Algeria : Safety by City
Algeria is a country located in North Africa, with a Mediterranean Sea coastline in the north and sharing its borders with Morocco to the northwest, Tunisia to the northeast, Libya to the east, Niger to the southeast, Mali to the southwest, Mauritania, and Western Sahara to the west.
It also became the largest country in Africa after the secession of South Sudan from Sudan.
And even though Algerian recent history is shaded by civil wars that have been raging until 2002, Algeria is slowly picking itself up and restoring order.
Tourists coming to Algeria are usually those with a thirst for history and culture, as this country is best known for its ancient ruins from the Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine eras.
And even though it is better known for the ruins, another feature it offers to its tourists is the experience of visiting the vast spaces of the Sahara desert.
Many say that no other country can offer its tourists such an exciting visit to the vast Sahara desert as Algeria.
Warnings & Dangers in Algeria
OVERALL RISK : HIGH
You should know right from the start that Algeria is a country wracked by terrorism, and that terrorist troupes are still the cause of fear in this North African country. Having said this, Algeria still has tourism and it is possible to visit and travel through the region without consequences.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Transport is not that safe in Algeria, as tourists using public transport will stand out and other people will be watching you, on the streets and especially on buses, trains, etc. Make sure you don't fall asleep while traveling on public transport, as you might wake up with empty hands. Pickpocketing on buses and trains is also common.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Like in most developing countries, petty theft and pickpocketing are widespread in Algeria. Make sure you don't flash your valuables and generally don't look like you're wealthy. Dangling cameras, flashing money or credit cards or expensive jewelry is strongly recommended against.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
The situation is not serious in Algeria when it comes to natural disasters. Some parts of Algeria are susceptible to severe floods that cause substantial material damage. Northern Algeria is located in a seismically active zone.
MUGGING RISK : HIGH
Violent crime exists in Algeria and has been on a rise lately. Muggings are quite common and criminals are particularly active after dark. It's best to avoid dark streets and deserted areas when night falls.
TERRORISM RISK : HIGH
This is the sore spot of Algeria. Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Algeria, including kidnappings. The biggest threat comes from Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and other regional Islamist groups like Al Murabitun and Daesh-affiliates. These groups have been active across the country and are a threat throughout Algeria.
SCAMS RISK : HIGH
There are many scams in Algeria, one of the most popular being the tour guide scam, where men pose as tour guides and are actually just con artists trying to get your hands on your money. Be wary of people trying to distract you in order to steal from you and of taxi drivers overcharging you for a ride. We advise you to be extremely careful when handling money and around ATMs.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Algeria is mostly safe for women to travel to, but it is still advised to go out accompanied at night. Be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public.
So... How Safe Is Algeria Really?
Even though you will read many warnings about Algeria’s safety, concerning its political situation, things are getting better and better during this country.
After the civil wars, terrorism in 2005 was focused only on areas such as wooded mountains and near the Libyan or Malian borders, where the attacks were caused by the war in those two countries.
Nowadays, security is patrolling these areas, making sure the visitors to these areas are safe, though tourists should be cautious when visiting these areas.
What truly might be problematic for tourists is the terrorism that is still present in the country’s south where Algerian terrorist troupes have been trying to overthrow the Algerian government for years.
Known as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, the group has caused numerous attacks in the country, and the scariest thing is that they’ve publicly stated foreigners as their targets.
But this isn’t the biggest problem for the Westerners visiting Algeria: kidnappings are, and they’re widespread.
If you’re a tourist, it is best to avoid zones near northern Mali, Niger, Western Sahara, and Mauritania as kidnappings and killings have been reported as recently as 2011.
Suicide attacks are also common in this country.
Tourists are highly recommended against traveling anywhere after dark.
Avoid cars, minor roads and if you do venture somewhere during nightfall and wind up unsure about your whereabouts, don’t hesitate to ask the police for some advice.
