Travel Tips

Ecotourism in Algeria: responsible travel to the heart of a Mediterranean treasure

Africa’s largest country and the Mediterranean’s hidden gem, Algeria invites responsible travel, between infinite dunes, wooded mountains, and centuries-old villages. Here, ecotourism takes on its full meaning.

Hiking in Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, sharing mint tea in an M’Zab oasis, exploring the colorful markets of Kabylia: each experience supports local communities and preserves ancient crafts.

It also means respecting nature: observing gazelles in the Hoggar or Djurdjura macaques without disturbing their habitat, treading lightly on trails, and limiting one’s impact. The mindful traveler also knows how to extend a helping hand to living beings, by offering—when possible and safe—a little water to a thirsty stray dog, or some food to a street cat.

Traveling in Algeria with respect means committing to protect a unique natural and human heritage, so that this authentic country remains, tomorrow still, a land of wonder.

  • Foreign passport: validity of at least 6 months after return.
  • Visa: required for most travelers. Exemptions: Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Seychelles, Malaysia (stay ≤ 90 days).
  • Algerian passport: entry without visa (binationals)
  • Travel insurance: health, repatriation, luggage.
  • Copies: paper + digital of documents.
  • Vaccines: DTP up to date, hepatitis A recommended.
  • Payment: cash outside major cities
  • Passport, visa and insurance (health, repatriation, luggage).
  • Paper + digital copies of your documents.
  • Registered useful numbers (emergency, insurance, consulate).
  • Cash in dinars or euros to be exchanged on site.
  • Essential first aid kit.
  • Outfit adapted to the climate and respectful of the uses.
  • Avoid tap water and ice cubes
  • Consume only mineral water
  • Carry a basic medical kit
  • Schedule an emergency contact on site
  • Stay informed of local instructions
  • Sober outfit recommended, especially outside the big cities
  • Shoulders and legs covered in religious places and rural areas
  • Shorts prohibited in administrations (ton houses, police stations, public services)
  • Give preference to authorized VTCs (Yassir, Heetch), official taxis, train or internal flights
  • Download an offline GPS application (Maps.me, Google Maps)
  • Book early, especially in high season.
  • Consult recent reviews (safety, hygiene, quality).
  • Check the address and contacts before arrival.
  • Compare options (hotels, guest houses, rentals) according to budget.
  • Prefer a central location (close to transport and sites).

Take euros to change on site.

Keep cash: ATMs are limited to big cities.

Secure your cash by distributing it (bag, pocket, chest).

Check your bank limits and fees before departure.

Change only in reliable offices, never on the street.

Withdrawal limit: €1,000 or 10,000 DA without proof.

  • Spring & Autumn: mild climate, ideal for exploring both the North and the South.
  • Summer: pleasant on the coast, but extreme heat in the Sahara.
  • Winter: mild on the coast, marked cold inland.
  • Local SIM card: Mobilis, Ooredoo or Djezzy.
  • Water: only in bottles.
  • Security: warn your accommodation when traveling outside the city.
  • Electricity: provide an adapter (220V – C/F sockets).
  • Useful applications: SNTF (train), Moovit (transport), XE Currency (change)
  • Drink tap water
  • Take pictures of official or military buildings
  • Move alone at night outside the agglomerations
  • Traveling in the desert without a guide or without warning
  • Count only on the credit card
  • Use a drone without authorization
  • Respect religious and social customs
  • Ask for permission before photographing people
  • Greet politely: “Hello” or “Salam aleykoum”
  • Learn about local practices specific to each region
  • Do not leave anything in natural sites (waste, plastic, etc.)
  • Prioritize local crafts and responsible circuits
  • Protect biodiversity, do not disturb wildlife
  • Follow the instructions in national parks (Tassili, Hoggar, etc.)
  • Offering water and food to stray animals is giving them dignity.
  • Avoid any brutal or hostile gesture.
  • Support local associations (care, sterilization, adoption).
  • Local SIM or eSIM upon arrival.
  • Practical applications: Google Translate, WhatsApp, Maps.me.
  • Internet: Wi-Fi in the city, 4G in many regions.
  • Security: save useful numbers (accommodation, embassy, relatives).

Contacting Guide Algérie

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