Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to within 30km of Algeria’s borders with:
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 30km of the rest of Algeria’s border with Tunisia.
\n\nFind out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Algeria’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Algeria set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Algerian Consulate in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Algeria, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.
\n\nIf your passport is lost or stolen during your stay, the Algerian authorities will ask for a police report when you leave the country.
\n\nYou must have a visa to visit Algeria.
\n\nCheck your visa details, including validity dates, before you travel. If you overstay, it is likely Algerian immigration police will detain you at the airport on departure. You may face criminal prosecution and up to 3 months in prison.
\n\nIf you want to extend your stay in Algeria, apply at the town hall (‘la wilaya’) nearest to you.
\n\nBefore you travel, apply for a visa through the Algerian Consulate in the UK.
\n\nYou may be able to get a tourist visa on arrival at some airports in Algeria if the majority of your travel is in the south of the country. You should have a confirmed reservation with an approved local travel agency. Contact the Algerian Consulate in the UK for more information and for details of approved travel agencies.
\n\nTo enter Algeria, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Algeria guide.
\n\nIn Algeria, a child is:
\n\nsomeone under the age of 19 years and one day
\nconsidered to be an Algerian citizen if one of their parents is Algerian
\nIf an Algerian citizen or a British-Algerian dual national child travels with one parent, the parent (whether mother or father) must prove their parental link through a ‘Livret de famille’ (original or certified copy).
\n\nAlgerian children travelling alone must have a letter (‘Autorisation Parentale’) from their parent or legal guardian giving them permission to leave the country. Children not from Algeria travelling alone need to show proof of permanent residence in the country they are travelling to.
\n\nFor further information, check the website of the Algerian Ministry of Interior or contact the Algerian Consulate in London.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Algeria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou can get a prison sentence for smuggling antiquities in Algeria. If you buy souvenirs, get proof of authenticity for anything that looks old or antique. Otherwise, the Algerian authorities may detain you on departure at the airport and confiscate the souvenirs.
\n\nDeclare cash at your point of entry and exit into Algeria if the amount you are carrying exceeds 5000 euros or its equivalent in other currencies. Failure to declare or false declaration of imported and exported cash constitutes an offense which may lead to criminal prosecution.
\n\nOnly travellers with residency status are allowed to bring in and take out Algerian banknotes, up to a maximum of 10,000 Algerian dinars.
\n\nFor further details, see You arrive in Algeria - Direction Générale des Douanes.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Algeria.
\nTerrorist attacks have often focused on the Algerian state, but attacks could be indiscriminate and target foreign nationals. There is also a risk that lone actors target foreign nationals. You should remain vigilant at all times and follow specific advice and direction of the local security authorities.
\n\nThe threat from terrorism is higher in some parts of the country, including:
\n\nThe Algerian authorities continue to conduct effective counter-terrorism operations to disrupt terrorist activity but there’s a continuing threat of further terrorist attacks.
\n\nThe terrorist threat comes from individuals inspired by Islamist extremist and anti-Semitic ideology and established groups, such as Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). These groups have been active across the country and likely consider Western nationals legitimate targets.
\n\nRecent significant attacks include:
\n\nThere is a threat of kidnapping by groups operating in North Africa, particularly from Libya, Mauritania and groups originating in the Sahel. This includes AQIM and Daesh-affiliated groups, who may travel across the region’s porous border. There is a heightened risk of kidnap in border and remote desert areas of North Africa, particularly in the southern and eastern border areas (bordering Mali and Libya respectively). Terrorist groups have kidnapped foreigners, government officials and civilians in the region for financial gain and for political leverage.
\n\nBritish nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
\n\nThe long-standing policy of the British government is to not make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) also makes payments to terrorists illegal.
\n\nDemonstrations and other forms of protest are subject to various restrictions. You should take precautions for your personal safety by avoiding political gatherings and demonstrations. Follow instructions given by local security authorities.
\n\nThe land border between Algeria and Morocco is closed. Do not attempt to cross it.
\n\nThe Algerian authorities do not always inform the British Embassy when British nationals have been arrested. If you are detained, insist on your right to contact the British Embassy.
\n\nIt can take time for the British Embassy to get the necessary permission to visit you.
