Responsible travel at the heart of a Mediterranean treasure
Africa’s largest country and a quiet jewel of the Mediterranean, Algeria invites you on a responsible journey, between endless dunes, wooded mountains and age-old villages. Here, ecotourism takes on its full meaning.
Hiking in the Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, sharing a mint tea in an oasis of the M’Zab, exploring the colourful markets of Kabylia: every experience supports local communities and preserves ancient know-how.
It also means respecting nature: watching the gazelles of the Hoggar or the macaques of the Djurdjura without disturbing their habitat, treading lightly on the trails, and limiting your impact. The mindful traveller also knows how to reach out to living things, offering, when it is possible and safe, a little water to a thirsty stray dog, or some food to a street cat.
Travelling in Algeria with respect means committing to protect a unique natural and human heritage, so that this authentic country remains, tomorrow as today, a land of wonder.
Foreign passport: valid for at least 6 months after return.
Visa: required for most travellers. Exemptions: Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Seychelles, Malaysia (stay ≤ 90 days).
Algerian passport: visa-free entry (dual nationals)
Travel insurance: health, repatriation, luggage.
Copies: paper + digital versions of your 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.
Useful numbers saved (emergencies, insurance, consulate).
Cash in dinars or euros to exchange on site.
Essential first-aid kit.
Clothing suited to the climate and respectful of local customs.
Avoid tap water and ice cubes
Drink only bottled water
Carry a basic medical kit
Have a local emergency contact
Stay informed of local guidance
Modest clothing recommended, especially outside major cities
Shoulders and legs covered in religious sites and rural areas
Shorts not allowed in public offices (town halls, police stations, public services)
Prefer licensed ride-hailing services (Yassir, Heetch), official taxis, the train or domestic flights
Download an offline GPS app (Maps.me, Google Maps)
Book early, especially in high season.
Check recent reviews (safety, hygiene, quality).
Verify the address and contact details before arrival.
Compare options (hotels, guesthouses, rentals) according to budget.
Prefer a central location (close to transport and sites).
Bring euros to exchange on site.
Keep cash: ATMs are limited to major cities.
Secure your cash by splitting it up (bag, pocket, safe).
Check your bank limits and fees before departure.
Exchange only at reputable offices, never in the street.
Withdrawal limit: €1,000 or 10,000 DA without supporting documents.
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, distinctly cold inland.
Local SIM card: Mobilis, Ooredoo or Djezzy.
Water: bottled only.
Safety: let your accommodation know when travelling out of town.
Electricity: bring an adapter (220V – type C/F sockets).
Useful apps: SNTF (train), Moovit (transport), XE Currency (exchange rates)
Drinking tap water
Photographing official or military buildings
Travelling alone at night outside built-up areas
Travelling in the desert without a guide or without telling anyone
Relying solely on bank cards
Using a drone without authorisation
Respect religious and social customs
Ask permission before photographing people
Greet politely: “Bonjour” or “Salam aleykoum”
Find out about the local practices specific to each region
Leave nothing behind at natural sites (waste, plastic, etc.)
Favour local crafts and responsible tours
Protect biodiversity, do not disturb wildlife
Follow the guidelines in national parks (Tassili, Hoggar, etc.)
Offering water and food to stray animals restores their dignity.
Avoid any rough or hostile gesture.
Support local associations (care, sterilisation, adoption).
Local SIM or eSIM on arrival.
Handy apps: Google Translate, WhatsApp, Maps.me.
Internet: Wi-Fi in cities, 4G in many regions.
Safety: save useful numbers (accommodation, embassy, family/friends).
