Is it safe to travel to Algeria right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Algeria’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Algeria set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Algerian Consulate in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Algeria, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.

If your passport is lost or stolen in Algeria

If your passport is lost or stolen during your stay, the Algerian authorities will ask for a police report when you leave the country.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Algeria.

Check your visa details, including validity dates, before you travel. If you overstay, it is likely Algerian immigration police will detain you at the airport on departure. You may face criminal prosecution and up to 3 months in prison.

If you want to extend your stay in Algeria, apply at the town hall (‘la wilaya’) nearest to you.

Applying for a visa

Before you travel, apply for a visa through the Algerian Consulate in the UK.

You may be able to get a tourist visa on arrival at some airports in Algeria if the majority of your travel is in the south of the country. You should have a confirmed reservation with an approved local travel agency. Contact the Algerian Consulate in the UK for more information and for details of approved travel agencies.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Algeria, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Algeria guide.

Travelling with children

In Algeria, a child is:

• someone under the age of 19 years and one day

• considered to be an Algerian citizen if one of their parents is Algerian

If an Algerian citizen or a British-Algerian dual national child travels with one parent, the parent (whether mother or father) must prove their parental link through a ‘Livret de famille’ (original or certified copy).

Algerian children travelling alone must have a letter (‘Autorisation Parentale’) from their parent or legal guardian giving them permission to leave the country. Children not from Algeria travelling alone need to show proof of permanent residence in the country they are travelling to.

For further information, check the website of the Algerian Ministry of Interior or contact the Algerian Consulate in London.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Algeria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Souvenirs

You can get a prison sentence for smuggling antiquities in Algeria. If you buy souvenirs, get proof of authenticity for anything that looks old or antique. Otherwise, the Algerian authorities may detain you on departure at the airport and confiscate the souvenirs.

Taking money into and out of Algeria

Declare cash at your point of entry and exit into Algeria if the amount you are carrying exceeds 5000 euros or its equivalent in other currencies. Failure to declare or false declaration of imported and exported cash constitutes an offense which may lead to criminal prosecution.

Only travellers with residency status are allowed to bring in and take out Algerian banknotes, up to a maximum of 10,000 Algerian dinars.

For further details, see You arrive in Algeria - Direction Générale des Douanes.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide 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 local 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're travelling with.

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 at least 6 months before the date you expect to leave Algeria.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

You must obtain a visa from the embassy or the closest consulate before visiting Algeria.

Students must travel on a tourist visa.

Children and travel

Children born to Algerian fathers automatically acquire Algerian citizenship at birth, regardless of where they were born.

Canadian minors born to Algerian fathers must produce paternal authorization to leave the country if they are:

• travelling alone, or
• without one of their parents or legal guardians.

Algerian law considers a person to be a minor until age 19.

Confirm the requirements with the Embassy of Algeria before departing Canada.

Children and travel

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).