Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Algeria
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 1993 16:52:19 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Algeria
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Algeria - Consular Information Sheet
 October 6, 1993

Country Description:  Algeria is a republic with a developing 
economy.  Tourist facilities 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 or South Africa.  
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.  Sporadic bombings, 
shootings, and other violence occur almost daily.  The president of 
Algeria was assassinated in June 1992, and assassinations of 
Algerian military and government officials occur frequently.

Areas of particular concern are the province of Blida, southwest of 
Algiers, and the mountain resort area of Chrea, near Sidi-Bel-Abbes. 
 Persons who stay on main roads and avoid travel at night in Blida, 
and avoid all travel to Chrea will reduce the risk of violent 
attacks. 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.  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.

Terrorist Activities:  Violence directed against Algerian 
government targets is a serious continuing problem.  A few incidents 
have involved foreigners, including the kidnapping and murder of two 
French citizens near Oran in September 1993.  The U.S. government no 
longer allows minor dependents of U.S. Embassy personnel to reside 
in Algeria.  The U.S. Embassy can supply more detailed information 
to Americans in Algeria on reducing the risk of becoming a target of 
a violent attack.

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 and stolen 
virtually everything of value.  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) 
601-425/255/186.

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. 93-299

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 31, 1993, 
to note the risk of travel to the province of Blida and to Chrea, 
and to add information about the September 1993 kidnapping and 
murder of two foreigners.