Algeria is a North African country with a Mediterranean coastline and a Saharan desert interior. Many empires have left legacies here, such as the ancient Roman ruins in seaside Tipaza. In the capital, Algiers, Ottoman landmarks like circa-1612 Ketchaoua Mosque line the hillside Casbah quarter, with its narrow alleys and stairways. The city’s Neo-Byzantine basilica Notre Dame d’Afrique dates to French colonial rule.

From French colonialism to Roman ruins, Algeria holidays help extend Africa’s largest country way beyond any preconceived misconceptions. Algiers, Constantine and Oran all contain a bewildering blend of Islamic architecture and forgotten fortresses whilst the UNESCO sites of Timgad, Djemila and Tipasa make for a fascinating itinerary all just a skip and a jump from Andalucía and mainland Europe.

How to get to Algeria

Houari Boumediene Airport, also known as Algiers Airport or Algiers International Airport, is the main international airport serving Algiers, the capital of Algeria. It is located 9.1 NM east southeast of the city. The airport is named after Houari Boumediene, a former president of Algeria.

Some of the airlines offer direct flights to Algeria and those include Air Algerie, Air France, Turkish Airlines, Trans via France, Vueling Airlines, Iberia, KLM and Kenya Airways all fly direct to Algeria.

Passport, Visa and Entry requirements for Algeria

Visitors to Algeria must obtain a visa from one of the Algerian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months from the date of entry into Algeria.

The health sector of Algeria

Health care is heavily subsidised in Algeria in line with the introduction of a national health care system in 1975. Most services are free for citizens at public hospitals and clinics, and the cost of most medicinal purchases is reimbursed by the government. However, this may not be free for foreign travellers so ensure you purchase travel insurance before travelling to Algeria

Malaria and Yellow fever vaccination for Algeria

There is no risk of yellow fever in Algeria. But, the government of Algeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if one is lives in or has visited a country with yellow fever.

Algeria was officially certified by” WHO” as malaria-free on 22 May 2019 but sleeping under the net may be a good idea while in the desert.

Currency of Algeria

The dinar is the monetary currency of Algeria while travelling to Algeria you can take new banknotes of Euros and US dollars that you can exchange while in Algeria and credit cards can also be used in the country.

Official Language of Algeria

Arabic became the official national language of Algeria in 1990, and most Algerians speak one of several dialects of vernacular Arabic. These are generally similar to dialects spoken in adjacent areas of Morocco and Tunisia.

Best time to travel to Algeria

The best time to visit Algeria is the months of March and those between October and November when the days are cool and sunny. Even mid-winter can be a good time, even if the desert night temperatures are extremely low.

What to wear in Algeria

Algerians generally dress the same as Europeans, so for work, it is recommended to wear dark, professional jackets and slacks. For women, there is no set dress code, but they should avoid wearing short skirts and low-cut blouses.

What to bring while travelling to Algeria

Algeria is an adventurous destination and travellers should ensure that they pack wise below are some of the important items.

• Sun hat if visiting the north in summer or the Sahara at anytime
• Warm clothes if visiting in winter, spring or autumn
• Water bottle
• Good walking shoes for pacing around ancient Roman sites
• Cash in euros
• Camera
• Spear battery
• Charging plug fit for Algeria

Car hire and driving in Algeria

Touring Algeria by car is the best way to enjoy the country and its beautiful landscapes. However, driving in Algeria can be intimidating given the reputation of Algerian drivers.

To get the best of your vacation just hire a car with a driver who is knowledgeable about driving in Algeria.

Accommodation in Algeria

Algiers, French Alger, Arabic Al-Jazāʾir, capital and chief seaport of Algeria. It is the political, economic, and cultural centre of the country where there is plenty of accommodation but when you start heading to the desert ensure you pre-book accommodation services before travelling to avoid disappointments.

Local food of Algeria

Couscous

Often considered the national dish of Algeria, Couscous is a perfect complement to any meal. This dish is composed of small pellets of steamed semolina topped with meat, vegetables, and various spices. In Algeria, the most popular meat and vegetable accompaniments for this meal include chicken, carrots and chickpeas.

Tipping while Travelling in Algeria

Restaurants: You should tip 10% of the total to the waiter. Bars: Though you might not see many bars, you should tip also 10% of your total to the bartender. Other: If you take a guide on any part of your trip you should tip him about 10-15% as well based on the experience.

Further information for Algeria

Hotels in Algeria are very expensive, in comparison with living costs in the country. As mass tourism does not exist in Algeria, competition is low and hotels can impose the price they wish. They host a lot of people coming for business or tourists from organised tours.

Safety of Algeria

Algeria has improved in safety immensely in recent years and for much of the country, there are no significant safety issues. However, the lack of foreign visitors means that you will stand out in a crowd and so it still pays to exercise caution.

Alhaggar National Park

Belezma National Park

Djebel Aissa National Park

Chrea National Park

Djurdjura National Park

El Kala National Park

Gouraya National Park

Taza National Park

Theniet El Had National Park

Tlemcen National Park

Wildlife

Birds

Vegetation

8 Days Classic Algeria safari tour

11 Days Algeria explorer safari

11 Days Best of Algeria safari

11 Days discover Algeria safari

11 Days M’zab valley and Sahara desert safari

12 Days Discover Algeria safaris

13 Days Algeria Sahara desert safari

14 Days Algeria Roman Ruins and Sahara desert safari

15 Days Algeria desert safari

Algiers city tours

Atakor Plateau in Ahaggar national park

Visit Hamma botanical Gardens Algiers Algeria

Ghardaia city in Mzab Valley Algeria

Ruins of Timgad in Aures Mountains Algeria

Tassili n’Ajjer open Museum Algeria

Visit Bardo National Museum of Prehistory and Ethnography

Visit Constantine the City of Bridges

Visit El Menia Oasis of Algeria

Visit the Ahaggar Mountains Algeria

Visit Oran city Algeria

Visit Ruins and Temples in Annaba

Visit the Catholic Basilica in Algeria

Visit the Enigmatic Pyramids of Fredda in Tiaret Algeria

Visit the Monument of Martyr in Algiers

Visit the Mosque of the Jews in Algeria

Visit babors nature reserve Algeria

Visit Beni-salah nature reserve Algeria

Visit La macta nature reserve

Visit LLes Habibas Marine nature reserve

Visit the Aures Mountains Algeria

Visit the Bardo Museum Algeria

Visit the Djemila Mountain Village Algeria

Visit the Enigmatic Pyramids of Fredda in Tiaret, Algeria 14

Visit the Kasbah of Algiers

Visit the Mergueb nature reserve Algeria

Visit the Roman Ruins of Algeria

Visit the Sahara Atlas Algeria

Visit the Sahara desert Algeria

Visit the Tassil n’ajjer Mountains Algeria

Visit the tell Mountains Algeria

Visit Tamanrasset town Extreme South Algeria