal work week in Algeria is Saturday to Wednesday.

Information for Dual Nationals

Algeria does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Algerian dual nationals who are arrested or detained. We recommend you travel on your Australian passport at all times.

Australian/Algerian dual national males may be subject to compulsory military service and other obligations when in Algeria and should seek advice from the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Algeria, well in advance of travel.

Children born of an Algerian father automatically acquire Algerian citizenship at birth. Child custody decisions are based on local religious laws. Australians involved in custody and other family disputes should consult a lawyer before they leave Australia for advice on the impact of religious law on their family circumstances, including their departure from Algeria.

Dual national Algerian/Australian citizens should note that Algeria has been listed by the Government of the United States of America as one of the 14 countries whose citizens will be subjected to a full body and cabin baggage search on entering the United States.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Algeria for the most up to date information.

A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for all passengers over one year of age who arrive from an area/country where yellow fever is endemic. See the WHO website for a list of yellow fever countries.

Algerian minors, including dual nationals, require the written consent of their father before they are permitted to leave Algerian territory.

Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Health Issues

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of medical facilities in Algeria varies. Public medical services and facilities in the capital, Algiers, vary from adequate to limited. Private medical facilities, especially in the capital, Algiers, are generally better equipped than public facilities and can meet normal international accreditation standards. Medical facilities in remote areas, including mountainous and desert regions, can be very limited or non-existent. Travellers may wish to consider carrying limited medical supplies for personal use. Foreigners will be required to pay an up-front deposit for medical services.

In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities such as Marseille or Paris in France would be necessary. Costs for a medical evacuation could cost between $A7,000 to $A50, 000.

Insect-borne diseases (such as leishmaniasis and West Nile fever) are prevalent in Algeria. There is also a risk of malaria. We encourage you to take measures to avoid insect bites including using insect repellent at all times.

Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis, meningitis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We recommend you consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food, particularly outside metropolitan areas. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis (bilharzia). Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Algeria. By agreement between the Canadian and Australian governments, the local Canadian Embassy provides consular assistance to Australians in Algeria. This service does not include the issue of Australian passports, but can issue a Provisional Travel document allowing you to travel from Algeria to the nearest Australian Embassy. Contact details are:

Canadian Embassy
18, rue Mustapha Khalef
Ben Aknoun
Algiers, 16000, Algeria
Telephone: (+213) (0) 770 08 30 00
Facsimile: (+213) (0) 770 08 30 70/ 770 08 30 40
E-mail: alger@international.gc.ca
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 09:00-11:00hrs

You can also obtain consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in France:

Australian Embassy
4 rue Jean Rey
75724 Cedex 15
Paris, France
Telephone: (+33 1) 4059 3300
Facsimile: (+33 1) 4059 3315

If you are travelling to Algeria, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we strongly encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency; whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.