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TRAVEL REPORT
Algeria

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 6 has been updated (malaria).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Algeria

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Terrorism

Since 2002, government policies and security forces successes have reduced, but not eliminated, terrorist violence. Numerous terrorist incidents have occurred across the country and caused many deaths and injuries. Algerian institutions are usually the primary targets however other interests have also been targeted. The security situation continues to be unstable and a number of planned incidents have been thwarted by authorities.

Despite a drop in the number of terrorist-associated incidents in Algiers and its immediate suburbs over the last few years, security concerns remain following the car bomb attacks of April 2007 and December 2007 that occurred in reputedly safe areas, killing and injuring many people. Urban centres are reported to be more secure than heavily wooded and mountainous rural areas (see regional warning below). There is a risk for both Canadian residents and Canadian visitors of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Travellers should exercise caution at all times.

Security forces are present throughout the country on roads, at the airport, and in front of government buildings. Security personnel will expect full and prompt cooperation from travellers at all times.

Business Travel

Canadians travelling on business should evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety before deciding to travel to Algeria, due to threats of violence in some parts of the country. Internal travel should be done by air. If road travel outside of Algiers is necessary, it should be done during daylight hours. You may seek additional security advice from the Embassy of Canada in Algiers.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel outside major centres while in Algeria, particularly to the mountainous region of Kabylia which includes the provinces of Tizi Ouzou, Bouira, Boumerdes and Bejaia, and to the provinces of Blida, Medea, and Ain Defla. Terrorist attacks, bandit activity and kidnappings for ransom have taken place in these areas.

In the Tizi Ouzou province, seven people were killed and two others injured on October 22, 2009, in an attack targeting security guards. In June 2009, at least 18 police officers were killed and several others were injured in an ambush near Mansourah town targeting employees of a foreign construction company. In June 2008, two people were killed in two successive attacks in Beni Amrane (Boumerdes province), including one French national, while several others were injured. The August 2008 terrorist attack at a gendarmerie training school in Isser (Boumerdes province) killed 43 people and injured 38 others. Two other attacks took place in August 2008 in the province of Bouira; 12 people were killed and over 30 others were injured.

Terrorist attacks often occur at night in rural and remote areas, on public transportation outside the major cities, and in some parts of the country. Canadians who choose to travel to these areas despite this official warning should exercise a high degree of personal security awareness at all times, monitor news reports and follow the advice of local authorities. They should also remain in contact with the Embassy of Canada in Algiers.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the remote desert areas in the wilayas (provinces) of Illizi, Tamanrasset and Adrar because of the presence of armed groups and the risk of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping for ransom. The provinces of Tamanrasset and Adrar border the countries of Niger, Mali and Mauritania where armed groups are known to circulate.

Canadians who choose to travel to the desert area despite this official warning should go to section 3 for additional information.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

The crime rate in Algeria is moderately high. Petty crime, including pick pocketing and purse snatching, is on the increase, especially in downtown Algiers. Theft from hotel rooms, from automobiles and on public transportation is also common.

The following hotels in Algiers operate under stringent security measures: Sheraton Club des Pins, the Sofitel, El Djazair (formerly St. Georges), the Hilton, the Mercure, and El Aurassi. On arrival, travellers should be briefed on hotel security measures. Travellers should retain their hotel key at all times. Walking in the Casbah region should be avoided.

Travellers should avoid unknown areas of cities and towns especially at night as robbery and/or physical attacks are persistent threats. Travellers should also keep all electronic devices in a nondescript bag slung across your chest, and avoid showing signs of affluence. It is advisable to carry minimal amounts of money and to leave the rest locked in the hotel safe.

Desert Travel

Travellers who go to the Sahara should be aware that their trip must be planned by a reputable tour operator, they must be accompanied by a professional guide, and they must obtain permission from the Algerian authorities. They should also register with the Embassy of Canada in Algiers and contact them for information and advice.

In the Sahara, the extreme climate, the lack of water and infrastructure as well as the visibility of Algeria's petroleum and gas industry (which is well guarded by both the Algerian military and private security services) create a different security environment. Tours organized by reputed tour operators in the region are considered safer; however the risk of groups being targeted by terrorists and bandits always remains.

Demonstrations and Civil Unrest

The country has been under emergency rule since 1992. Laws banning the organization of public meetings and demonstrations have been adopted to protect the stability of the country. Arrests have been made. However, strike activity and sporadic demonstrations due to ethnic tensions to protest political events both inside and outside Algeria may occur and could turn violent at any time. Foreigners may be targeted.

There have been incidents of unrest which have led to deaths, injuries and property damage. In November 2009, demonstrations relating to a World Cup football match (European soccer) resulted in damage to the airport and local businesses. In May 2008, over 70 police officers were injured and 150 people arrested in Oran, 230 km west of Algiers following days of demonstrations. Also in May 2008, violent incidents due to tensions between two rival ethnic groups occurred in the province of Ghardaïa.
 
