Algeria

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Algeria at this time because of the high threat of terrorist attack.

You should consider whether, given your own personal circumstances, you are comfortable travelling to Algeria knowing that you could be caught up in a terrorist attack, kidnapping or banditry. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to Algeria you should exercise extreme caution.

There is a risk of retaliatory attacks against Western targets by terrorists in Algeria following the French-led military intervention in Mali in January 2013. There is a high risk of kidnapping and terrorism across the West African Sahel region.

On 16 January 2013, terrorists attacked a gas facility near In Amenas in the Illizi province, near the border with Libya. At least 37 foreign workers and one Algerian worker were killed.

We regularly receive information indicating that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners and Western and Jewish interests, as well as premises and symbols associated with the Algerian Government. Increasing calls to abduct foreigners point to a growing threat against places frequented by foreigners in the region. Terrorists have in the past mounted attacks on significant dates and anniversaries, but attacks could occur anywhere and at any time.

Algerian terrorist groups have been fighting to overthrow the Algerian government since 1992. Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), which has formally identified foreigners as a legitimate target, has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks in Algeria and in neighbouring countries since 2006.

Terrorist incidents in Algeria over recent years include:

• On 6 February 2013, a group of 50 militants attacked an Algerian army barracks in Khenchela, 540 kms southeast of Algiers and 100km from the Tunisian border. Two of the militants were killed and six soldiers were injured in the attack, which was successfully repelled by the Algerian army.
• According to press reports, on 27 January, an armed group carried out a mortar attack against a camp protecting a gas main in Djebahia, in the Bouria province, 125kms southeast of Algiers.
• On 16 January 2013, a group of 32 heavily-armed terrorists attacked a gas facility jointly operated by BP, Norwegian company Statoil and Algerian energy company Sonatrach, in Tigantourine, near In Amenas, in south-eastern Algeria, 100kms from the Libyan border. In the attack, 37 foreign workers and one Algerian worker were killed. The attack lasted several days and concluded following an operation by the Algerian army to end the crisis. The attack have been linked to Al Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb.
• On 11 July 2012, a police barracks in Bouira (100 km southeast of Algiers) was reportedly attacked by mortar fire.
• On 29 June 2012, a police station in Ouargla (600 km south of Algiers) was attacked, killing one and injuring three.
• On 3 March 2012, a military base in Tamanrasset in southern Algeria was attacked with a car bomb, injuring 23 people.
• On 21 February 2012, Algerian media reported the Algerian military killed seven alleged terrorists during raids in the Boumerdès province east of Algiers.
• On 22 October 2011, three European aid workers were kidnapped from a refugee camp at Tindouf in western Algeria.
• On 26 August 2011, two suicide bombers attacked the Algerian Military Academy at Cherchell, 100km west of Algiers.
• On 4 February 2011, an Italian tourist, along with her guide and driver, was kidnapped in the south-eastern part of the country, near the border with Libya. The Italian was released in April 2012.
• On 12 October 2010, five civilians were killed by a roadside bomb in the north of Algeria near the Tunisian border, in the vicinity of Tebessa.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include Algerian government offices, clubs, restaurants, embassies and high commissions, international schools, international hotels, expatriate housing compounds, churches and other places of worship, shopping centres, outdoor recreation events, tourist areas, shipping and transport infrastructure, ports, airports and aircraft, security installations and police stations, petroleum and electrical infrastructure and installations or identifiably Western interests including businesses.

You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times in Algeria. Australians in Algeria should ensure they have appropriate personal security protection measures in place and avoid unnecessary travel in remote areas. You should reconsider your need to travel to Tizi Ouzou, Bouira, Bourmedès and Bejaia provinces (east of Algiers) in the Kabylie region due to the high threat of terrorist attack.

You should reconsider your need to travel by road in all parts of Tamanrasset and Illizi provinces in southern Algeria due to the presence of armed groups and high threat of terrorist attack, banditry and kidnapping.

Border areas with Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Libya:

We strongly advise you not to travel to border areas with Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Libya due to the increasing threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. There is an ongoing high threat of kidnapping against Westerners in the north and west regions of Africa, including remote areas of southern, western and south-eastern Algeria. Credible information indicates that terrorists are planning to kidnap Westerners in these areas. The threat is especially high in the Djanet district in Illizi province and Tamanrasset province, as well as the remote and desert areas of Mauritania, northern Mali, Niger and Libya.

AQIM has taken a number of hostages from remote areas in Algeria and neighbouring countries. A number remain in captivity.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying a ransom increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.

For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Demonstrations take place periodically in Algeria. Large demonstrations have occurred in Algiers and Oran. Incidents of civil unrest have also occurred in Constantine, Annaba, Bejaia, Boumerdès, Sidi Bel Abbes and Tizi Ouzou.

You should avoid any political gatherings or demonstrations, monitor the media for information about possible safety or security risks and follow the instructions of local authorities.

International events may prompt further demonstrations and protests. You are advised to avoid protests and demonstrations, particularly outside mosques and educational institutions, as they may turn violent without warning. You should exercise particular caution in the period surrounding Friday prayers.

The Algerian Government lifted the longstanding State of Emergency on 27 February 2011. However, demonstrations remain illegal in Algiers.

Petty crime such as pick-pocketing, bag snatching and theft from motor vehicles does occur, and is especially a risk in large cities such as Algiers and Oran. Crime levels are higher after dark.

Deserted beach areas should be avoided, even during daylight hours, because of the threat of banditry and carjacking. You should use a local licensed guide for any tours of the Kasbah area of Algiers. Criminals, posing as police officers, have been reported to have carried out robberies and car-jacking. Avoid carrying large amounts of money or valuables with you.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money in Algeria, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Consult your bank which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work in Algeria.

ATM cards and credit cards can be used in hotels and a limited number of businesses in large cities. Most international credit cards are accepted by some ATMs available in major cities. You should only buy Algerian dinars at bureaux de change at international airports and large hotels, and banks in major cities. The dinar cannot be exported.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery, cameras and electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe dry place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Please refer to our air travel page for information about aviation safety and security.

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Algeria, and you should take care not to offend. Women are advised to wear loose-fitting clothes that cover the arms and legs. Women should consider wearing a headscarf, particularly in rural and traditional areas and near mosques, religious shrines and religious educational institutes. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Physical contact between men and women in public should be avoided. Public displays of affection can cause offence, particularly in rural and traditional areas and near mosques, religious shrines and religious educational institutes.

The normal work week in Algeria is Sunday to Thursday.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.

Algeria does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Algerian dual nationals who are arrested or detained. We recommend you travel on your Australian passport at all times.

Australian/Algerian dual national males may be subject to compulsory military service and other obligations when in Algeria and should seek advice from the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Algeria, well in advance of travel.

Children born of an Algerian father automatically acquire Algerian citizenship at birth. Child custody decisions are based on local religious laws. Australians involved in custody and other family disputes should consult a lawyer before they leave Australia for advice on the impact of religious law on their family circumstances, including their departure from Algeria.

Dual national Algerian/Australian citizens should note that Algeria has been listed by the Government of the United States of America as one of the 14 countries whose citizens will be subjected to a full body and cabin baggage search on entering the United States.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Parts of Algeria, including Algiers, are subject to earthquakes and floods. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities in Algeria we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.