Latest News: Government will impose strict health measures on passengers as international flights partially resume on 1 June (Reuters, 24.05.2021). Government cancels decision to reopen land borders closed because of COVID-19; plan to partially resume international flights will go on (Reuters, 18.05.2021).
International Restrictions:
*Entry to Algeria: Air, land and sea borders remain closed until further notice. You should check with the Algerian authorities for any entry requirements including exemptions. Previously, entry was limited to:
• Algerian nationals returning on repatriation flights from abroad
• foreign nationals with diplomatic visas
• employees of foreign companies operating in Algeria
There was a process set out by the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs relating to requests for authorisation to enter Algeria. If you think you’re eligible to enter Algeria despite all borders being closed, you will need to contact your employer and/or the British Embassy in Algiers for more information on this process.
*Testing/screening on arrival: You should check with the Algerian authorities for any entry requirements including COVID testing. Previous requirements included evidence of a negative PCR test from no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. You should arrange to take a private test.
Temperature checks may be undertaken on arrival.
*Quarantine requirements: Check with the Algerian authorities for any entry requirements including quarantine requirements. Previous quarantine requirements were a compulsory 14-day stay at a state facility, or own accommodation (if diplomatic), or company accommodation (if authorised by the Prime Minister).
*Data collection: Contact details are taken on arrival in country, including address.
*Testing on departure: Temperature checks are taken before entering the airport.
*Leaving Algeria: When exiting Algeria, the Algerian authorities usually require sight of the document you used to enter the country. In the event that your passport was lost or stolen during your stay in Algeria, you will need to present a police report to the border police to show why you are no longer in possession of the passport you used to enter Algeria. Internal Restrictions:
*Travel in Algeria: Travel between provinces is now permitted though public transport options remain limited. A curfew is in effect from midnight to 4am in 19 provinces including the capital Algiers. The other provinces covered by the curfew are: Adrar, Laghouat, Batna, Bejaia, Blida, Tébessa, Tizi-Ouzou, Jijel, Sétif, Sidi Bel Abbes, Constantine, M’Sila, Ouargla, Oran, Boumerdes, El Oued, Tipaza and Touggourt.
Since 1 July 2020, local authorities nationwide have powers to enact additional measures in cluster areas, with the approval of central authorities. As a result, localised lockdowns are possible, and markets and other areas with a high concentration of shops could be shut down with limited notice for at least 15 days.
All security services and local authorities have been instructed to rigorously monitor and enforce compliance with preventive and other social distancing measures. Penalties include fines up to the equivalent of £600, and 6 months imprisonment.
The wearing of facemasks became mandatory on 24 May 2020 in all public spaces, including when using public transport, and within taxis.
*Accommodation: Some hotels are open, with compulsory sanitary measures in place; facilities may be restricted. There are designated hotels for repatriated Algerians to do the required 14 days quarantine on arrival.
*Public places and services: Mosques, restaurants, parks and cafes were permitted to reopen from 15 August 2020. This is conditional on social distancing and sanitary measures being in place. Mask wearing is obligatory and air conditioning and fans are banned.
Universities began reopening from 23 August 2020 to complete studies from the previous year. The new term began on 15 December 2020. Primary schools opened on 21 October 2020, and middle and high schools reopened on 4 November 2020. There is a ban on gatherings such as marriages and funerals in the 19 provinces under curfew.