Embassy of the United States

Also note that tomorrow, November 14, 2009, at 18:00, the Algerian and Egyptian national teams are scheduled to play a World Cup qualifying match in Cairo, Egypt.  After the game there may be large street gatherings and traffic jams both in Algiers and in other cities. 

Even demonstrations or events that are intended to be peaceful can sometimes turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
We therefore advise American citizens to avoid areas where crowds are assembling if possible, and to exercise caution when in the vicinity of large public gatherings. 

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S and Canada or, for callers in other areas, by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 

The U.S. Embassy is located at 5 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El Ibrahimi, 16030, in El-Biar.  The 24 hour-a-day telephone number is (213) 0770 08 2000.  For American Citizen Services during business hours, please call (213) 0770 08 2032.  For visa inquiries, call (213) 0770 08 2240 between 1pm and 4pm. The fax number is (213) 21 60 73 35. 

You can also find the U.S. Embassy Algiers Visa Section and U.S. Embassy Algiers American Citizen Services on Facebook, where the latest Consular Section Algiers information.

Travel Warning 
November 16, 2009

The State Department warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Algeria.  This Travel Warning updates information on the current security situation in Algeria and the continuing threat posed by terrorism.  This replaces the Travel Warning dated March 3, 2009.   

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens who travel to Algeria to evaluate carefully the risks posed to their personal safety.  Terrorist attacks, including bombings, false roadblocks, kidnappings, ambushes, and assassinations occur regularly, particularly in the Kabylie region of the country.  Since early 2007, the use of suicide bomb attacks, particularly vehicle-borne attacks, has emerged as a terrorist tactic in Algeria, including in the capital.  The group that claimed credit for the December 11, 2007, suicide car-bomb attacks in Algiers has pledged more attacks against foreign targets, and specifically against American targets.

The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens avoid overland travel in Algeria.  Americans who reside or travel in Algeria should take prudent security measures while in the country, including making provisions for reliable and experienced logistical support.  Visitors to Algeria are advised to stay only in hotels where adequate security is provided.  All visitors to Algeria should remain alert and adhere to prudent security practices such as avoiding predictable travel patterns and maintaining a low profile.

The U.S. Government considers the potential threat to U.S. Embassy personnel assigned to Algiers sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under significant security restrictions.  These practices limit, and may occasionally prevent, the movement of U.S. Embassy officials and the provision of consular services in certain areas of the country.  The Government of Algeria requires U.S. Embassy personnel to seek permission to travel to the Casbah within Algiers or outside the province of Algiers and to have a security escort.  Travel to the military zone established around the Hassi Messaoud oil center requires Government of Algeria authorization.  Daily movement of Embassy personnel in Algiers is limited, and prudent security practices are required at all times.  Travel by Embassy personnel within the city requires prior coordination with the Embassy's Regional Security Office.  American visitors are encouraged to contact the Embassy's Consular Section for the most recent safety and security information concerning travel in the city of Algiers.

Americans living or traveling in Algeria are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Algiers through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/, and to obtain
updated information on travel and security within Algeria.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy Algiers.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located at 5 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi in the El Biar district of Algiers.  The telephone number is [213] 770 08 20 00, which can also be reached after hours in the event of emergencies. The fax number is [213] 21 98 22 99.

Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, outside the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

For further information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information on Algeria as well as the Worldwide Caution, available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website.

 PDF version
-  Warden Message November 13, 2009
-  Travel Warning November 16, 2009