Official Global Travel Advisories
- Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice
- Avoid all cruise ship travel outside Canada until further notice
Mandatory COVID-19 testing
To be allowed to board a flight to Canada, all air passengers 5 years of age or older, including Canadians, are required to show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken within 72 hours of their scheduled time of departure to Canada. If the traveller has a connecting flight to Canada, the pre-departure test must be conducted within 72 hours of the last direct flight to Canada. This means they may need to schedule a COVID-19 test at their transit city within 72 hours of their direct flight to Canada.
All travellers 5 years of age or older, including Canadians, arriving to Canada by land are required to show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken in the United States within 72 hours prior to crossing the border into Canada.
Alternatively, travellers can present a positive COVID-19 molecular test taken between 14 and 90 days prior to departure.
More information on measures in place to enter Canada – Government of Canada
Algeria Register Travel insurance Destinations
Last updated: ET
Still valid: ET
Latest updates: Safety and security - update of curfew hours
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Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
COVID-19 – Global travel advisory
Effective date: March 13, 2020
Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel.
Algeria - Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Algeria due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism.
Areas bordering Libya, Tunisia, Mali, Niger, and Mauritania - Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to the wilayas (provinces) of:
- Adrar
- El Oued
- Illizi
- Ouargla
- Tamanrasset
- Tébessa
- Tindouf
Kabylia region and Annaba, Béchar, Biskra, El Bayadh, El Taref, Jijel, Khenchela, Laghouat, Skikda and Souk Ahras wilayas - Avoid non-essential travel
Avoid non-essential travel to the mountainous Kabylia region, in the wilayas of:
- Bejaia
- Bouira
- Boumerdes
- Tizi Ouzou
wilayas of:
- Annaba
- Béchar
- Biskra
- El Bayadh
- El Taref
- Jijel
- Khenchela
- Laghouat
- Skikda
- Souk Ahras
Safety and security
Safety and security
COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions
Preventative measures and restrictions are in place and may vary according to the region. You must wear a face covering in public.
A curfew is in effect from midnight to 4 a.m. in several wilayas including Algiers.
If you violate the restrictions you could be fined or detained for endangering public health. Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing.
Wilayas bordering Mali, Mauritania, Libya, Niger and Tunisia
The security situation in these areas is unpredictable.
Armed groups operate in the remote desert areas in the wilayas of:
- Adrar
- El Oued
- Illizi
- Ouargla
- Tamanrasset
- Tébessa
- Tindouf
These wilayas border the countries of:
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Libya
- Niger
- Tunisia
There is a threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. Terrorist attacks and counter-insurgency operations occur regularly in the country’s east and south, particularly in border areas.
Banditry and kidnappings have also taken place.
Kabylia region and Annaba, Béchar, Biskra, El Bayadh, El Taref, Jijel, Khenchela, Laghouat, Skikda and Souk Ahras waliyas
Terrorist attacks, including the use of improvised explosive devices, banditry and kidnappings occur in the mountainous region of Kabylia, which includes the wilayas of:
- Bejaia
- Bouira
- Boumerdes
- Tizi Ouzou
There is a risk of injury, robbery, kidnapping or murder from random terrorist or bandit roadblocks in the wilayas of:
- Annaba
- Béchar
- Biskra
- El Bayadh
- El Taref
- Jijel
- Khenchela
- Laghouat
- Skikda
- Souk Ahras
Be extremely vigilant at roadblocks and stop only for police in official uniforms.
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks, causing deaths and injuries, have occurred regularly, particularly in the mountains of the Kabylia region, southeast of Algiers.
Algerian security forces are usually the primary target, but civilians have been killed and injured in attacks. Terrorists have also targeted foreign interests, including foreign oil and natural gas operations in the Sahara.
Though authorities have thwarted a number of planned incidents, the security situation continues to be unstable. Urban centres may be more secure than heavily wooded and mountainous rural areas, but there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Targets could include:
government buildings, including schoolsplaces of worshipairports and other transportation hubs and networkspublic areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Stay at hotels that have robust security measures, including:
- metal detectors
- guards
- security cameras
Keep in mind, however, that even the most secure locations aren’t completely free of risk.
Kidnapping
There is a threat of kidnapping in Algeria. Foreigners have been taken hostage, and in some cases executed. Terrorist groups have attacked oil and natural gas operations in Algeria. They have taken and killed hostages during these attacks.
Border with Morocco
Algeria’s border with Morocco is closed. Don’t attempt to cross into Morocco by land.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations continue to take place in the country, following the second anniversary of the Hirak movement, on February 22, 2021. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.
They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
Even peaceful demonstrations can suddenly turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation, causing road closures and delays.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for the latest information
More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Crime
Street crime, such as robbery and theft, can occur in larger cities, particularly after dark.
If you are travelling by car, lock your belongings in the trunk and keep the doors locked at all times. Park your car in a guarded parking lot.
Women's safety
Women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse.
Road safety
Road conditions can be poor outside of Algiers, and signposts are rare.
Rent a car with a hired driver rather than drive yourself.
Traffic can be very congested, particularly in large urban centres, and speeding and poor driving habits are prevalent. Traffic-related accidents are comparatively far more common than in Canada.
Road fatalities increase during Ramadan due to fatigue.