How Does Algeria Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Algeria | 44 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Netherlands | 75 |
| Chile | 79 |
| Mongolia | 71 |
| Qatar | 84 |
| United Arab Emirates | 79 |
Useful Information
- Visas - A small number of countries can enter Algeria without a visa, and UK citizens can purchase a visa upon arrival. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of entering into Algeria. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
- Currency - Algerian dinar is the official currency in Algeria. There are banks all over major cities and most now have ATMs that work with foreign cards.
- Weather - The largest country in Africa, Algeria, has three types of climate: the mild Mediterranean climate on the coast, the transitional climate typical for the northern hills and mountains, characterized by a bit more rainy weather and the desert climate in the vast area of the Sahara desert.
- Airports - Houari Boumediene Airport sometimes referred to as Algiers International Airport, is the international airport serving Algiers, the capital of Algeria. It is located about 16.9 km southeast of the city.
- Travel Insurance - Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Algeria, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Algeria Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 17 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 24 | 28 | 31 | 32 | 29 | 26 | 21 | 18 |
| Low °C | 6 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 16 | 19 | 20 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 7 |
| High °F | 63 | 63 | 66 | 70 | 75 | 82 | 88 | 90 | 84 | 79 | 70 | 64 |
| Low °F | 43 | 43 | 45 | 48 | 54 | 61 | 66 | 68 | 64 | 57 | 50 | 45 |
Terrible, Avoid at all costs unless it's business related
I live in this sorry excuse of a country, it’s so corrupt politically and materialistically so you have literally gendarmerie escorts to whatever your hearts desire. You’ll be treated as royalty among common peasants.
Algeria is a very safe country even more then France.Recently France has had more terrorist attacks then Algeria.Also there is so much security
Eliaaan, SHAME ON YOU, go back where you came from please, we are better than that, Algeria is wonderful and have the best places and people on earth, it is also a very safe country
Would love to travel there. It’s a beautiful place I have seen on YouTube. They say its difficult to obtain a visa.
Well said….
Absolutely not a safe country. i guess even Somalia is safe for some people along Syria.
Very safe and many misleading information on line, go see places and do not believe the media
Shame on you for saying that about this beautiful country and it´s wonderful people!!! get out of here and go back where you came from, we do not need nor want you here!!! 1,2 3, Viva l´Algerie
Misleading Article
I agree with you: Algeria is a safe country. This article is very misleading.
You are misrible algeria safe than any country viva Algeria all the way
Algeria Native
Algeria is better than you think and if you don’t like it, don’t come.
As for the people wanting to visit Algeria, I know I am biased but the country is just beautiful with diverse cultures, good facilities, unspoiled Mediterranean coast, high atlas mountains, and plains, the mighty Sahara is just beautiful and the country is beautiful too. Don’t listen to hypocrites.
Toufiking, I like the way you think ! Algeria is Ok in 2020 ? No big problems ? Looking for honest answers, thanks. So many different things said.
Nice way of inviting the Tourists.
Is this a common language used by Algerians.
very nice country.
iLove it
cheers
Highly recommended
No true at all. Algeria is an amazing place to visit with the virgin nature and the hospitality of its citizens. Highly recommended.
Just stop... Please Stop
I respect your opinion but this is tourism not living quality… you see Algeria is beautiful but of course there are negatives… just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean it’s a “corrupt politically and materialistic” country. You probably got yourself into a wrong situation and something bad happened so don’t blame the government in such a manner. So if your reading this… be more considerate with your words… but I’m glad you expressed your opinions that were un necessary… Thank you lmao
You are one ungrateful dirty rat if you not happy why don’t you **** go back to your dirty hole
Nobody is forcing you to stay **** off
best country ever
I have been to Algeria a couple of times, and all I can say is: this is the best tourist country you can ever visit. beautiful and hospitable people, amazing Sahara Desert and sand dunes, very safe and welcoming nations, rich and deep culture… 🙂
Hey, I was wondering if this is a good or bad thing?
Algeria is beautiful country and it’s very safe to travel.
