Change description : 2024-02-16 12:44:00: Information on a US security alert warning of increased risk of kidnapping of Western nationals near camps in Tindouf region ahead of the Sahara Marathon 2024 planned for 28 February (‘Summary’ and Terrorism’ pages).Additional information on the visa upon arrival scheme for designated airports in the south of Algeria (‘Entry requirements’ page). [Guidance and regulation]
Information"Updated on a US security alert warning of increased risk of kidnapping of Western nationals near camps in Tindouf region ahead of the Sahara Marathon 2024 planned for 28 February ('Summary' and Terrorism' pages).Additional information on thewildfires visaacross uponsome arrivalparts schemeof fornorthern designatedAlgeria, airportsincluding in thepopulated southareas of(Summary Algeria ('Entry requirements' page).page)"
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to areas within:
30km of the borders with Libya, Mauritania, Mali and Niger
30km of the border with Tunisia in the provinces of Illizi and Ouargla and in the Chaambi mountains area
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 30km of the remainder of the border with Tunisia
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Algeria’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Ifyouarea British national and need consular assistance, call our 24-hour helpline on +44 20 7008 5000
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
There is a possibility of an increased threat against Western interests, including against British nationals. You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media and this travel advice.
Demonstrations and other forms of protest, are subject to various restrictions. However, different types of protests occurfrequentlyandcantake place at short notice throughout the country, particularly on TuesdaysandFridays. You should take precautions for your personal safety by avoiding political gatherings and demonstrations. See Political situation
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Algeria, including kidnappings. On 15 February the US Embassy issued a security alert warning of increased risk of kidnap of Western nationals in the Tindouf region ahead of the Sahara Marathon of 28 February. Terrorist attacks have focused on the Algerian state, but attacks could be indiscriminate and include foreigners. There’s also a risk that lone actors could target foreigners. You should be vigilant at all times and take additional security precautions, especially in townsandcities;the southern, Libyan and Tunisian border areas; rural and mountainous areas in the north; and the Sahara. See Terrorism
When moving around Algiers and the other main cities, avoid areas that you don’t know, especially after dark. WhenTravelling travelling in rural areas and at night isparticularlyriskyandit’s alwaysadvisable to travel with a reputable guide or companion.companionintheseareas.Avoid travel by road at night outside the major cities and motorways. See Crime and Local travel
You will need to get a visa before you travel. See Visas
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is severely limited in parts of Algeria where the FCDO has existing advice against all travel, and limited where the FCDO has existing advice against all but essential travel (see above).
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.