Destination Guides
Algeria

 
assport/Visa
 
Passport/Visa

Yes Yes No
Yes Yes No
Yes Yes No
Yes Yes No
Yes Yes No
Yes Yes No

 
Restricted entry

Entry and transit is refused to holders of Israeli passports.

 
Note

It is no longer compulsory to import a specific amount of currency for each day of the intended stay. However, all foreign currency imported must be declared and receipts retained for inspection.

 
Passports

Passport valid for at least six months required by all.

 
Visas

Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of Libya, Maldives, Mali, Malaysia, Mauritania, Seychelles, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia and Yemen for stays of up to three months;
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding sufficient funds, onward and return documentation and not leaving the airport. If transit exceeds 24 hours, a transit permit for up to 48 hours has to be obtained from airport authorities.
Note: Children under 15 years of age travelling on their parents’ passports do not need a visa, although a letter of authorisation is required from the parents or guardian.

 
Types of visa and cost

Tourist, Business and Transit. The cost varies according to nationality. For British passport holders, the costs are: Single-entry: £28 (US$39); Multiple-entry: £35 (US$39; 90 days). Contact the Consulate (or consular section at Embassy) for details; see Passport/Visa Information.

 
Validity

Tourist: approximately 30 days. Transit: maximum 48 hours. Business: up to 90 days.

 
Application to

Consulate (see Passport/Visa Information).

 
Application requirements

(a) Two completed application forms. (b) Two passport-size photos. (c) Passport valid for six months. (d) Fee. (e) Letter from current UK employer (and photocopy). (f) Pre-paid special delivery envelope for postal applications.
Tourist: (a)-(f) and, (g) Letter of invitation from an Algerian national or a hotel booking (accommodation certificate), duly certified by the relevant authorities. Itinerary details will also have to be provided if visiting southern Algeria.
Business: (a)-(f) and, (g) Letter of invitation from the sponsoring company.

 
Working days required

Dependent upon nationality, but three (minimum) for British nationals, 10 for postal applications and at peak times.

 
Temporary residence

Apply to the authorities in Algeria.

 

 
Passport/Visa Information


Embassy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in the UK
54 Holland Park, London W11 3RS, UK
Tel: (020) 7221 7800.
Website: www.consalglond.u-net.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700.

Algerian Consulate in the UK
6 Hyde Park Gate, London SW7 5EW, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 6885.
Website: www.consalglond.u-net.com
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 0900-1600; Tues-Fri 0930-1200 (visa applications); 1600-1630 (visa collection).

Embassy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in the USA
2118 Kalorama Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 265 2800.
Website: www.algeria-us.org

 
 
 
ontact Addresses
 
Office National du Tourisme (ONT)

2 rue Ismail Kerrar, 1600 Algiers, Algeria
Tel: (21) 713 060.
E-mail: ont@wissal.dz

 
Embassy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in the UK

54 Holland Park, London W11 3RS, UK
Tel: (020) 7221 7800.
Website: www.algerianembassy.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700.

 
Algerian Consulate in the UK

6 Hyde Park Gate, London SW7 5EW, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 6885.
Website: www.algerianconsulate.org.uk
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 0900-1600; Tues-Fri 0930-1200 (visa applications); 1600-1630 (visa collection).

 
Embassy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in the USA

2118 Kalorama Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 265 2800.
Website: www.algeria-us.org

 
 
 
ealth
 
Health

Yes 1
No No
2 N/A
3 N/A

 
1

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travellers over one year of age arriving from or leaving endemic or infected areas.

 
2

It is sometimes advised to get an immunisation course or booster against typhoid and sometimes poliomyelitis.

 
3

Malaria risk is limited. The benign vivax strain has been reported in Ihrir (Illizi Department). The recommended prophylaxis is mosquito bite protection only.

 
Food & drink

Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns is likely to be contaminated and sterilisation is considered essential. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

 
Other risks

Hepatitis A occurs. Hepatitis B, diphtheria and tuberculosis are all present.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical help without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

 
Note

In 2003, there were three reported outbreaks of bubonic plague in western Algeria: El Kehailia, south of Oran, and in the areas of Mascara and Sidi Bel Abbes; the last reported case was on July 10 2003.

 
Health care

Medical insurance is not always valid in Algeria and a medical insurance supplement with specific overseas coverage is recommended. Healthcare facilities are generally of a reasonable standard in the north but more limited in the south. Doctors and hospitals usually ask for immediate cash payment for their services. Emergency cases will be dealt with free of charge.

 
 
 
ublic Holidays
 
Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2006-June 2007 period.
Jan 1 2006 New Year’s Day. Jan 10 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Jan 31 Islamic New Year. Feb 9 Ashoura. Apr 11 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet). May 1 Labour Day. Jun 19 Revolutionary Readjustment. Jul 5 Independence Day. Oct 22-24 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Nov 1 Anniversary of the Revolution. Dec 31 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
Jan 1 2007 New Year’s Day. Jan 20 Islamic New Year. Jan 29 Ashoura. Mar 31 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet). May 1 Labour Day. Jun 19 Revolutionary Readjustment.

 
Note

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. The Algerian observance of Ramadan (lasting one lunar month and culminating in the feast days of Eid al-Fitr) has recently relaxed, and restaurants and other business centres will be open during the day. However, in the towns and oases of the south where religious observance tends to be more orthodox, some difficulty might be had in finding eating places and getting transport during the daylight hours. The end of the Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) is celebrated on November 3-5 nationwide. For a more detailed description, see the World of Islam appendix.