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Risk level
Algeria – Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Algeria due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism.
Areas bordering Libya, Tunisia, Mali, Niger, and Mauritania – Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to the wilayas (provinces) of:
- Adrar
- El Oued
- Illizi
- Ouargla
- Tamanrasset
- Tébessa
- Tindouf
There are armed groups operating in these areas. There is also a threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
Kabylia region and Annaba, Béchar, Biskra, El Bayadh, El Taref, Jijel, Khenchela, Laghouat, Skikda and Souk Ahras wilayas – Avoid non-essential travel
Avoid non-essential travel to the mountainous Kabylia region, in the wilayas of:
- Bejaia
- Bouira
- Boumerdes
- Tizi Ouzou
wilayas of:
- Annaba
- Béchar
- Biskra
- El Bayadh
- El Taref
- Jijel
- Khenchela
- Laghouat
- Skikda
- Souk Ahras
There is a threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in these areas.
There is a threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in these areas.
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Safety and security
COVID-19 – Preventative measures and restrictions
COVID-19 preventative measures and restrictions are still in effect in some destinations.
These could include:
- curfews, movement restrictions, or lockdowns
- mandatory mask use
- required proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test result to access public and private services and spaces
Before travelling, verify if specific restrictions or requirements are still in effect.
Foreign Representatives in Canada
Wilayas bordering Mali, Mauritania, Libya, Niger and Tunisia
The security situation in these areas is unpredictable.
Armed groups operate in the remote desert areas in the wilayas of:
- Adrar
- El Oued
- Illizi
- Ouargla
- Tamanrasset
- Tébessa
- Tindouf
These wilayas border the countries of:
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Libya
- Niger
- Tunisia
There is a threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. Terrorist attacks and counter-insurgency operations occur regularly in the country’s east and south, particularly in border areas.
Banditry and kidnappings have also taken place.
Risk levels
Kabylia region and Annaba, Béchar, Biskra, El Bayadh, El Taref, Jijel, Khenchela, Laghouat, Skikda and Souk Ahras waliyas
Terrorist attacks, including the use of improvised explosive devices, banditry and kidnappings occur in the mountainous region of Kabylia, which includes the wilayas of:
- Bejaia
- Bouira
- Boumerdes
- Tizi Ouzou
There is a risk of injury, robbery, kidnapping or murder from random terrorist or bandit roadblocks in the wilayas of:
- Annaba
- Béchar
- Biskra
- El Bayadh
- El Taref
- Jijel
- Khenchela
- Laghouat
- Skikda
- Souk Ahras
Be extremely vigilant at roadblocks and stop only for police in official uniforms.
Risk levels
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks, causing deaths and injuries, have occurred regularly, particularly in the mountains of the Kabylia region, southeast of Algiers.
Algerian security forces are usually the primary target, but civilians have been killed and injured in attacks. Terrorists have also targeted foreign interests, including foreign oil and natural gas operations in the Sahara.
Though authorities have thwarted a number of planned incidents, the security situation continues to be unstable. Urban centres may be more secure than heavily wooded and mountainous rural areas, but there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Targets could include:
government buildings, including schoolsplaces of worshipairports and other transportation hubs and networkspublic areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Stay at hotels that have robust security measures, including:
- metal detectors
- guards
- security cameras
Keep in mind, however, that even the most secure locations aren’t completely free of risk.
Kidnapping
There is a threat of kidnapping in Algeria. Foreigners have been taken hostage, and in some cases executed. Terrorist groups have attacked oil and natural gas operations in Algeria. They have taken and killed hostages during these attacks.
Border with Morocco
Algeria’s border with Morocco is closed. Don’t attempt to cross into Morocco by land.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations can occur throughout the country. Even peaceful demonstrations can suddenly turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation, causing road closures and delays.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for the latest information
More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Crime
Street crime, such as robbery and theft, can occur in larger cities, particularly after dark.
If you are travelling by car, lock your belongings in the trunk and keep the doors locked at all times. Park your car in a guarded parking lot.
Women’s safety
Women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse.
Safe-travel guide for women
Road safety
Road conditions can be poor outside of Algiers, and signposts are rare.
Rent a car with a hired driver rather than drive yourself.
Traffic can be very congested, particularly in large urban centres, and speeding and poor driving habits are prevalent. Traffic-related accidents are comparatively far more common than in Canada.
Road fatalities increase during Ramadan due to fatigue.
Checkpoints
There are checkpoints on the main roads heading into and out of larger cities, and on roads throughout Algiers.
