Travel Guide Algeria
Algeria, a country less visited than Morocco and Tunisia, is a fascinating and mysterious land that attracts more and more visitors each year, well beyond the Franco-Algerian community. It is enough to see the incredible success of the documentary of Yann Arthus Bertrand, Algeria seen from the sky, to realize that it is a true phenomenon. Today pacified, this country conceals multiple treasures as you will discover it by following the indications of the tourist guide of Algeria. It is thus endowed with many exceptional Roman archaeological sites, registered with Unesco, such as the famous ruins of Tipasa that Albert Camus cherished so much, or Djemila, incredibly well preserved. Algeria is also a country of magnificent beaches all along its coastline, whether in Chenoua, Oran, Algiers , Sidi Fredj or Bejaia. The most bewitching jewel of Algeria is of course the Sahara, which from Ghardaia to Tamanrasset through the Tassili never ends to make dream all the adventurers of the world. But Algeria does not rest on its laurels and is constantly working to improve its hotel infrastructure and its roads. And as far as security is concerned, it is a very safe country, largely guarded by the military. For all these reasons, once you have discovered Algeria, you have only one desire: to rediscover it again and again and to come back, despite all the prejudices about this magnificent country.
What to visit Algeria?
Suggested addresses Algeria
When to go to Algeria?
To know when to go to Algeria, you have to keep in mind that the country is huge and that everything depends on the regions. In southern Algeria and the Sahara, the high tourist season extends from October to May and it is the best time to stay on the Algerian dunes. Most agencies and guides do not work during the hot season when temperatures are around 50 degrees. On the other hand, on the coast, the high season is from June to September, but because of the large number of tourists from the Algerian diaspora at that time, prices soar during the summer holidays. From October to May, it is the low season on the coast with mild weather except in winter when it sometimes rains a lot. Note: it is better to avoid the Ramadan period when the country is slow and it is very complicated to find restaurants during the day.
Weather at the moment
In the north, Algeria enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate in summer, cooler without being cold in winter (except at high altitude where it can snow and freeze). In the south, temperatures are very high in the central part (up to 50°C in In-Salah) to bearable in Tamanrasset at 1 500 m altitude. In winter, the temperature differences between day and night can be very important, from 25 to 0 °C. Average sunshine (in hours) per year: coast (2650), highlands (3000), Sahara (3500).
Alger
Algeria is a rather cheap destination for Europeans thanks to the very advantageous exchange rate between dinar and euro. In Algeria, it is more interesting to exchange money in the street, at the "parallel" rate, than in the banks. You should bring some cash with you, as most of the payments are made in cash. As far as comfort is concerned, the standard of hotels in Algeria is a little below European standards, except for 5-star hotels, and accommodation is still quite expensive. Tipping is not mandatory.
Any French citizen wishing to visit Algeria must apply for a visa at the consulate of his or her place of residence or employer's domicile. For a tourist visa, you will need two copies of the visa application form (available on the Algerian Consulate website), your passport, a photocopy of your passport, two recent passport photos, a confirmed hotel reservation in Algeria or a certified proof of accommodation and, sometimes, proof of income (pay slip for example) It costs 85 € for a visa valid for three months and 125 € for a visa valid for more than three months.
In addition to the usual vaccinations, it is recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A, B and typhoid fever before leaving for Algeria. Be careful with food hygiene, especially in rural areas, and do not drink tap water, which is not always potable. You should opt for bottled water to avoid infectious diseases such as turista and gastroenteritis.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Algeria? Our advice & tips
Since Algeria is still not a very touristy destination, you will probably have to turn to tour operators and receptive agencies based in Algeria. It is recommended to use those whose reputation is firmly established or who are recommended in a tourist guide because many still lack professionalism. But with a good agency, it is possible to make a multitude of thematic trips, safely, including in the Sahara.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationAlgeria is a country where one can travel alone without problems as long as the security conditions are good. However, it is advisable not to venture alone into the mountains and to avoid the border areas with Tunisia and Libya where there are still pockets of terrorism. If in doubt, always seek advice from local people or the military. To leave for the Sahara, it is recommended to go through a receptive agency because a trip to the desert cannot be improvised.
Algeria is well served by domestic flights throughout its territory. The bus network is also well developed between the major cities with rather comfortable vehicles. Algerian trains are punctual, comfortable and safe but do not allow you to go everywhere. With roads in good condition and cheap gasoline, the car is preferred but it is better to hire a driver because driving can be sporty in Algeria. Shared cabs between major cities are also a good solution.
