Algeria – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in Algeria due to terrorism and kidnapping.

Do not travel to:

• Areas near the eastern and southern borders due to terrorism and kidnapping.
• Areas in the Sahara Desert due to terrorism and kidnapping.

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Algeria. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and have recently targeted the Algerian security forces. Most attacks take place in rural areas, but attacks are possible in urban areas despite a heavy and active police presence.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside Algiers province due to Algerian government restrictions on travel by U.S. government employees.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Algeria.

If you decide to travel to Algeria:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel and see the U.S. Embassy’s web page for country-specific COVID-19 information. 
• Inform local police when visiting locations outside of major cities.
• Travel by air if possible; remain on major highways if you must travel by road.
• Travel with reputable travel agents who know the area.
• Avoid staying overnight outside of the main cities and tourist locations.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Algeria.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Eastern and southern borders — Level 4: Do Not Travel

Avoid travel to rural areas within 50 km (31 miles) of the border with Tunisia and within 250 km (155 miles) of the borders with Libya, Niger, Mali, and Mauritania due to terrorist and criminal activities, including kidnapping.

Visit our website for High-Risk Travelers.

Overland travel to the Sahara Desert — Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel overland in the Sahara Desert due to terrorist and criminal activity, including kidnapping.

Visit our website for High-Risk Travelers.