Public transportation
Avoid buses, which have been targeted by terrorists and bandits.
Taxis follow a standard route and pick up many clients going in the same direction. They generally only serve city centres, and their availability is sporadic, particularly late at night and during peak hours.
During Ramadan, avoid using public transportation, including taxis, between airports and city centres, especially after dark. Accidents are common due to fatigue. Arrange for airport pick-up and drop-off, in advance, by your host or hotel shuttle.
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
General safety information
If staying at a hotel, ask for a briefing on hotel security measures on arrival. Retain your hotel key at all times.
Avoid travelling on foot, particularly at night.
Security forces are present on roads, at airports and in front of government buildings throughout the country. Comply with their directives at all times.
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Entry and exit requirements
COVID-19 – Entry, exit and transit restrictions and requirements
Most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory due to COVID-19. These measures can be imposed suddenly and may include:
- entry or exit bans
- quarantine
- mandatory proof of vaccination or COVID-19 testing
- suspensions or reductions of international transportation options
Foreign authorities might not recognize or accept proof of vaccination issued by Canadian provinces and territories. You may need to obtain a translation, a notarization, an authentication, or the legalization of the document.
Before travelling:
- verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this situation
- consider even your transit points, as there are transit rules in place in many destinations
- monitor the media for the latest information
- reconfirm the requirements with your airline or tour operator
The situation could disrupt your travel plans. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance to change your travel plans.
Useful links
- Travel restrictions and health requirements – United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Algerian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from Algeria.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Official travel
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
- Canadian passports
Visas
Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Algeria.
Tourist visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Students are issued a tourist visa.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Children born to 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 consider the child an Algerian citizen if the father is Algerian.
Immigration authorities consider a person an adult in Algeria at the age of 19 years old plus 1 day. Under this age, a child travelling alone or with a third person other than one of his or her parents or legal guardians must produce paternal authorization to leave the country.
Confirm the requirements with the Embassy of Algeria to Canada in Ottawa before departing Canada.
Foreign Representatives in Canada
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Laws and culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Culture
The general work week is from Sunday to Thursday.
Driving
You should carry an International Driving Permit.
Illegal or restricted activities
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect detention or other penalties.
- Alcohol, drugs and travel
- Cannabis and international travel
Cultural heritage and antiquities
Algerian antiquities and other cultural artifacts that are considered of historical value or of national importance cannot be exported. There are strict laws regarding purchase and exportation of antiquities and objects of special significance to the country’s cultural heritage.
To avoid any difficulties, make sure you obtain and carry the required legal paperwork to purchase or export antiquities.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Algeria.
If local authorities consider you a citizen of Algeria, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
International Child Abduction
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Algeria.
If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Algeria by an abducting parent:
- act as quickly as you can
- consult a lawyer in Canada and in Algeria to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
- report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.
Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.
Useful links
- International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
- Travelling with children
- Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
- Emergency Watch and Response Centre
National obligations
Under Algerian law, men over the age of 19 must complete military service.
Canadian-Algerian dual citizens have been refused permission to leave the country because they did not possess a deferment card exempting them from military service, a certificate of census registration nor evidence that they have completed their military service.
While the Embassy of Canada to Algeria will attempt to help individuals in this situation, these individuals are considered to be Algerian citizens by Algerian authorities.
Dress and behaviour
Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws and regulations.
To avoid offending local sensitivities:
- dress conservatively
- behave discreetly
- respect religious and social traditions
In 2023, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 22.
In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:
- drinking
- eating
- smoking
Money
The currency is the Algerian dinar (DZD).
The DZD is non-convertible outside Algeria. Convert any excess currency prior to departure from Algeria.
Cash is the preferred method of payment in Algeria. Credit cards are not accepted outside of major hotels and some businesses, such as airline companies.
ATMs are available in a few major hotels and banks, although they are often unreliable.
Customs
Declare all foreign currency on the currency declaration form that is issued on arrival, and that you will have to present on departure. You must also record all transactions made during your stay.
It is forbidden to leave the country with more than 10,000 CAD or its equivalent in Algerian dinars.
You should make foreign exchange transactions through official channels.
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Natural disasters and climate
Forest fires
Bush and forest fires are common between July and August, particularly in the northern part of the country. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. In case of a major fire:
- stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
- follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
- monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation
Seismic activity
Algeria is located in an active seismic zone.
Seasonal rains
Seasonal rains can cause flooding.
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