Agree
Beautiful
I agree
safe
watch this video and youwill understand everything
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQCgFuRJfwI&t=118s
This article is very wrong
This article is completely outdated, there is almost no terrorism in Algeria, yes maybe a couple threats in the South but not high risk. Every country has its terrorism risk – Paris has seen more terrorist attacks than all of Algeria. The information provided here is completely untrue, please do not refer to websites like this and instead speak to someone who has been to Algeria so they can give you a real account of what it is like. Algeria is a beautiful country, much more than its neighboring countries of Morocco and Tunisia but it just has not been given the chance to flaunt its beauty. As a woman I felt safe walking in the streets of Algeria: there was some catcalling but the 95% of the time I was treated with respect and kindess the whole time. I truely enjoyed my memorable trip to Algeria and will surely be returning 🙂
MISLEADING ARTICLE!!!
What a false and bad reputation you are giving to Algeria, I demand you erase this entire article and rewrite it; We are a safe and beautiful nation, nation of brave men and women, we went through hard times like any country throughout history, we overcame the difficulties and are now shining stronger than ever; don’t believe this article, don’t believe the media, just be safe and aware of your surroundings when you travel, let it be Paris, New York or Algiers, this article is misleading and insulting to all of us and I can not permit such lies about my Algeria #visitalgeria
UNSAFE
hello everybody.
as an Algerian citizen i totally agree with all the information mentioned in this article even though some of this informations didn’t clarify enough the bad situation will face a tourist traveling to MY COUNTRY.
for all tourists planning to spend a nice and SAFE holiday in northern Africa, i highly recommend to you to plan a visit to Tunisia or Egypt where you can be treated well and spend a relaxing holiday instead of spending your vacations in a country of terror.
be SAFE and avoid Algeria.
Nik mok ya kawad
Right !!! Well said !!
This article is so fake it shows us how much you guys are badly educated
You are not Algerian why you are lying SOB if you were why would you even stay in a country like you mentioned buddy Algeria is a purely wonderful country who has a magical devine Sahara love you Algeria
Algeria heart of the world
You are definitely not Algerian since you know shite about algeria or Algerians not only algeria is better than morroco and Tunisia combined it’s more beautiful with rich history and a better infrastructure and you don’t see people hasling you like the country I mentioned but I presume that you are a dirty rat jealous of algeria to be blunt if you want to experience a diverse country with romain byzantine ottomans Sahara biggest in Africa you are more than welcome
lie Algeria is very safe false Algeria hasn’t been dangerous for years
Algeria is one of the most beautiful and extraordinary country and the people are really friendly and warm this article is wrong !!
I visited Algeria on 2018 and it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been more than Tunisia and Egypt! Also more safe
Wrong article
Most of the infos here are wrong and this article is very outdated. Algeria, after the civil crisis, became more than safe. There has been no terrorist attack in almsot 20 years, even big cities like Paris have known more ! Algeria WAS wrecked by terrorism, not anymore.
Very security
Who wrote this article really hypocritical and false All this information does not exist You talk about Algeria as if you are hell You say attacks find by terrorism Give me evidence that he finds the terrorism of kidnapping tourists or attack a tourist place
utterly wrong, algeria is safe
this article is very outdated at least 20 years in past -__- , true there was a time it had terrorism yet the country pulled it self from it and now it’s really safe thank god, it’s been more than 20 years no major incidents even normal level crimes aren’t that much compared to the so called safe countries like usa or Europe who have much more constant and high crime rates where anyone might have a gun in his pocket
Stayed with my in_laws and it was a great experience visiting many places all over Algeria.
Interested in visiting
Is it safe for non Muslims?
Yes! All you gotta do is respect their religion.
Outdated
Samir, as an Algerian citizen myself, I should say that you, as well as this article, are both wrong. Algeria is way better than Egypt regarding health and safety according to this link:
https://countryeconomy.com/countries/compare/algeria/egypt
Sad excuse for a review
Seriously!! On what do you base all this false/fake information?! On the news? you should look higher up north and more to the west and you’ll find there are more terrorist attacks, kidnappings, mugging etc happening in europe and the US than in Algeria!
Or may be you have been to Algeria? I doubt it! whoever wrote this piece of sh*t has never set foot on Algerian ground or even researched the country. This is pure ignorance and hate.