Canadians should avoid large gatherings and political demonstrations, be vigilant of their surroundings at all times, and limit pedestrian travel, especially at night. They should also monitor local media reports.

Women's Safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Algerian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria and its consulate for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Algeria. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to Canada. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Students are issued a tourist visa.

Upon arrival, you are required to declare all foreign currency. A currency declaration form will be issued, and all transactions made during your stay must be recorded. This form must be presented upon departure. Foreign exchange transactions should be made through official channels. Contact the Embassy of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria in Ottawa for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Under Algerian law, men under the age of 35 must complete their military service. There have been cases of Canadian citizens who also have Algerian citizenship being refused permission to leave the country because they did not possess a card exempting them from military service, a deferment card, or evidence that they have completed their military service. While the Embassy of Canada will attempt to help individuals in this situation, they are considered to be Algerian citizens by Algerian authorities.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Algeria - ALGIERS, Embassy of Canada
Address: 18 Mustapha Khalef St., Ben Aknoun, Algiers, Algeria
Postal Address: P.O. Box 48, Alger-Gare, 16306, Algeria
Tel.: 213 (0) 770-083-000
Fax: 213 (0) 770-083-070
E-Mail: alger@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.algeria.gc.ca

The Embassy is open from Sunday to Wednesday (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) and on Thursday (8 a.m.-2 p.m.). Consular service hours are from 9 a.m. to 11a.m. Sunday to Thursday.

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Algiers and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

Please note that if you are in Algeria, you should dial the 0 shown in brackets. When dialling from outside the country, omit the 0 in brackets.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease. It is caused by a parasite which is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. There is no vaccine available against malaria. Travellers can reduce their risk by following the Public Health Agency of Canada’s recommendations.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical services are adequate in large urban centres though private clinics will tend to be better equipped. Outside of major centres, medical facilities are poor to non-existent. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for their services.

It is recommended that travellers drink bottled water and use preventative measures to avoid the risks of mosquito-borne diseases.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Algeria does not recognize dual nationality. The Canadian Embassy's ability to assist dual nationals is very limited. Children of Algerian fathers automatically acquire Algerian citizenship at birth, regardless of where they were born. Even if the child is listed on the mother's foreign passport, Algerian authorities may consider the child an Algerian national if the father is Algerian. The father's permission is required for any child under 20 years of age to travel, whether the child is travelling on a foreign or an Algerian passport. It is recommended to confirm the requirements with the Embassy of Algeria in Ottawa before departing Canada. The Department publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeting dual citizens.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively (e.g., it would be prudent for women to cover their arms and legs and wear a headscarf). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2010, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about August 11.

The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.

The general work week is from Sunday to Thursday. State institutions work Saturday to Wednesday.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Travellers should avoid using public transportation including taxis between the airport and the city centre especially after dark. Make arrangements in advance to be picked up and dropped off at the airport by your hosts or by hotel shuttles.

There are checkpoints on the main roads heading into and out of larger cities as well as throughout Algiers.

Road conditions can be poor outside of Algiers and signposts are rare. You should rent a car with a driver rather than drive yourself. Traffic can be very congested especially in large unban centres, and speeding and poor driving habits are prevalent. Traffic-related accidents have injured and killed a large number of people.

When travelling by car, tourists are advised to lock all belongings in the trunk and to keep doors locked at all times. It is highly recommended that you park your car in a guarded parking lot.

Buses and trains should be avoided completely as driving is generally hazardous and both have been targeted by terrorists and bandits. Taxis are not recommended as they generally service only the city centre and are not always available, especially late at night or at peak hours. As well, they are not dispatched to pick up single clients – they follow a standard route and pick up many clients going in the same direction.

Random terrorist or bandit roadblocks mean that all travellers, including foreigners, in rural Algeria are at risk of injury, robbery, kidnapping, or murder. Be extremely vigilant at roadblocks and stop only for police in official uniforms.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Alitalia, Air France, Air Azur (French), Lufthansa and Iberia maintain scheduled flights to Algiers. Several African and Middle East carriers fly into Algiers.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Algerian dinar (DZD) and is non-convertible. Travellers should ensure that they convert any excess currency prior to their departure from Algeria. Cash is the preferred method of payment in Algeria. Traveller's cheques and credit cards are not accepted outside of major hotels and some business establishments such as airline companies. Automated banking machines (ABMs), often unreliable, are available in a few major hotels and banks.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Algeria is located in an active seismic zone.

Seasonal rains can cause flooding. In October 2008, flooding caused at least 33 deaths and injured another 50 persons in Ghardaia, near the Sahara. Property damage was reported and services were disrupted. At such times, Canadians are advised to follow the advice of local authorities.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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