President of the Republic of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune recently announced more measures to face the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
As of today, Air, land, and sea borders will remain closed until further notice. Only repatriation and cargo flights are allowed.
Keep reading to learn the steps to be granted entry to Algeria in case you are one of the few people who are allowed visiting.
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Algeria Reopening – Latest Updates
11 NOV Update – Algeria easing local restrictions
On November 8th, the Algerian government started easing local restrictions and allowed more businesses to reopen, resumed more public transport. Curfew from 8 pm till 5 am is still in most of the provinces. (Source: US embassy in Algeria)
As of November 8th, the Ministry of Health in Algeria reported 62 000 COVID cases and 2048 deaths caused by the virus.
Who is allowed entry to Algeria?
It is very limited. As of today, the country only allows:
- Algerian nationals returning home on repatriation flights
- Diplomatic personnel
- Employees of foreign companies operating in Algeria
In case you really need to travel to Algeria and you do not belong to any of the previous categories, you may contact the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ask for special authorization to enter the country.
Do I need to quarantine once I arrive?
If you are allowed entry you must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival.
Is there a curfew in place in Algeria?
Unfortunately, a severe curfew is enforced at the moment. As of today, 29 out of 48 provinces are experiencing public and private transportation restrictions. The curfew times depend on each province’s particular situation. The affected provinces are:
- Boumerdes, Souk Ahras, Tissemsilt, Djelfa, Mascara, Oum El Bouaghi, Batna, Bouira, Relizane, Biskra, Khenchela, M’sila, Chlef, Sidi Bel Abbes, Médéa, Blida, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Tipaza, Ouargla, Bechar, Constantine, Oran, Sétif, Annaba, Bejaia, Adrar, Laghouat, El Oued.
Do I have to wear a mask in Algeria?
People are required to wear a face mask in public places at all times.
Do I need to present a COVID-19 test to enter Algeria?
No. Authorities have not mentioned you will need one to be granted entry.
Do I have to undertake any health screenings at the airport?
Yes. You must undertake and pass temperature checks on arrival.
Do I need to provide the government with my personal details?
Yes. You do. The Algerian authorities will ask you to provide your contact information and your physical address.
Do I need a visa to visit Argelia?
Very likely. If you are coming from Europe you might need a visa to get into the country. Consult your embassy before traveling.
Keep in mind that you will need to get your visa before traveling. Algeria is no longer issuing visas on arrival.
Is the Algerian and Morocco border open?
No. Unfortunately, it is closed and will remain like this until further notice.
Do I have to bring any vaccine certification?
- Yes. Actually, several. All Travellers should be up to date with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.
- Visitors older than 9 months old must present proof of a yellow fever vaccine.
What is the COVID-19 situation in Algeria?
Mohamed Berkani, a member of the Algerian scientific committee in charge of the progress of COVID-19 has recently said that there are only 30 patients under intensive care which suggests that “the virus has diminished in terms of virulence.”
Berkani also mentioned that the country has increased its testing capacity but that does not mean that it is time to reopen the borders just yet.
Back in February before the pandemic struck the country, the Algerian government sent medical donations to help China fight the new virus. Months later, China sent back two batches of medical aid as retribution.
As of today, the country has reported 57,651 positive cases, 1,956 of them have already recovered, and 40,014 deaths. Over the last few weeks, the country has seen a mild but steady increase in coronavirus cases.
Our friendly suggestion
If you suspect that you have been infected with the new coronavirus, call the number 3030. The Ministry of Health has some protocols in place to help you.