Algeria

Algeria’s Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Oran.

Algeria’s Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Oran.

 

After more than a century of rule by France, Algerians fought through much of the 1950s, and achieved independence in 1962. Algeria’s primary political party, the National Liberation Front (FLN), has dominated politics ever since. Many Algerians of the subsequent generation were not satisfied, however, and moved to counter the FLN’s centrality in Algerian politics. The surprising first-round success of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) in the December 1991 balloting spurred the Algerian army to intervene. A second round of elections was postponed to prevent what the secular elite feared would be an extremist-led government from assuming power. The army began a crackdown on the FIS that instigated FIS attacks on government targets. The government later allowed elections featuring pro-government and moderate religious-based parties, but this did not appease the activists who progressively widened their attacks. The fighting escalated into an insurgency, which led to intense fighting from 1992 to 1998, and resulted in over 100,000 deaths—many attributed to indiscriminate massacres of villagers by extremists. The government gained the upper hand by the late 1990s, and the FIS’s armed wing (the Islamic Salvation Army) disbanded in January 2000. With the backing of the military, Abdelaziz Bouteflika won an election widely viewed as fraudulent in 1999, and was re-elected in a landslide victory in 2004. After a 2008 government amendment which removed presidential term limits, Bouteflika was overwhelmingly re-elected to a third term in 2009. Bouteflika continues to face longstanding problems, including large-scale unemployment, housing shortages, unreliable electrical and water supplies, government inefficiencies and corruption, and the continuing activities of extremist militants. The Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) merged with al-Qai’da in 2006 to form al-Qai’da in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb, which has since launched an ongoing series of kidnappings and bombings—including high-profile, mass-casualty suicide attacks targeting the Algerian Government and Western interests.

Immunizations: Contact your physician or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication, and advise you on the precautions to take to avoid getting sick.

Travel Insurance: Ingle International provides comprehensive travel insurance for adventure travelers who wish to cover themselves in preparation the unexpected.

Entry/Exit Requirements: To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting.

Medical services are adequate in large urban centers, though private clinics tend to be better equipped. Outside of major centers, medical facilities are poor to non-existent. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for their services.

It is recommended that travelers drink bottled water, and use preventive measures to avoid the risks of mosquito-borne diseases.

Exercise a High Degree of Caution

The decision to travel to a dangerous location is the sole responsibility of the traveler. Travelers are responsible for their own personal safety.

Terrorism

Since 2002, accomplishments (due to government policies and security forces) have reduced, but not eliminated, terrorist violence. Numerous terrorist incidents have occurred across the country, and have resulted in injury and death. Algerian institutions are usually the primary targets of terrorist attacks; however other interests have also been targeted. Security in Algeria remains unstable, and a number of planned incidents have been thwarted by authorities.

Despite a drop in the number of terrorist-associated incidents in Algiers and its immediate suburbs over the last few years, security concerns are still present following the car bomb attacks of April and December 2007. These attacks occurred in reputedly safe areas, both injuring and killing many people. Urban centers are reportedly more secure than heavily wooded and/or mountainous rural areas. Travelers should exercise caution at all times.

Avoid Non–Essential Travel

Avoid non-essential travel outside of major centers while in Algeria, particularly in the mountainous region of Kabylia (which includes the provinces of Tizi Ouzou, Bouira, Boumerdes, and Bejaia), as well as in the provinces of Blida, Medea, and Ain Defla. Terrorist attacks, bandit activity, and kidnappings for ransom have taken place in these areas.

On October 22nd, 2009, seven people were killed and two others were injured in an attack targeting security guards in the Tizi Ouzou province. In June 2009, at least 18 police officers were killed and several others were injured in an ambush which targeted employees of a foreign construction company near Mansourah town. In June 2008, two people (including one French national) were killed in two successive attacks in Beni Amrane (Boumerdes province), while several others were injured. The August 2008 terrorist attack at a gendarmerie training school in Isser (Boumerdes province) killed 43 people, and injured 38 others. Two other attacks took place in August 2008 in the province of Bouira, where 12 people were killed, and over 30 others were injured.

Terrorist attacks most often occur at night, in remote areas, on public transportation outside of major cities, and in other parts of the country.

Avoid All Travel

Due to the presence of armed groups and the risk of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping for ransom, avoid all travel to remote desert areas in the wilayas (provinces) of Illizi, Tamanrasset, and Adrar. The provinces of Tamanrasset and Adrar border the countries of Niger, Mali, and Mauritania, where armed groups are known to circulate.

Crime

The crime rate in Algeria is moderately high. In downtown Algiers, petty crime, including pickpocketing and purse-snatching, is on the increase. It is not uncommon for items to be stolen from hotel rooms, automobiles, and while riding public transportation.

The following hotels in Algiers operate under stringent security measures: Sheraton Club des Pins, the Sofitel, El Djazair (formerly St. Georges), the Hilton, the Mercure, and El Aurassi. Upon arrival, travelers should be briefed on hotel security measures, and should retain their hotel key at all times. Walking in the Casbah region should be avoided.

Travelers should avoid unknown areas of cities and towns, especially at night, as robbery and/or physical attacks are persistent threats. It is also advised to keep all electronic devices in a nondescript bag slung across your chest, and to avoid showing any signs of affluence. It is best to carry minimal amounts of money on your person, and to leave any remaining cash locked in the hotel safe.

Desert Travel

Travelers who go to the Sahara must first obtain permission from the Algerian authorities. Their trip must be organized by a reputable tour operator, and they must be accompanied by a professional guide. It is also highly recommended to register with your country's embassy in Algiers, and to contact them for advice and more information.

Due to the Sahara’s extreme climate, lack of water, and insufficient infrastructure, not to mention the visibility of Algeria's petroleum and gas industry (well guarded by both the Algerian military and private security services), a different security environment can be expected. Tours organized by legitimate tour operators from the region are considered safer; however the risk of a group being targeted by terrorists or bandits always remains.

Demonstrations and Civil Unrest

The country has been under emergency rule since 1992. Laws banning the organization of public meetings and/or demonstrations have been adopted to protect the stability of the country. Arrests have been made. However, strike activity and sporadic demonstrations due to ethnic tensions may occur, and could turn violent at anytime. Foreigners may be targeted.

There have been recent incidents of unrest which have led to death, injury, and property damage. In November 2009, demonstrations related to a World Cup football match (European soccer) resulted in damage to the airport and to local businesses. In May 2008, over 70 police officers were injured, and 150 people were arrested in Oran (230 km west of Algiers) following days of demonstrations. Also in May of 2008, tensions between two rival ethnic groups led to violence in the province of Ghardaïa.
 
Travelers should avoid large gatherings and political demonstrations, be cautious of their surroundings at all times, and limit travel on foot, especially at night. They should also monitor local media reports.


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