| An Overview and General Information on Algeria |
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Basic information On Algeria
Algeria, the second-largest country in Africa, extends from the Mediterranean coast deep into the hot Sahara.
The Atlas Mountains separate the country into two contrasting areas with the area to the north of the mountains, the coastal area
that includes the city of Algiers, being more popular with tourists than the much hotter Sahara which occupies more than four-fifths
of the country. The Mediterranean beaches are about the most popular place for tourists to gather. However, the Casbah and
the Court of the Great Mosque in Algiers are also very popular. There are several resorts in the Atlas Mountains and tours are
offered into the Sahara.
Algeria has a wide range of features that would be of interest to tourists.
These include cultural centers, museums, and memorials filled with historical
backgrounds and items of interest. A small seaside village, Bou Ismail, is
a favorite of visitors who enjoy a great fishing experience. And, for the
water sports lovers, Alger-Plage beach (Algiers- Beach) gives you an opportunity
for sailing and boating. A visit to Tipaza and Berard villages provides a
wealth of insights into the fascinating Algerian history, from the Phoenicians
to Roman times. In the northern part of Algiers, (Kasbah), Stand Ketchaoua
(a restored ottoman mosque) and Bitchin mosque with a museum of traditional
arts, all offer interesting sights to explore and marvel at.
Not considering the weather aspect, the worst time to visit might be during the holy month of Ramadan. Few countries take the month of fasting as seriously as does Algeria. Many restaurants close for the months, and the only placer you can probably find to eat is in one of the five-star hotels in Algiers.
Check with the U.S. State Department for Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public Announcements for Algeria.
Passports and Visas
Passports are required to enter Algeria, and a
visa is required for other visitors (excluding citizens of Libya, Malaysia, the
Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Western Sahara, the Seychelles, Syria,
Tunisia and Yemen). Nationals of
Israel are not allowed into the country.
Visa requirements for Algeria
change regularly, so it's best to check with your home country's Algerian
Embassy or Consulate. Throughout the world single entry visa for one months may
take 2-3 days to obtain from Algerian Embassies. Visa extensions within the
country can be from Department des Entrangers, Blvd. Youssef 19A, Algiers.
For an application from your home country, you'll need to provide proof of employment, an 'invitation' to visit the country from an Algerian contact or tourist agency (available from several travel agencies in Tamanrasset, Djanet and Ghardaia) and two passport photographs. Getting a visa en route is usually possible in Niger, Chad and Mali, but is best to do so before leaving home. A 30-day visa costs around DA35. Some embassies ask for photocopies of your passport. Anyway, you should always travel with a copy of your passport, your birth certificate, and a few extra passport pictures just in case you should become separated from your original passport. These items will become very helpful in replacing your original passport.
Locations of Algerian Tourist offices and/or embassies around the world
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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Health and Safety Information
Safety
Health
Safety
One of the biggest
safety problems is petty crime as it has increased over the past few years,
particularly in large urban centers of the north. You will always want to be
vigilant as theft, mugging, carjacking, bag snatching and even assaults often
take place in urban areas. Keep an eye on your valuables, don't carry a lot of
cash and leave your expensive jewelry at home. Be particularly alert when
entering the Casbah in Algiers. The safest areas of the country are located in
the far south. But even here, you want to be on the alert for pickpockets
operating in the markets of large towns and in crowds. Also, don't leave
valuables on display in the car and use guarded overnight parking places
wherever possible.
Northern Algeria is a pretty hot seismic zone. In 2003 an earthquake hit the area east of Algiers destroying many structures and causing over 2000 deaths and injuring about 10,000 others. If you find yourself in an earthquake when you're inside, stay away from windows and exterior walls and stand in a doorway. If you are outside, find an open space away from buildings, trees and electric poles and wires.
But when it comes to your personal safety in the country, it is not the earthquakes that you need to worry about - it is the drivers. As it seems this country is filled with some of the craziest drivers around, you will want to take extra care while driving in the country. Or, better yet, hire a driver that is familiar with driving in the country. If you should venture out in the north, particularly in the Kabylie region, you should watch out for false roadblocks which often leads to kidnapping. Another good reason to hire a driver.
The region is much safer than in the past, and as long as you take precautions, you should be okay. Most of the crime here is not directed at tourists, but at the security forces. However, things like bombs tend to be indiscriminate in nature and it is best to be cautions in public places such as markets and bus and train stations. Again, check with the U.S. State Department for Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public Announcements for Algeria.
Health
Diarrhea
Malaria
Rabies
Typhoid
Hepatitis
This is perhaps the most common ailment for travelers in Algeria. Although it's not inevitable, it's certainly possible that you will get diarrhea when visiting here. One of the best things to do to avoid getting it is to drink only bottled water and do not eat anything that has been washed with local water, such as fruits, vegetables and salads. If the vegetables are well cooked, there should not be a problem. Also, if you are taking your meals in one of the better restaurants, although I would still stick to bottled water, the food preparation is such that there should not be a problem.
Diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness - figures suggest that at least half of travelers to Africa will get diarrhea at some stage. Many times the cause is simply a dietary changes, such as increased spices or oils, are the cause. Again, avoid tap water unless and be sure to only eat fresh fruits or vegetables that are cooked or peeled. You should also be wary of dairy products that might contain unpasteurised milk. Although freshly cooked food can often be a safe option, plates or serving utensils might be dirty, so you should be highly selective when eating food from street vendors.
If you develop diarrhea, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, preferably an oral rehydration solution containing water and some salt and sugar. Having a few loose stools is almost a given and normally do not require treatment. But if you start having more than four or five stools a day you should start taking an antibiotic (usually a quinoline drug, such as ciprofloxacin or norfloxacin) and an antidiarrhoeal agent (such as loperamide). If diarrhea is bloody, persists for more than 72 hours or is accompanied by fever, shaking chills or severe abdominal pain, do not try to 'self-medicate,' but seek immediate medical attention.
Malaria
Malaria is a very serious and
potentially fatal disease. Malaria is spread by mosquito bites and you should
try your best to avoid mosquito bites and to take
tablets to prevent this disease. Symptoms range from fever, chills and sweating,
headache, diarrhea and abdominal pains and simply a feeling of ill-health. If
malaria is suspected, be sure to seek
medical help immediately. Without treatment malaria can
rapidly become more serious and even be fatal. You should check with your doctor before you travel
and find out the right medication and dosage for you.
If you do
contract malaria, be sure to see your doctor to be re-tested for malaria as
you can harbor malaria parasites in your body even long after you seem to be
symptom free.
Along with being advised to prevent mosquito bites at all times, here are a few things you can do to help with the prevention of being bitten: wear light-colored clothing - wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts - use mosquito repellents containing the compound DEET on exposed areas - avoid perfumes and aftershave and use an un-scented deodorant - use a mosquito net impregnated with mosquito repellent (permethrin). You may have to purchase one of these before you leave home.
Rabies
Make no mistake, rabies is a fatal
viral infection and many different animals can be infected (such as dogs, cats, bats and
monkeys). As it is their saliva that is infectious, any bite, scratch or even
lick from a warm-blooded, furry animal should be cleaned immediately and
thoroughly by scrubbing with soap and running water, and then applying alcohol or
an iodine
solution. Then, after you have done all that you can do, immediately seek
medical help
to receive a course of injections to prevent the onset
of symptoms and death.
Typhoid
This is spread
through food or water contaminated by infected human feces. The first symptom
is usually a fever or a pink rash on the abdomen. In some cases, blood
poisoning can occur. You can be protected for three years with a typhoid vaccine (typhim Vi, typherix)
that can be given to you by your doctor before you travel. In some countries the oral vaccine Vivotif is also
available, but is still best to get the shot before you leave home. Antibiotics are usually given as treatment and death is rare unless septicaemia occurs.
Believe me when I tell you that hepatitis is no fun. I was stricken while in Asia once and was down for about three weeks. Several different viruses cause hepatitis, and they all differ in the way that they are transmitted. The symptoms in all forms of the illness include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, feelings of weakness and aches and pains, followed by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored feces, jaundiced (yellow) skin and yellowing of the whites of the eyes. And believe you me - I seemed to have it all!
There are 6 known types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D, E and G with G being one that is not dangerous. A and E are passed on by the fecal-oral route of transmission and there is a vaccine. Although it is best to seek medical advice, there is not a lot you can do aside from resting, drinking lots of fluids, eating lightly and avoiding fatty foods, and, although A and E cause an acute illness, you will recover fully from it.
More dangerous are types B and D that are passed on via blood, saliva, semen and vaginal fluids. They can be passed on by close contact, sexual contact, and blood-to-blood contact. The symptoms of hepatitis B may be more severe than type A with the disease often leading to long-term problems such as chronic liver damage, liver cancer or a long-term carrier state. There is a vaccine. Hepatitis C is only passed on from blood-to-blood contact, and, there is no vaccine.
Travel
Insurance
If you need medical
care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not
accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay
in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed
medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation
and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel
insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit
the Getting Away
Health
and Safety Tips for Travelers
page for additional information about insurance.
Ferries link the northern cities of Algiers, Annaba, Bejaia, Oran and Skikda with Marseilles in France and Algiers and Oran with Alicante in Spain. Land crossings are much less reliable and riskier and are not recommended. With the Moroccan border closed, and the Mauritanian and southerly Libyan crossings unsafe, you may be taking your life in your hands be trying to get there overland by vehicle. All self-drive tourists entering southern Algeria through Mali, Niger and Libya must arrange to be met at the border by an Algerian guide. Tour agencies in Tamanrasset, Djanet and Adrar can arrange this.
