Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Algeria is a developing nation classified as upper middle income. Located in northern Africa along the Mediterranean Sea, the climate classifications range from dry summer in the north to dry (arid) in the south.
Vaccinations
Yellow Fever
See also: Library article for Yellow Fever
Although yellow fever does not occur in Algeria, an official yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on your itinerary.
- Requirement: A certificate proving yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers aged ≥ 9 months coming from countries with risk of YF transmission. This also applies to airport transit stops (no exit through immigration checkpoint) longer than 12 hours in risk countries.
Other Vaccines
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against cholera, COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, typhoid fever, or a one time polio booster if you haven't previously received one for travel. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
(2020) Country certified malaria-free in 2019.CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
High risk exists throughout the country, including in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures are generally inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.
Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Other Food-Borne Illnesses
Precautions to prevent brucellosis may be needed.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Leishmaniasis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include hepatitis C, leptospirosis, marine hazards, plague, schistosomiasis, sexually transmitted infections, snakebites, tuberculosis.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Consular Travel Advice
Due to terrorism and kidnapping, US (DOS) advises avoiding travel near the eastern and southern borders, as well as areas in the Sahara Desert. UK (FCO), Canada (GAC), and Australia (DFAT) have more limited warnings.
Terrorism Risk
High risk of attack by domestic and transnational terrorist groups exists throughout the country (including the city of Constantine), especially in southern, eastern, and border areas and mountainous, remote areas (including Kabylie Region). Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.
High risk of kidnapping by terrorist groups exists throughout remote areas of the country, especially in Kablyie Region and southern, eastern, and border areas (including Illizi and Tamanrasset provinces). Targets may include foreigners (especially Westerners and those working for oil companies), journalists, nongovernmental organization workers, missionaries, and aid workers.
Crime
Moderate risk of violent crime (armed robbery and carjacking) and moderate risk of petty crime exist throughout the country, especially in large cities and on deserted beaches. Theft of valuables from unattended vehicles is common.
Kidnappings by criminal groups occur throughout remote areas of the country. Targets may include foreigners (especially Westerners and those working for oil companies), journalists, nongovernmental organization workers, missionaries, and aid workers.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations occur throughout the country and have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.
Unsafe Areas
A dangerous security environment may exist in areas bordering Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Tunisia.
Transportation Safety
National incidence data on traffic-related injury or death are not available.
Natural Disasters
Seasonal flooding frequently occurs, including in Algiers.
Seismic activity frequently occurs.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Algeria
- United States: [+213] 0-770-08-2000; dz.usembassy.gov
- Canada: [+213] 0-770-083-000; www.algeria.gc.ca
- United Kingdom: [+213] 0-770-085-000; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-algiers
- Australia: Australia does not have an embassy or consulate in Algeria.
Algeria's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: www.algerianembassy.org
- In Canada: www.ambalgott.com
- In the U.K.: www.algerianembassy.org.uk
- In Australia: www.algeriaemb.org.au
Visa/HIV Testing
HIV testing is not required to obtain a tourist, work, or residence visa.
