“Does Algeria have a terrorism problem?” or “Is it safe to travel to Algeria?” are the first questions travelers ask when they are thinking about traveling to this North African country. The answer to these questions seem to always be the same, “Yes, it is safe, with a few caveats.”
Algeria Travel Synopsis:
Algeria –
The country of Algeria, is generally considered safe, for both business and leisure travel, except in designated high threat areas. Those areas according to the U.S. Department of State are:
- Areas near the eastern and southern borders due to terrorism.
- Areas in the Sahara Desert due to terrorism.
Arabic and French are the predominate languages. It is not recommended travelers drink the water, while food is considered safe to eat.
Common crimes tend to be crimes of opportunity (pickpocketing, purse, snatching, house burglaries and similar crimes) by perpetrators who operate in high-traffic and high-density areas.
US tourists and business travellers are welcome but should remain in major cities unless escorted by security personnel.
The US Department of State has designated Algeria as Threat Level 2.
![Securely Travel - Department of State Threat levels](https://i0.wp.com/securelytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/State-Threat-levels.png?resize=233%2C193&ssl=1)
![Securely Travel - Department of State Threat levels](https://i0.wp.com/securelytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/State-Threat-levels.png?resize=233%2C193&ssl=1)
![Securely Travel - Department of State Threat levels](https://i0.wp.com/securelytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/State-Threat-levels.png?resize=233%2C193&ssl=1)
Addresses & Numbers you can use in Algeria:
![United States](https://i0.wp.com/securelytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/United-States-01.png?resize=111%2C111&ssl=1)
![United States](https://i0.wp.com/securelytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/United-States-01.png?resize=111%2C111&ssl=1)
U.S. Embassy Algiers
5 Chemin Cheikh Bachir
Ibrahimi,
El-Biar
16030 Algiers
Algeria
Telephone: +(213) 770-08-2000
Emergency: +(213) 770-08-2200
Fax: 0770-08-2064
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://algiers.usembassy.gov/
Local Emergency Services
Crime Victim Assistance
Police: 1548 and 17 021-73-53-50
Gendarmerie: 1055
Fire: 14 021-71-14-14
Ambulance: 021-23-63-81
According to the US Department of State: Bureau of Consular Affairs, emergency operators speak Arabic and French and English is not widely used. However, police are supportive and the first agency to respond to queries for assistance. In the event of an emergency, the police will inform the hospitals for medical assistance and an ambulance. Medical expertise varies and may not be up to US standards. Cholera, Tuberculosis and HIV/Aids are prevalent and cholera outbreaks have been reported recently.
Travel Advice
U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest travel security information for Algeria. By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
Updated: 18 December 2022
Questions?
Contact us at Email: [email protected]
Please take 2 mins and tell us which country(ies) are of interest to you.