Whoever wrote this should retire to an asylum of sociopaths.
Scary!
They are right, if you are not Muslim this place is extremely scary, stay away as a tourist!!!
!!!! Really! Jesus has spoken! I wonder who’s behind this “review” and your reply that was published may be quicker than my own comment!
You have NO CREDIBILITY.
We have bars all over the place and one cares, stop spreading lies.
As I’m leaving in Uk I believe Algeria is moor safe the Racist doesn’t even exist there and the people they are very friendly as Muslims we can say we are proud and we are very happy to not see you there
Algeria is on of the safest country in the world
This article is based on misconceptions Algeria is the safest country in north Africa at present time
not enough
I don’t agree with you. this might feel safer than other African countries but still no where close to countries like Poland, Canada, Denmark and many more.
Really …have u even visit Ed Algeria you Dumpass
I will not visit, I don't want to die.
Where there is Islam as a majority there is always problems, most of the people might be ok but even 1% out of 40 million citizens is about 400,000 of potentially radical Islam population, which by the way saying it’s only 1% is very optimistic.
If you don’t know from 1991 to 2002 there was a civil war between radical Islam and the government which resulted in about 100k-200k deaths.
So yes, I know time has past, but you really think there is no more radical Islam and Christians and Jews are free to walk the streets?
LITTLE KNOWLEDGE IS HARMFUL
Carol. I don’t live in Algeria, but BOTH Christians and Jews walk around the city freely. Majority of the population is Muslims, but they are extremely friendly. Go to Algeria 20 years ago and you will find the OPPOSITE results. Nowadays, There is almost no thing called “Radical” Islamists in the country now.
Be open minded
Watch drew binsky travel videos on Algeria. Hes American and his travel review on this country was good, I had to do my research and put it on my bucket list. Carol, if you haven’t visit this coubtry, please educate yourself and be open minded. Rather be closed mind and believe the first negative article you read . Right now there are terrorist attack in non Muslim countries and Muslim aren’t even the cause of it. so dont blame and assume every attacks on them. U.s have mass school shootings and killing dozen children so u.s school isn’t safe and that isn’t because of Muslim. See ? Don’t believe everything you hear and see on media. Travel and see for yourself.
i dunno bout this one
Carol honey… I believe you are wrong, and are making statements with absolutely 0 evidence. If you haven’t visited and don’t plan on visiting then I don’t think it’s your place to comment.
Also, your islamophobia is showing <3
Carol, you’re deluded by the media. People here are very friendly, all you gotta do is show respect to them and their religion. That terror period you’re talking about was about 20 years ago. There’s almost no terrorism here (none in the North and rarely if not none too in the south). You’re totally safe.
wrong wrong
Are you serious!! What a f*****g article. Algeria is so beautiful and secure .people are so welcoming. stupid and begoted article. shame on you. Go read do some serious research then talk about Algeria.
This article is tottaly false , I am speaking as an Algerian :
One : Algeria is one of the most safe countries in the world you can check it everywhere , like here : https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/murder-rates-by-country.html
Two : terrorism doesn’t exist any longer , there has been no terrorist attacks in more then 7 years .
Three : There’s no scam here , Algerian people are so nice and they would welcome you very well, we are very hospitable , you can check foreigners vlogs who visited Algeria , youtube is full of them 🙂 .
Four : Security like police and local army are almost everywhere so no need for you to worry , all you have to know is don’t walk in sucpicious places alone and at night that’s all .
the only problem the you might encouter is the language because english is our 3rd language and most of Algerians speak Arabic/French and English is kind of neglected .. but you will find who undersrands you 🙂
Lovely
Having been to Algeria a number of times over the last nine years, I would say it is a wonderful place to visit. I have family in Algeria and have visited tourist spots and other, family orientated places.
The Algerian people are very welcoming and. I feel safer in Algeria than in England !
Safe and beautiful. I will love to visit again
Algeria is most beautiful places I have visited and very safe.I was in Algeria from Jan 2018 to April 2018 and again visited from Nov 2018 to Jan 2019.
I visited Algiers and small town around Algiers like Sherega, Ouled Fayat. I visited the Roman ruins in Tipaza and had most delicious sea food cuisine
Ghardaia, the desert city is really awesome.This is must visit place.
People are french and Arabic speaking and really sweet and friendly. They will help you as you are one of them.
The above review is incorrect and it is most safe place on earth…lot safe than USA (Mass shooting)
Then why is the USA ranked way higher than Algeria in terms of safety and crime rate hmmm answer that oh wait lemme guess you are scared to admit that your horrible excuse of a country that nobody will even travel to by the way cause it’s dangerous. Like who would travel to your country?
stay mad lol
imagine being this heated over something as trivial as this- sounds like something a ‘pathetic loser’ would do
could never be me
***.you. I am sure you are ***, recheck with no.passpiet. Who gives s **** about your nasty opinion anyways. The guy’s name is Abhijith. it’s an Indian name you uneducated fool. Finish your burger and shut up **** ***
HELL DAYRA KI ZEBI
HELL DAYRA KI ZEBI
i can assure you will get stolen
What a shame .. isn’t it ironic , foreign people are defending Algeria but yet Algerians are talking shit about it , Algeria is a fine and safe place , we just have some ” Retards ” like you that made us look bad to the world 🙂
He is Moroccan.
algeria is safe
Algeria is safe, if you are a tourist and non-Algerian you have greater importance in Algeria and people will be kind with you more than Algerians themselves.
Worst country I ever heard of and no one should go to this disgrace of a country
Also, how come America is ranked higher than this country in terms of safety? hmmm answer that it’s ranked as 68 while your country is ranked as 44, what an unsafe country it is like you really think that it is safer?
Why would you think that? This country is a laughing joke compared to America at least we don’t have terrorism or petty theft and what about your country hmmm oh wait it has that what a shame…
triggered
look at the countless shootings every year then come talk
maybe fix your spelling too while you’re at it xoxo
north africa,and even more Algeria are safe
America and the UK are truly shithole countries. Those north african countries are safe, but we know damn right it would be too hard for our little lazy white kids to do some research instead of projecting their ignorance
Misleading Info
this is misleading information . Algeria is safer the France, the UK or any Europeen country and not only that but its amazingly beautiful and you’ll be surprised at how diverse its beauty is. So if you want to visit dont believe this article and give our country a try.
Was this written in 1999?
I would say that most of the information in this article is misleading and not accurate. Algeria is safer than most African countries, a less touristy, more genuine version of it’s neighbors Morocco/Tunisia. I would go a step further and say that Algeria is safer than most South American countries as well. The capital Algiers have many historical sites and there are a few new sites being built and accessible for everyone, example would be the new wonderful boardwalk in El Harrach, 10 years ago that area was just a dumpster! There is also a fairly new subway and tramway system that makes it easy to get around in the city center!
I think if you are french speaking it will be easier to get around in terms of grabbing a taxi or just communicating and interacting with people.
Finally, in terms of terrorism, Algeria is Africas biggest country sharing long boarders with troubled countries like Lybia, Mali and Niger so I would avoid being in those areas.
Help I need a tourist visa to Algeria
Hi does anybody know if I can use an email copy of an invitation letter to get a tourist visa to Algeria? I’m just asking because an invitation letter was sent to me 30 days ago and I still have not received it. I have already bought a plane ticket for the month of February.
Help I need a tourist visa to Algeria
Hi does anybody know if I can use an email copy of an invitation letter to get a tourist visa to Algeria? I’m just asking because an invitation letter was sent to me 30 days ago and I still have not received it. I have already bought a plane ticket for the month of February.
I think people who come from a country shouldn’t be allowed to comment or vote for their own country. It’s a biased opinion. Of course, if you come from Algeria yourself you will be treated completely different in Algeria than a foreigner.
Tell me, why do so many of you people live in France (and other parts of Europe) when you love Algeria so much? We all know the answer to this question. Right?
