Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:832 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!daemon From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Algeria Message-ID: <950918132508_76702.1202_CHN42-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: daemon@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Mon, 18 Sep 1995 13:25:08 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 179 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Algeria ============================================================ Algeria - Travel Warning May 22, 1995 The United States Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Algeria. The Department recommends that those Americans who choose to be in Algeria despite this warning have substantial armed protection while traveling overland, on their work sites or in their accommodations; other Americans in Algeria should depart. Armed protection is not a guarantee of safety. Continuing attacks against foreigners indicate that the level of risk in Algeria is extremely high. The U.S. Embassy in Algiers also specifically identifies ports and airline terminals as terrorist targets and warns against traveling on regularly scheduled commercial transports. Embassy personnel have suspended their use of regularly scheduled commercial flights. American citizens who remain in Algeria despite this warning are urged to exercise extreme caution and to evaluate regularly their personal security practices. No. 95-016 This replaces the Travel Warning issued February 1,1995, to warn Americans in Algeria whose circumstances do not afford them substantial armed protection while traveling overland, on their work sites, or in their accommodations that they should leave Algeria. Algeria - Consular Information Sheet September 15, 1995 Warning: The United States Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Algeria. The Department recommends that those Americans who choose to be in Algeria despite this warning have substantial armed protection while traveling overland, on their work sites or in their accommodations; other Americans in Algeria should depart. Armed protection is not a guarantee of safety. Continuing attacks against foreigners indicate that the level of risk in Algeria is extremely high. the U.S. Embassy in Algiers also specifically identifies ports and airline terminals as terrorist targets and warns against traveling on regularly scheduled commercial transport. Embassy personnel have suspended their use of regularly scheduled commercial flights. American citizens who remain in Algeria despite this warning are urged to exercise maximum caution and to evaluate regularly their personal security practices. For more detailed information please see paragraphs four and five below. Country Description: Algeria is a republic with a developing economy. Facilities for travelers are widely available, but sometimes limited in quality. The workweek in Algeria is Saturday through Wednesday. Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required for U.S. citizens traveling to Algeria. Algeria does not give visas to persons whose passports indicate travel to Israel. For more information concerning entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria at 2137 Wyoming Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 265-2800. Areas of Instability: Political, social, and economic problems have created a climate of violent unrest in Algeria. A state of emergency has been in effect since early 1992. Since September 1993, a terrorist campaign against foreigners has resulted in the deaths of dozens of foreigners. Assassinations of Algerian intellectuals, government officials, journalists, and military officers occur frequently. Sporadic bombings, gun battles between government forces and insurgents, and other violence occurs almost daily. Currently, Algerian military and other security personnel are unable to offer adequate protection. The government of Algeria has imposed a rigorously enforced late-night curfew in the central region around Algiers. Roadblocks are located at many major intersections. Security personnel at roadblocks and intersections expect full cooperation with their instructions. In response, terrorist groups have set up false roadblocks as ambushes. Numerous incidents of banditry and assault involving foreigners have been reported in the far southern region of Algeria near the border with Niger. Bandits have robbed, assaulted, kidnapped, and killed travelers in Algeria south of Tamanrasset. Travel overland is considered to be treacherous and Algerian military have indicated an unwillingness to offer protection because they feel there is a security risk. The Department of State recommends that American citizens in Algeria have substantial armed protection while traveling overland, on their work sites or in their accommodations. Terrorist Activities: Over one hundred foreigners have been kidnapped and murdered since September 1993, sometimes in assaults involving dozens of attackers. For example, a terrorist attack at a pipeline facility located approximately 200 miles south of Algiers resulted in the death of 5 expatriates. None of these individuals were American citizens. Nonetheless, terrorists have threatened to kill all foreigners who do not leave Algeria. In response to these threats, the U.S. Embassy in Algiers has substantially reduced the number of u.s. government personnel in Algeria. Dependents of U.S. Government personnel may not accompany employees to Algeria. Travel overland in Algeria is considered to be dangerous because the government of Algeria is reluctant to provide security based on their assessment of the risk to Algerian personnel. An Air France flight was hijacked at Algiers Airport on December 24, 1994 by heavily armed terrorists who threatened to blow up the aircraft. The U.S. Embassy at Algiers has identified ports and airline terminals as terrorist targets and warns against traveling on regularly scheduled commercial transport. In addition, Embassy personnel have suspended their use of regularly scheduled commercial flights. Medical Facilities: Hospitals and clinics in Algeria are available, but limited in quality. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, telephone [404] 332-4559, has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: The crime rate in Algeria is moderately high, and is increasing. Very serious crimes have been reported in which armed men posing as police have entered homes of foreigners, held the occupants at gunpoint, and robbed them. Armed carjacking is also a serious problem. Petty theft and home burglary occur frequently. Theft of contents and parts from parked cars, pickpocketing and other theft on trains and buses, theft of anything left in a hotel room, and purse snatching are common. Most residences of foreigners are protected by alarms, grills, watchdogs, and/or guards. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa." They are available from the Superintendent of documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Currency Regulations: Travelers checks and credit cards are acceptable in only a few establishments in urban areas. Currently, the Government of Algeria requires all foreigners entering the country to exchange $200 into local currency. Documentary proof of legal exchange of currency is needed when departing Algeria. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Algeria is located at 4 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, B.P. 549 (Alger-gare) 16000, in the capital city of Algiers. The telephone number is (213-2) 691-425/255/186. The former U.S. Consulate in Oran is closed. Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy may be enrolled in the Embassy's emergency alert network, and can obtain updated information on travel and security within Algeria. No. 95-114 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 13, 1995, to include information contained in the Travel Warning dated May 25, 1995, to recommend that Americans who choose to remain in Algeria despite the travel warning have substantial armed protection while traveling overland, on their work sites or in their accommodations; to note that other Americans in Algeria should depart; and to warn that armed protection is not a guarantee of safety. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. 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