Algeria – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Advisory Issued January 8, 2019

Exercise increased caution when traveling in Algeria due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• Areas near the eastern and southern borders due to terrorism.
• Areas in the Sahara Desert due to terrorism.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Algeria. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and have recently targeted the Algerian security forces. Most attacks take place in rural areas, but attacks are possible in urban areas despite a heavy and active police presence.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside Algiers province due to Algerian government restrictions on travel by U.S. government employees.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page. 

If you decide to travel to Algeria:

• Inform local police when visiting locations outside of major cities.
• Travel by air if possible; remain on major highways if you must travel by road.
• Travel with reputable travel agents who know the area.
• Avoid staying overnight outside of the main cities and tourist locations.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for Algeria.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Eastern and southern borders

Avoid travel to rural areas within 50 km (31 miles) of the border with Tunisia and within 250 km (155 miles) of the borders with Libya, Niger, Mali, and Mauritania due to terrorist and criminal activities.

Visit our website for High-Risk Travelers.

Overland travel to the Sahara Desert

Terrorists and criminal groups operate in parts of the Sahara Desert. When travelling to the Sahara, we highly recommend traveling only by air and not overland.

Visit our website for High-Risk Travelers.

Source: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/algeria-travel-advisory.html
Originally Published: January 8, 2019