Capital: Algiers
Location:
Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia ( slightlyless than 3.5 times the size of Texas )
Customs Regulations:
Algerian customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Algeria of items such as firearms, body armor, binoculars, communications equipment, antiquities, medications, business equipment or ivory. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of
Algeria in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Registration Embassy and Consulate:
Americans living in or visiting Algeria are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Algeria and obtain updated information on travel and security within Algeria. The U.S. Embassy is located at 4 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, B.P. 549 (Alger-gare) 16000, in the capital city of Algiers. The telephone number is [213] (21) 691-425/255/186. The fax number for the U.S. Embassy is [213] (21) 69-39-79. The U.S. Embassy workweek is Sunday through Thursday. The former U.S. Consulate in Oran is closed.
Consular Access:
U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. In accordance with Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, to which Algeria is a party, competent authorities in the host country must notify a consular post of the arrest of one of its citizens without delay.
Background:
After a century of rule by France,
Algeria became independent in 1962. The surprising first round success of the fundamentalist FIS (Islamic Salvation Front) party in December 1991 balloting caused the army to intervene, crack down on the FIS, and postpone the subsequent elections. The FIS response has resulted in a continuous low-grade civil conflict with the secular state apparatus, which nonetheless has allowed elections featuring pro-government and moderate religious-based parties. FIS's armed wing, the Islamic Salvation Army, disbanded itself in January 2000 and many armed militants surrendered under an amnesty program designed to promote national reconciliation. Nevertheless, residual fighting continues. Other concerns include large-scale unemployment and the need to diversify the petroleum-based economy.
Ethnic Groups:
Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%
Language:
Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects
Currency:
DZD
Algerian dinar (DZD)
Algerian dinars per US dollar - 69.2242 (March 2007), 74,813 (January 2001), 75.260 (2000), 66.574 (1999), 58.739 (1998), 57.707 (1997), 54.749 (1996)
Climate:
Arid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer
Population:
31,736,053 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1%
Medical:
Hospitals and clinics in
Algeria are available, but of uneven quality, and are not up to Western standards. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services.
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.
Travel Warning:
7/30/2002 0:00:00The Department of State continues to urge U.S. citizens to monitor developing situations in Argentina and to avoid large gatherings. A demonstration in late June turned violent, and two Argentine citizens were killed and many injured. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement of May 29, 2002, and it expires on October 31, 2002.
The security situation is fluid during the ongoing Argentine economic crisis, and public demonstrations are common. While usually non-violent, a demonstration in late June turned violent, two Argentine citizens were killed and dozens were injured. There have been no reports of injuries to U.S. citizens related to the crisis. Financial sector difficulties and trade restrictions may occasionally affect access to banking and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). ATMs in Argentina accept most U.S. ATM cards, but will dispense only Argentine pesos.
The Department of State urges U.S. citizens considering travel to Argentina, or already present there, to monitor media reports for current information on developing situations and to avoid areas where large groups have gathered. To obtain updated security information, please contact the U.S. Embassy by calling (011) (54) (11) 5777-4533/34, or via e-mail at buenosaires-acs@state.gov. For further general information regarding travel to Argentina, travelers should consult the Department of State Internet site at http://travel.state.gov, which includes the latest Consular Information Sheet for Argentina.
Department of State travel information and publications are available at Internet address: http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touchtone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine
U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. In accordance with Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, to which Algeria is a party, competent authorities in the host country must notify a consular post of the arrest of one of its citizens without delay.
Americans living in or visiting Algeria are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Algeria and obtain updated information on travel and security within Algeria. The U.S. Embassy is located at 4 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, B.P. 549 (Alger-gare) 16000, in the capital city of Algiers. The telephone number is [213] (21) 691-425/255/186. The fax number for the U.S. Embassy is [213] (21) 69-39-79. The U.S. Embassy workweek is Sunday through Thursday. The former U.S. Consulate in Oran is closed.
Safety:
More than 120 third country nationals (no U.S. citizens) have been murdered in Algeria since September 1993. In response to these threats, the U.S. Government substantially reduced the number of U.S. government personnel in Algeria. Dependents of U.S. Government personnel may not accompany employees to Algeria.
Ports, trains, and airline terminals are potential terrorist targets and U.S. citizens should carefully consider the security implications of traveling on regularly scheduled commercial transport. Terrorists occasionally attack buses traveling in rural areas. Most official air travel by U.S. government employees is via chartered aircraft, although commercial carriers are sometimes used.
Areas of Instability:
Political, social, and economic problems have created an environment in which acts of terrorism are regularly perpetrated. A state of emergency has been in effect since early 1992. Although terrorist violence has dropped substantially in the last two years, terrorists continue to attack security forces and strike randomly at civilians, claiming scores of lives each month. In the last two years the terrorist violence has greatly diminished in the major cities and now mostly occurs in the countryside of northern Algeria and the periphery of urban areas. In localities where large numbers of foreigners reside, Algerian military and other security personnel offer generally adequate protection, but in many other localities, especially in remote hamlets and the poorer sections of urban areas, protection is not assured.
Although the Government of Algeria has discontinued a late-night curfew in the central area of Algiers, it continues to maintain roadblocks on primary roads heading into and out of the capital. Security personnel at these roadblocks expect full cooperation. Terrorists also occasionally put up false roadblocks as ambushes in parts of northern Algeria.
Banditry and assault involving foreigners has occurred in the far southern region of Algeria near the border with Niger. Although violence in this area is now largely limited to occasional small scale attacks against local security forces, bandits have robbed, assaulted, kidnapped, and killed travelers in Algeria south of Tamanrasset. In April, May, and June 2001, there were violent disturbances, mostly in the Kabylie region, caused by long-standing social and economic woes. Dissatisfaction with the current political and economic situation is behind several large demonstrations in Algiers in May and June.
Travel overland is treacherous in many parts of Algeria. The Department of State recommends that American citizens in Algeria avoid traveling overland outside major urban areas. Americans who must travel overland or work in locations outside of major cities should do so with substantial armed protection.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Algeria is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation:
poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:
fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
poor
Drivers will encounter checkpoints on primary roads heading into and out of Algiers and other major cities. Security personnel at these checkpoints expect full cooperation.
For specific information concerning Algerian driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Algerian Embassy.
For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.