Checkpoints
There are checkpoints on the main roads heading into and out of larger cities, and on roads throughout Algiers.
Public transportation
Avoid buses, which have been targeted by terrorists and bandits.
Taxis follow a standard route and pick up many clients going in the same direction. They generally only serve city centres, and their availability is sporadic, particularly late at night and during peak hours.
During Ramadan, avoid using public transportation, including taxis, between airports and city centres, especially after dark. Accidents are common due to fatigue. Arrange for airport pick-up and drop-off, in advance, by your host or hotel shuttle.
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
General safety information
If staying at a hotel, ask for a briefing on hotel security measures on arrival. Retain your hotel key at all times.
Avoid travelling on foot, particularly at night.
Security forces are present on roads, at airports and in front of government buildings throughout the country. Comply with their directives at all times.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
COVID-19 - Entry, exit and transit restrictions and requirements
In an attempt to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory.
Before travelling, verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any specific restrictions or requirements related to this situation. Consider even your transit points, as many destinations have implemented strict transit rules which could disrupt your travel.
These could include:
- entry bans, particularly for non-residents
- exit bans
- quarantines of 14 days or more upon arrival, some in designated facilities, at your own cost
- proof of a negative COVID-19 test result
- health screenings and certificates as well as proof of adequate travel health insurance
- travel authorization documents to be obtained before you travel
- border closures
- airport closures
- flight suspensions to/from certain destinations, and in some cases, all destinations
- suspensions or reductions of other international transportation options
Additional restrictions can be imposed suddenly. Airlines can also suspend or reduce flights without notice. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, making it difficult for you to return home. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans.
- Monitor the media for the latest information
- Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans
- Contact the nearest foreign diplomatic office for information on destination-specific restrictions
Foreign Representatives in Canada – Global Affairs Canada
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Algerian authorities have announced the closure of all borders until further notice.
- Contact your airline or tour operator regarding your travel plans
- Monitor social media for the latest information
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Algerian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from Algeria.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Algeria.
Tourist visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Students are issued a tourist visa.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Children born to 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 consider the child an Algerian citizen if the father is Algerian.
Immigration authorities consider a person an adult in Algeria at the age of 19 years old plus 1 day. Under this age, a child travelling alone or with a third person other than one of his or her parents or legal guardians must produce paternal authorization to leave the country.
Confirm the requirements with the Embassy of Algeria to Canada in Ottawa before departing Canada.
Health
Health
- Pandemic COVID-19 all countries: avoid non-essential travel outside Canada - April 22, 2021
- Global Measles Notice - July 23, 2019
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (e.g., are children, have an occupational risk, or in close contact with animals, including free roaming dogs in communities).
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
- Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
- There is currently a shortage of the yellow fever vaccine in Canada. It is important for travellers to contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of their trip to ensure that the vaccine is available.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in North Africa, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in North Africa. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Cholera
Risk
Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.
To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions.
Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:
- visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
- visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring
Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.
Travellers' diarrhea
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in North Africa, certain insects carry and spread diseases like leishmaniasis, malaria, Rift Valley fever, and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Chikungunya
There is currently a risk of chikungunya in this country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.
Leishmaniasis, cutaneous and mucosal
Cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis causes skin sores and ulcers. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly.
Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in North Africa, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
COVID-19 - Testing
Contact local health authorities, or the nearest Government of Canada office abroad to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test.
Medical services are adequate in large urban centres, though private clinics tend to be better equipped. Outside of major centres, medical facilities are poor to non-existent.
Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for their services.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Culture
The general work week is from Sunday to Thursday.
Driving
You should carry an International Driving Permit.
Illegal or restricted activities
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect detention or other penalties.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Algeria.
If local authorities consider you a citizen of Algeria, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
National obligations
Under Algerian law, men over the age of 19 must complete military service.
Canadian-Algerian dual citizens have been refused permission to leave the country because they did not possess a deferment card exempting them from military service, a certificate of census registration nor evidence that they have completed their military service.
While the Embassy of Canada to Algeria will attempt to help individuals in this situation, these individuals are considered to be Algerian citizens by Algerian authorities.
Dress and behaviour
Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws and regulations.
To avoid offending local sensitivities:
- dress conservatively
- behave discreetly
- respect religious and social traditions
During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2021, Ramadan is expected to begin on or around April 12.
Money
The currency is the Algerian dinar (DZD).
The DZD is non-convertible outside Algeria. Convert any excess currency prior to departure from Algeria.
Cash is the preferred method of payment in Algeria. Credit cards are not accepted outside of major hotels and some businesses, such as airline companies.
ATMs are available in a few major hotels and banks, although they are often unreliable.
Customs
Declare all foreign currency on the currency declaration form that is issued on arrival, and that you will have to present on departure. You must also record all transactions made during your stay.
It is forbidden to leave the country with more than 10,000 CAD or its equivalent in Algerian dinars.
You should make foreign exchange transactions through official channels.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Algeria is located in an active seismic zone.
Seasonal rains can cause flooding.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 17
- tourist police: 1548
- medical assistance: 213 (0) 21-235-050
- firefighters: 14
Consular assistance
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Embassy of Canada to Algeria is limiting in-person services. If you need consular assistance, contact the Embassy by email.
Algiers - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Algeria in Algiers and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.