Explore the Wonders of Algeria: A Journey Through History and Culture
Africa’s largest country is a must for intrepid travellers, its snow-flecked mountains and rugged coastline promising romance and adventure. Urbane, captivating cities such as Algiers and Constantine add to its splendour, as do some of the finest Roman sites in the world.
The capital, Algiers, reveals its turbulent history through French-built boulevards, socialist-era monuments and elegant apartments that weave a textured tale of destruction and rebirth. By contrast, laid-back Tlemcen is surrounded by olive trees and vineyards, and provides a change of pace. It’s a wonderful destination for leather shopping. Hikers can explore the lunar landscapes of the northwestern mountain ranges, while Djemila and other beautifully preserved Roman towns offer a glimpse into the area’s past. Further south, the Saharan region extends over a sea of sand to mountains that are as beautiful as they are unyielding. Their caverns contain rock paintings that date back more than 10,000 years.
Unlike neighbouring Morocco, Algeria has yet to become an established tourist destination. However, given its natural beauty, history and rich culture, that may soon change. The country has also made a real effort to improve its general safety, though travel to the more remote areas and wider Sahel region is still considered extremely dangerous with regards to terrorists.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Arabic and Berber are the official languages in Algeria. The most widely spoken foreign language is French, followed by English.
- Passport/Visa:
Passports must be valid for at least six months after intended stay. Visas are required for all visitors except when in transit and spending less than 24 hours without leaving the airport. A transit visa for up to 48 hours can be obtained from airport authorities. Visitors may be required to produce return or onward tickets, other documents for next destination, and proof of sufficient funds. Those arriving from yellow fever risk countries must carry proof of vaccination.
- Currency:
The unit of currency is the Algeria Dinar (DZD), which is divided into 100 centimes. Algeria has a cash-based economy and, although ATMs are available in the bigger cities and more popular hotels, most won’t accept international cards. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and the larger hotels.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current in Algeria is 230 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin and Schuko plugs are standard.
Algeria holds all the hallmarks of a Mediterranean climate, as it’s warm but wet in the winter along the coast, and extremely cold on the higher plateau. Summers are dry along the coast and downright arid as visitors progress inland. The hot sirocco wind can make for an unpleasant summer.
Health Notes when travelling to Algeria
Proof of vaccination is required if travellers are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs. Caution should be taken by those with respiratory diseases, as they may be exposed to dust and sandstorms. Tap water isn’t considered safe, so bottled water is recommended; keeping hydrated is necessary as there is a threat of heat stroke. Healthcare services are not up to the standards many expats are used to but private hospitals and clinics in Algiers or Oran are adequate. Travel insurance is recommended for evacuation or treatment in nearby countries.
Safety Notes when travelling to Algeria
Most visits to Algeria are trouble-free, though incidents of robbery and thefts do occur in certain areas of larger cities. Travel to the southern part of Algeria is advised against by most Western governments, particularly to places such as Tamanrasset, Tindouf, Boumerdès, Bouira and Tizi Ouzou. Long trips and overland travel should be avoided as terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks and kidnappings. Crowds and protests should also be avoided.
Customs in Algeria
Greetings and hospitality are important to Algerians. Male tourists should shake hands with Algerian men, but wait for women to offer a handshake. Female tourists should use their own judgement as to whether a handshake or a polite hello is the right greeting.
As Algeria is a predominantly Islamic country, visitors should avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during the month of Ramadan. For the same reason, drinking alcohol is generally frowned upon.
Women are expected to dress conservatively. Homosexual activity is illegal and punishable by imprisonment. Photographing of police or military personnel or facilities is strictly prohibited.
Duty Free in Algeria
Travellers over the age of 17 do not pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. The same applies for 250ml of eau de toilette, 50ml of perfume in opened bottles and one litre of alcoholic beverages per person. Narcotics and gold are prohibited.
Doing Business in Algeria
Pleasantries are considered essential to business dealings in Algeria, so it’s important not to release a handshake too hastily and to ask after health and family. Closeness is an expression of warmth and familiarity to Algerians. Business cards are used but some effort should be made to have them translated to Arabic and French.
Communication in Algeria
The international access code for Algeria is +213. WiFi is available at hotels and restaurants; travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Algeria
A 10 percent tip is expected but may be factored into the price at more upmarket venues.
Passport/Visa Note
Passports must be valid for at least six months after intended stay. Visas are required for all visitors except when in transit and spending less than 24 hours without leaving the airport. A transit visa for up to 48 hours can be obtained from airport authorities. Visitors may be required to produce return or onward tickets, other documents for next destination, and proof of sufficient funds. Those arriving from yellow fever risk countries must carry proof of vaccination.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a passport valid for at least six months from the arrival date. Visa required.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals require a passport valid for at least six months from the arrival date. Visa required.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a passport valid for at least six months from the arrival date. Visa required.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals require a passport valid for at least six months from the arrival date. Visa required.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least six months from the arrival date. Visa required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least six months from the arrival date. Visa required.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals require a passport valid for at least six months from the arrival date. Visa required.
Tourist Offices
National Tourist Office, Algiers: +213 21 43 8060
Algeria Embassies
- In the United States:
Algerian Embassy, Washington: +1 202 265 2800
- In Canada:
Algerian Embassy, Ottawa: +1 613 789 8505
- In the United Kingdom:
Algerian Embassy, London (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7299 7077
- In Australia:
Algerian Embassy, Canberra (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6286 7355
- In South Africa:
Algerian Embassy, Pretoria: +27 12 342 5074
Foreign Embassies in Algeria
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Algiers: +213 770 082 000
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Algiers: +213 770 08 30 00
- British Embassy
United Kingdom Embassy, Algiers: + 213 770 085 000
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Algeria): +33 1 4059 3300
- Irish Embassy
Embassy of Ireland, Berne, Switzerland (also responsible for Algeria): +41 31 350 0380
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Cairo, Egypt (also responsible for Algeria): +20 2 246 16000
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Algiers: +213 21 484 418
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