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Northern Africa

AlgeriaTravel guide

Explore Algeria visa rulesCommon scams in Algeria

Algeria is Africa's largest country. It has busy markets, Mediterranean beaches, northern mountains, ancient ruins and the Sahara desert.

Why go

  1. Explore the markets of Algiers.

  2. See Roman ruins and old desert towns.

  3. Visit beaches along the Mediterranean coast.

  4. Discover northern mountains and the Sahara desert.

  5. Try traditional food and experience Algerian hospitality.

Getting there

By air

  • Most visitors arrive by plane. Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers is the main international airport.
  • Regular flights serve European cities including Paris, London and Madrid. Travellers from the United States may need to change planes in Paris or Frankfurt.
  • Oran and Constantine also have airports that handle international passengers.

By land

  • You can travel by train from Tunisia, but you must change trains at the border.
  • Buy train tickets at stations. Ask there about departure times, as schedules can change.
  • All border crossings with Morocco are closed.

By sea

  • Algérie Ferries operates most ferry connections. Fares are usually no cheaper than flights.
  • Ferries from Spain connect Alicante with Algiers and Oran, and Almeria with Ghazaouet and Oran.

Customs

  • Keep your passport, visa and travel itinerary ready for immigration checks.
  • Be prepared for detailed questions. Your answers should match the information in your visa application.
  • Visitors are not allowed to take Algerian dinars out of Algeria. Algerian residents may take out up to DA10,000.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights

    Flying is the most convenient way to cover long distances. Air Algérie and Tassili Airlines serve destinations across Algeria. Both use Houari Boumediene Airport as a hub. Allow for delays, as flight schedules are not always followed closely.

  • Car

    Northern Algeria has a well-developed road network. Public transport means a car is not essential for many trips. Consider letting a local Algerian drive during your first few days so you can learn how traffic works. If you drive yourself, the source recommends staying on highways while you get used to local driving. Car rental agencies operate in Algiers, Oran and Constantine. You usually need a valid driving licence and a credit card for the deposit; an international driving permit is recommended. Desert roads require a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Carry a map because satellite navigation may be unavailable in rural areas. Do not drive into Saharan Algeria without desert-driving experience and knowledge of local roads. Fly there instead.

  • Bus

    ETUSA and TRANSTEV provide bus services. Bus fares between major cities range from DA500 to DA2,000. Local buses may be poorly marked. Toilets are rare on buses, and drivers may be reluctant to stop.

  • Train

    SNTF, the Algerian railway company, operates the trains. Buy tickets at stations because online ticket sales are unavailable. Check departure times at the station, as schedules can change. Choose a newer train if possible for more comfort and temperature control. Train journeys can be slow. The Algiers–Oran journey takes about four to five hours. Other routes link cities including Annaba, Constantine, Touggourt, Bechar and Tebessa.

What to see and do

  • Timgad Roman Ruins

    Explore Roman ruins, ancient architecture and history.

  • Monument of the Martyrs

    This landmark honours independence, those who died for the country and veterans.

  • Ketchaoua Mosque

    See a grand mosque built in the 17th century.

  • Grand Mosque of Algeria

    Visit its huge hall and viewing platform in the minaret, the mosque's tall tower.

  • Fortaliza de Santa Cruz

    This mountaintop fort offers views over the city.

  • Algiers Grand Post Office

    See a grand post office from the colonial period.

Food and drink

  • Couscous

    Steamed semolina served with a sauce containing meat, vegetables or both.

  • Chorba

    A soup made with meat.

  • Rechta

    Handmade noodles, usually served with clear chicken broth, potatoes and chickpeas.

  • Chakchouka

    A dish of green peppers, onions and tomatoes, sometimes with egg.

  • Mechoui

    Lamb grilled over charcoal.

  • Mhadjeb

    A flaky semolina pancake traditionally filled with onion, tomatoes, garlic, pepper and spices.

Money

Algerian dinar (DZD), written as DA or د.ج.

  • Algeria mainly uses cash. Most businesses do not accept credit or debit cards.
  • Keep coins and small notes. Businesses and attractions often cannot give change for large notes.
  • Banks and post offices exchange money at the official rate. Street money changers use a different, unofficial rate.
  • US dollars and euros are the easiest foreign currencies to exchange. Bring clean, undamaged notes because money changers may reject old or torn ones.

Typical costs

  • A metro ticket normally costs DA50.
  • A full meal can cost DA100–1,000.
  • Buses between major cities cost DA500–2,000.
  • Algiers–Oran train tickets cost DA900–1,130 in second class and DA1,200–1,530 in first class.
  • A 1.5-litre bottle of water costs about DA40.
  • Monthly apartment rent ranges from DA40,000 to DA100,000, depending on the area.
  • Summer coastal house and cottage rentals usually cost €700–3,000 per month, including electricity.
  • A bottle of Algerian wine at Algiers airport costs about €15.

Language

  • Arabic and Berber are the official languages.
  • Algerian Arabic, also called Darja, is widely spoken in everyday conversation.
  • Kabyle is the most widely spoken Berber language. It is used in places including Bejaia, Bouira and Boumerdes.
  • French is widely used in business and daily life, especially in Kabyle areas.
  • Many Algerians speak little or no English. Hand gestures can help when you do not share a language.
Washrak
How are you?
Mlih
Good.
Shukran
Thank you.
Y'Semoni ... / wasamni ...
My name is ...
Shehal
How much does it cost?

Staying safe

  • Rural, mountainous, border and remote desert areas have a heightened risk of kidnapping, robbery and terrorist attacks.
  • Do not travel near the southern border.
  • Avoid travelling after nightfall and using minor roads. Use public transport or fly where possible.
  • Ask police or gendarmes, another security force, if you are unsure about your surroundings.
1 common scams in Algeria, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Show interest in Algerian history, geography, attractions and culture.
  • Treat older people and people in authority politely.
  • Remember that privacy matters. Asking whether someone is married or has children is generally acceptable.
  • Expect people to use 'brother' or 'sister' as friendly forms of address.

Don't

  • Do not criticise or embarrass someone in public. This can cause strong offence.
  • During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public between dawn and sunset, even if you are not Muslim.
  • Do not behave loudly or rudely while drinking alcohol. Keep it discreet.

Laws to know

  • The source describes street exchange as widely tolerated, although it is illegal.

Staying healthy

  • Public healthcare facilities can be poorly maintained, crowded and short of staff. Getting help may be difficult without Arabic or French.
  • Medical care in southern Algeria, especially the Sahara, is extremely limited. Bring your own medical supplies if travelling there.
  • Summer power cuts in the south can spoil refrigerated food. Keep this in mind when choosing where to eat.
  • Buy bottled water in southern Algeria because tap-water quality can be poor.

Where to stay

  • Most hotels serve domestic visitors and business travellers. Mid-range and higher-end hotels are common.
  • Budget accommodation is scarce and often basic. Travellers on a small budget may need to use cheaper mid-range hotels.
  • Service may fall below what the listed star rating suggests. Mattresses outside top-end hotels can be very firm.
  • Coastal houses and cottages are rented during the summer season, from June 15 to August 31. Rentals are particularly common between Port Say, also called Marsa Ben M'hidi, and El-Kala.

Outdoor adventures in Algeria

Algeria has Mediterranean beaches, rugged northern mountains and vast desert landscapes. Outdoor options include mountain treks, summer hiking, skiing and visits to sandstone formations and dunes, but remote mountain and desert areas have serious security risks.

  • Tassili n'Ajjer National Park

    More to doSaharan Algeria

    Reach southern Algeria by plane if you lack desert-driving experience. Local park access and tour arrangements are not specified.

    • Remote desert areas have risks of kidnapping, robbery and terrorist attacks. Avoid the southern border.
    • Inexperienced visitors should avoid overland desert travel. Help is limited and it is easy to get lost.

  • Chrea National Park treks

    Trek

    The park offers treks among wooded peaks. Trail access and guide arrangements are not specified.

    • Mountain areas have heightened risks of kidnapping, robbery and terrorist attacks.
    • Avoid travelling after nightfall.

  • Chrea National Park ski station

    Skiing

    Use the ski station in Chrea National Park. Transport, equipment hire and booking details are not specified.

    • Mountain areas have heightened security risks.
    • Avoid travelling after nightfall.

  • Tikja winter skiing

    Skiingnear El Asnam

    Winter

    Visit the winter ski resort in El Asnam. Transport, equipment hire and booking details are not specified.

    • Mountain areas have heightened security risks.
    • Avoid travelling after nightfall.

  • Tikja summer hiking

    Hikenear El Asnam

    Summer

    Visit Tikja in El Asnam for summer hiking. Routes and guide arrangements are not specified.

    • Mountain areas have heightened security risks.
    • Avoid travelling after nightfall.

  • Turquoise Coast beaches

    BeacheNorthwest Algerianear Oran

    Explore the beaches around Oran for swimming and relaxation. Individual beach access details are not specified.

    • Beach cleanliness and upkeep vary.

  • Sidi Fredj

    BeacheCentral Algerianear Algiers

    Visit Sidi Fredj near Algiers. It is popular for its accessibility, though specific transport details are not given.

    • Beach cleanliness and upkeep vary along the coast.

  • Annaba beaches and Chappui

    BeacheNortheast Algerianear Annaba

    Visit Annaba's Mediterranean beaches for a relaxing day. Chappui is a named beach beside La Corniche.

    • Beach cleanliness and upkeep vary along the coast.

  • Grand Erg Oriental dunes

    More to doSaharan Algerianear El Oued

    The dune field is near El Oued. Domestic flights from Algiers to El Oued are listed; onward travel arrangements are not specified.

    • Remote desert areas have serious security risks. Avoid the southern border.
    • Do not drive overland in the Sahara without desert-driving experience and knowledge of local roads.

  • Aurès Mountains

    More to doNortheast Algerianear Batna

    Explore the mountain area around Batna. Specific routes, transport and guide arrangements are not given.

    • Rural and mountainous areas have heightened risks of kidnapping, robbery and terrorist attacks.
    • Avoid minor roads and travel after nightfall.

  • Belzma National Park

    More to doNortheast Algerianear Batna

    Visit the national park in the Batna area. Entry points and visitor arrangements are not specified.

    • Rural areas have heightened security risks.
    • Avoid travelling after nightfall.

  • Ghoufi canyon

    More to doNortheast Algerianear Batna

    Visit the canyon in the Batna area. Walking routes and transport arrangements are not specified.

    • Rural areas have heightened security risks.
    • Avoid minor roads and travel after nightfall.

  • Skikda beaches

    Beachenear Skikda

    Visit the coastal beach spots around Skikda. Individual beaches and transport details are not specified.

    • Beach cleanliness and upkeep vary.

  • Ghazaouet beaches

    Beachenear Ghazaouet

    Visit the coastal beach spots around Ghazaouet. Individual beaches and transport details are not specified.

    • Beach cleanliness and upkeep vary.

  • Marina Palm

    BeacheCentral Algerianear Algiers

    Visit the Marina Palm beach club in Algiers. Booking and transport details are not specified.

  • Sidi M'Cid Bridge bungee jumping

    More to doNortheast Algerianear Constantine

    The bridge is identified as a bungee-jumping location. No operator, booking process or operating details are given.

Airports, metros and trains in Algeria

Airports with scheduled flights

  • TMRAguenar – Hadj Bey Akhamok AirportTamanrassetMain international airport
  • AAEAnnaba Rabah Bitat AirportAnnabaMain international airport
  • BLJBatna Mostefa Ben Boulaid AirportBatnaMain international airport
  • BSKBiskra - Mohamed Khider AirportBiskraMain international airport
  • CFKChlef Aboubakr Belkaid International AirportChlefMain international airport
  • ALGHouari Boumediene AirportAlgiersMain international airport

Metro and subway

  • AlgiersAlgiers Metro19 stations18.5 kmsince 2011

Trains

Rail network
4,560 km
Electrified
480 km

People and safety in Algeria

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mostly one faith.

  • Muslim98%
  • No religion2%
  • Christian1%

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal

  • The law allows up to 3 years in prison.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #123 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

71% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 8 of 198 countries can visit Algeria easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required7
  • Visa on arrival1
  • eVisa1
  • Visa required188
  • Admission refused1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Africa5 of 53 countries
  • Asia2 of 50 countries
  • Europe1 of 46 countries
  • Americas0 of 35 countries
  • Oceania0 of 14 countries

Questions

Can I pay by card in Algeria?

Most businesses use cash and do not accept cards. Keep coins and small notes because change can be hard to get.

Can I buy train tickets at the station?

Yes. Train tickets are sold at stations, and online ticket sales are unavailable.

Will English be enough to get around?

Many Algerians speak little or no English. Arabic or French helps, and hand gestures can also be useful.

Do I need to rent a car?

A car is not essential for many trips because public transport is available. It can help when visiting more remote places.

Is it easy to find cheap accommodation?

Budget accommodation is scarce and often basic. Travellers may need to stay in cheaper mid-range hotels.

What food could I try first?

Try couscous with meat or vegetables, chorba soup, or mhadjeb, a filled semolina pancake.

Can visitors buy alcohol?

Yes, though it is not sold everywhere. Some hotels, bar-restaurants, nightclubs and city liquor stores sell it.

Can I drink tap water in southern Algeria?

The source advises buying bottled water because tap-water quality in the south can be poor.

What changes during Ramadan?

Most restaurants close until dusk, and working hours are shorter. Visitors should avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours.

What is the safest way for an inexperienced visitor to reach the Sahara?

The source advises flying. Overland travel requires desert-driving experience and knowledge of local roads, and help is limited.

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