OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)
You are advised against all travel in the remote desert areas in the wilayas (districts) of Illizi, Tamanrasset and Adrar.
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW9)
You are advised against non-essential travel outside major centres while in Algeria. Since 2005, the city of Algiers and its immediate suburbs have recorded a drop in the number of terrorist-associated incidents. However, there are continued security concerns. Random terrorist attacks still occur in rural and remote areas, on public transportation outside the major cities and in some parts of the country at night.
Canadians travelling on business should evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety before deciding to travel to Algeria, due to threats of violence in some parts of the country. You may seek additional security advice from the Embassy of Canada in Algiers (see Section 7 below). Internal travel should be done by air. If road travel outside of Algiers is necessary, it should be done during daylight hours.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).
Algeria does not recognize dual nationality. The Canadian Embassy's ability to assist dual nationals is very limited. Children of Algerian fathers automatically acquire Algerian citizenship at birth, regardless of where they were born. Even if the child is listed on the mother's foreign passport, Algerian authorities may consider the child an Algerian national if the father is Algerian. The father's permission is required for any child under 20 years of age to travel, whether the child is travelling on a foreign or an Algerian passport.
Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively (e.g., women should wear a headscarf and also cover their arms and legs). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.
The Algerian work week is Saturday through Wednesday.
During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 24, 2006.
Algeria - ALGIERS, Embassy of Canada Address: 18, rue Mustapha Khalef, Ben Aknoun, Alger, Algeria Postal Address: P.O. Box 48, Alger-Gare, 16000, Algeria Tel.: 213 (0) 21-91-49-51 or 21-91-49-60 Fax: 213 (0) 21-91-49-73 E-mail:alger@international.gc.ca Internet:http://www.algeria.gc.ca
The Embassy of Canada is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday.
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Algiers and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Algeria. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to Canada. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.
Tourist Visa: Required Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Students are issued a tourist visa.
Upon arrival, you are required to declare all foreign currency. A currency declaration form will be issued, and all transactions made during your stay must be recorded. This form must be presented upon departure. Foreign exchange transactions should be made through official channels. Contact the Embassy of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria in Ottawa for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Algerian law requires a period of compulsory military service for all men under the age of 35. There have been cases of Canadian citizens who may also have Algerian citizenship being refused permission to leave the country because they did not possess a card exempting them from military service, a deferment card, or evidence that they have completed their military service. While the Embassy of Canada will attempt to help individuals in this situation, they are considered by Algerian authorities to be Algerian citizens.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Foreign officials and transportation companies are vigilant concerning documentation for children crossing international borders. Make sure you carry the proper identification for yourself and any children travelling with you, including any documents that might be required by foreign and/or local authorities.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.