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Click on Getting To and Around Algeria for more specific information.
Weather and Time Information for Algeria
The best time to visit Algeria is probably in October and November. This is when the skies are clear and the temperatures are mild. And, depending on summer rains, you may even see a bit of a greenish tinge in some places of the desert. Another alternative would be to visit from March through to early May. There is a much higher chance of sandstorms in April and when you get into the month of May, temperatures are really starting to rise and it can get quite hot. December through to February is a pretty good time for a visit, but the temperatures can be surprisingly cool and night-time temperatures in the Sahara often drop below zero at this time of year. In summer (mid-May to September), you should not even consider visiting as the temperatures can be unbearably hot.
| The Western Sahara Desert covers over 80% of the country making temperatures high throughout the country, particularly in the south where it is both very dry and very hot, and especially during the long summer. During this time, road travel is difficult and air travel prone to delay due to sandstorms. Northern cities have high humidity. Cities along the coast are cooled by sea breezes. Rain in this region is very rare. Algeria, as a whole, has a low level of rainfall. The desert temperature drops dramatically at night. North of the Sahara temperatures are very mild from September to May. South of the Sahara, temperatures are pleasant from October to April, but there are great variations between day and night. Nights are warmer on the coast. |
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What
to Wear When in Algeria
Take plenty of light cotton clothes as the summers will be very hot. However, if you are there in the winter, be prepared to layer up for cold nights in the Sahara and the Atlas Mountains. I find it is best to have clothing you can layer and take on or off depending upon the actual temperatures. Currency Official Currency: 1 Algerian dinar (AD)=100 centimes. Every foreigner in exception of residents, must change amount of their currency into Dinars at official bank notes. However, tourists in organized tours and students are exempted from the regulations. The only bank to change travelers' checks is the Banque Nationale d'Algérie. Most major hotels offer money and travelers' checks and exchange services. Although there are no American Express offices in Algiers, the cards are accepted at most major hotels and some restaurants. US Dollars and to a lesser extent, Pounds Sterling are readily accepted. Banks are open 0900 to 1500 hours Monday to Thursday. Some banks close for lunch. During Ramadan hours are shorter. Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate |
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Language
I have found that it helps to know at least a
little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be
able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really
help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who
speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a
help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit
the Getting Away Language
Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another
language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators,
software and more
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Electrical
Power
Electric
Power is 230V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Round pin attachment plug
"Schuko" plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts
Find the converter you will need in the Getting Away Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you need in the Getting Away Travel Store!
Travel
Insurance
If you need medical
care whilst in Algeria, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not
accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay
in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed
medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation
and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel
insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit
the Getting Away
Health
and Safety Tips for Travelers
page for additional information about insurance.
Travel Advisories for Algeria
Once Algeria was on an even stance with
the neighboring country of Morocco as a hot travel destination. However, with
over a decade of infighting and civil war, most travelers have been scared.
The violence has subsided quite a bit and more
visitors are returning to explore this diverse and
fascinating countries.
But there is still an ongoing threat of terrorism in Algeria. In
April of 2007, a series of bombings took place in
Algiers. Then again, in September of that year, bomb attacks in the
town of Batna and the port of Dellys killed at least 50
people. Attacks have also occurred in other parts of
northern Algeria. In the desert regions of the south, tourists are strongly advised to
travel with a reputable tourist agency and, if you plan to
do it on your own, don't even consider it without the use of a good
Algerian guide. Travellers should be aware of unexpected
violence in Algeria and use caution and monitor the news for any developments.
Check with the U.S. State Department for Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public Announcements for Algeria.
Books, Maps and Other Recourses
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For the best time when you travel you must be informed One of the things I do is spend quite a bit of time with good guide books on the destinations to which I intend to travel. Perhaps the following might help you find the perfect book to help you research your trip to Africa or a guidebook on Africa that is just for you. I normally use Fodor's guides, such as Fodor's South Africa, which covers Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Mpumalanga and Kruger National Park, as I find them very informative and easy to read and understand. However there are several other good guides including Africa on a Shoestring by Lonely Planet that covers every African country. Adventuring in North Africa by Scott Wayne is another good choice for Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and the Maltese Islands and can be found at Barnes and Noble. Another good guide for Morocco is Inside Guides Morocco. The Rough Guide series is also very good including the books Zimbabwe & Botswana and West Africa which covers Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Mali, The Cape Verde Islands, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkana Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Niger, Nigeria, and Cameroon. |
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My favorite guidebooks when I am traveling is
Fodor's. I find them to be quite complete, easy to use, and almost always on the
money with helps and tips for traveling in the country I am visiting. Click on
Fodor's Travel Guides
to find the perfect guidebook for your travels.
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I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
