Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge) Subject: ALL: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- ALGERIA Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1993 14:30:52 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - ALGERIA ============================================================ CORRECTED COPY CORRECTED COPY CORRECTED COPY Algeria - Travel Warning December 9, 1993 The United States Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Algeria, and suggests that American citizens already in Algeria depart the country unless they have compelling reasons to stay. The U.S. Embassy in Algiers has begun to reduce the number of U.S. government personnel in Algeria. Recent murders of foreigners, following an ultimatum by terrorists for foreigners to leave Algeria or be killed, indicate that foreigners in Algeria have been actively targeted for politically-motivated violence. U.S. citizens in Algeria should contact the U.S. Embassy in Algiers, where detailed security information is available. Further information can be obtained in the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Algeria. No. 93-045 This replaces the Travel Warning issued October 28, 1993, to add information on the reduction in personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers. Algeria - Consular Information Sheet December 9, 1993 Warning: The United States Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Algeria, and suggests that American citizens already in Algeria depart the country unless they have compelling reasons to stay. The U.S. Embassy in Algiers has begun to reduce the number of U.S. Government personnel in Algeria. Recent murders of foreigners, following an ultimatum by terrorists for foreigners to leave Algeria or be killed, indicate that foreigners in Algeria have been actively targeted for politically-motivated violence. U.S. citizens in Algeria should contact the U.S. Embassy in Algiers, where detailed security information is available. 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. Recently, violence targeting foreigners has occurred. A state of emergency has been in effect since early 1992. Sporadic bombings, shootings, and other violence occur almost daily. 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. Americans should stay on main roads and avoid travel at night in Blida, and avoid all travel to Chrea to 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: A number of foreigners have been kidnapped and murdered since September 20th, 1993. Terrorists have threatened to kill foreigners who do not leave Algeria. In response to this terrorism, the U.S. Embassy in Algiers has begun reducing the number of U.S. government personnel in Algeria, and suggests that U.S. citizens already in Algeria depart the country unless they have compelling reasons to stay. U.S. citizens who choose to remain in Algeria should register with the U.S. Embassy in Algiers, where detailed security information is available. 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) 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. 93-324 This replaces the consular information sheet dated October 28, 1993, to add information concerning the reduction in personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers.