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 Sahara desert. Many say that no other country can offer its tourists such 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 wrecked 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 is 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 in this country. After the civil wars, terrorism in 2005 was focused only in areas such as wooded mountains and near the Libyan or Malian borders, where the attacks were caused by 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 problems 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.
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 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 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
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
You are misrible algeria safe than any country viva Algeria all the way
Algeria is beautiful country and it’s very safe to travel.
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
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
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.
Outdated piece of crap
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.
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?
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 !