\n\nThere is a risk of pickpocketing, robbery and petty theft in the larger cities in Algeria.
\n\nYou can take precautions such as:
\n\nMaintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK and take care when walking or travelling alone.
\n\nIf you plan to tour the Casbah area of Algiers, use a good local guide and make sure your hosts or hotel know your plans.
\n\nYou should check the latest guidance of local authorities before moving around the country.
\n\nThe Algerian authorities devote considerable resources to the safety of foreign visitors. There’s a clear security presence, which can feel intrusive.
\n\nYou do not have to carry your passport at all times, but take it with you on longer journeys. You must have your passport if you travel inside Algeria by air. Keep copies of your passport’s photo page and your visa or entry stamp in a separate place.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country, next starting in February 2026. During this time, do not:
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nIt is illegal to be under the influence of alcohol in a public place.
\n\nThere is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences. The penalties for trafficking, smuggling, using and possessing illegal drugs are severe and can include the death penalty depending upon the severity of the offence.
\n\nMobile phone coverage can be patchy or unavailable in more remote areas, particularly in the south of Algeria. Some online maps may not be accurate in remote areas.
\n\nIt is illegal to bring drones, binoculars, telescopes and certain types of photography equipment into Algeria without authorisation. If you have any doubt about items you plan to bring with you, contact the Algerian customs to check prior to your travel.
\n\nSexual acts between people of the same sex are illegal in Algeria.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nAlgerian family law is different from UK law. Mothers cannot renew their children’s passports without written consent from the father. Fathers can renew their children’s passports without needing the mother’s consent.
\n\nAlgerian nationals, including dual-nationals, who enter the country on an Algerian passport, must leave the country on an Algerian passport, so if you are travelling with a child who has British-Algerian dual nationality, and you are unable to access a valid Algerian passport for them, you will not be able to bring the child out of Algeria without the father’s written consent or permission from the Algerian courts.
\n\nIf you are a British male of Algerian origin, you may be liable for national service even if you have been living outside of Algeria. You can contact the Algerian consulate near you to check your status prior to travelling to Algeria.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Algeria, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Algeria for up to 3 months after you first arrive. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nThe Algerian authorities may ask to see an IDP. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nIf you are planning to hire a car, check with your car hire company for information on their requirements before you travel.
\n\nAlgeria has a very high road traffic accident rate and driving can be erratic.
\n\nThere is very little lane discipline and often confusion about the right of way, especially at roundabouts. Take particular care when crossing roads on foot, even where there is a signal allowing you to do so.
\n\nBe cautious driving on minor roads, particularly at night outside towns. Roads and vehicles may not have lighting.
\n\nIn Algeria roads can have:
\n\nAt military or police checkpoints, approach slowly, do not cross boundaries without permission and be prepared to show photo ID if asked.
\n\nCheck the availability of petrol stations before travelling long distances in remote areas.
\n\nIf you are taking a taxi, ask your hotel to phone a reputable firm and do not allow unknown passengers to join you. Ask the driver to collect you for the return journey as taxis are not widely available, particularly after dark.
\n\nRail travel is generally safe, although safety standards tend to be lower than those in the UK. There is a risk of petty crime on trains.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nSummer wildfires caused significant damage and numerous deaths in towns east of Algiers in 2023, 2022 and 2021. Similar fires could flare up without warning, especially during periods of extreme weather. Follow local advice and avoid travelling to areas where fires may break out.
\n\nParts of Algeria are prone to severe and dangerous flood damage. There have been instances where people have been killed, houses submerged and cars swept away.
\n\nEarthquakes are a risk in the northern part of Algeria, including Algiers.
\n\nIn May 2003, a severe earthquake struck the Algiers area. There were over 2,200 dead and more than 10,000 injured. Smaller earthquakes happen regularly. In July 2014, an earthquake killed 6 people and injured 420.
\n\nThe US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nyour destination can provide the healthcare you may need
\nyou have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 16 or 1021 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Algeria.
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Algeria. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nFacilities at private clinics are usually better than government hospitals. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nEnglish is not widely spoken and you may face communication difficulties if you do not speak Arabic or French.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Algeria.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 1021
\n\nFire: 14
\n\nPolice: 17 or 1548
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Algeria on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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