Hi Evilwhite,
I guess people choose to live where they want to and France has always been a destination of choice for Algerians (even though personally that’s not where I would like to head)… one thing I’d stress here is the corrupt political system which sent us back to the stone age and it will take a while before we can see change as it’s first and foremost a mindset and Algerians are learning to renew again with their culture and traditions.
Now the question, is it so bad to live in Algeria? is Algeria a risky country to settle in?
I’m well-traveled and can tell you that I’d rather live in my own country than being segregated elsewhere, we Algerians should understand that we have no exchange country and we should strive to improve its perception by embracing universal values such a respect and accept other peoples’ difference religious or else and live by those standards as our parents did.
Very Safe
Algeria Is Very Safe For Travelers
corona has came to stop me from going to Algeria XD
I would really love to travel there again.. but because of the coronavirus, I have to stay here in England lol
people are so friendly there even though im different from them… heh 🙂
toodles 🙂
DONT LISTEN TO THIS... It’s wrong and outdated
I have a friend in Algeria and have gotten the experience to see the beautiful scenic areas. Crime is low because most people belong to the Islamic faith and most people seem to be strict about the rules. The people are all hospitable and greet tourist with a VERY VERY VERY friendly manner. Terrorism is very low and definitely will not have any tension in the up and coming years. Things to know are that they speak Arabic and French mostly… and another foreign language to many countries called BerBer. But younger citizens most likely know English. I think it’s a paródiese also with their national parks. Don’t miss out especially because…. “Algeria, Tourism for everyone”
NOT SAFE
Please be aware , algeria is not safe , islamic terrorist everywhere
OK islamophobe zionist jew. not true, we haven’t bad a terror attack.im many years.
WTF terrorism in Algeria!! I’m sure u never went there lmao
This article is so misleading and wrong! be careful of articles like that!!
Very safe
Wtf, Algeria is a very safe country, no terrorism no scam, 99% of the informations are wrong, it’s a beautiful country, safe for foreigners, the people there are very friendly and if you don’t have money and Don’t know where you gonna sleep and stay, you can ask someone in the street and you can stay in his house for free, this is a very misleading Article
Interested in visiting. Algeria
I want to visit Algeria be road by November
I am just waiting for the borders to open up once again so I can visit – after a longe time of border closure! Can’t wait to visit this beautiful country & eat some delicious food, listen to music etc 🤩
Algeria is Very Safe, the Aryicle
This article is very misleading and has many inaccurate information. There is no terrorism anymore as it ended in the late 90’s. I am an Algerian who
Has been living in Canada for over 33 years. The only time I haven’t felt safe was during the Terrorism era. For the first time in my life I had to wait five years from my last visit in Nov1993 until summer of 1998 to go back. But after that every time I went back I have felt secure. Women work outside the house and contribute greatly to the economy. Algeria is a beautiful country
Primitive due to religion
I wouldn’t step foot there. Backwards in terms of human rights, like stepping back in time…
Amazing Nation
This article is Baloney. I am a White American, Speak zero French or Berber and I just came back from Algeria right before corona world… and it’s the nicest, most historical, most hospitable, most safe, most pure and naturally beautiful, most diverse food options, religiously open minded and tolerant society, with the best French baguettes, pastry’s like Paris, and lamb shawarma just as good as in Jerusalem. A fantastic country with a proud soccer team and democratic principles standing up for their rights.
thank you brother, you are always welcome 🙂
Very nice but potentially overwhelming
My dad immigrated from Algeria to the US (where I was born) so he knows a lot about where to go,what to do,how to avoid dangerous places and just general safety tips but I can see it being pretty overwhelming,loud, and scary to someone was doesn’t know all of that stuff.
It was very nice to visit since I went with someone who knows the area up and down but if you’re visiting by yourself I’d recommend reading up on customs,locations and the like before hand.
I’m Algerian and what’s written above is 100% accurate.
That thing in Algerian called ( Zalte ou tefar3ine ) means they’re proud of the place they live in. Immigration to other countries especially Union European explains that the conditions are bad in Algeria and people live poorly.