Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:506 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!compuserve.COM!76702.1202 From: 76702.1202@compuserve.COM (Wally Doerge) Subject: ALL: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Algeria Message-ID: <940726183602_76702.1202_CHN61-1@CompuServe.COM> Sender: daemon@world.std.com (World Mail) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Tue, 26 Jul 1994 18:36:02 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 137 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Algeria ============================================================ Algeria - Travel Warning July 21, 1994 The United States Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Algeria. It further recommends that Americans in Algeria whose circumstances do not afford them effective protection depart Algeria. Recent attacks against foreigners, coupled with increased press attention to the U.S., indicate that the level of risk in Algeria has increased not only for foreigners in general, but for Americans and American facilities as well. All American citizens in Algeria are urged to exercise maximum caution and to reevaluate their personal security practices. Further information can be obtained in the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Algeria. No. 94-030 This replaces the Travel Warning issued April 6, 1994, to warn that the level of risk to Americans and American facilities in Algeria has increased. Algeria - Consular Information Sheet July 22, 1994 Warning: The United States Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Algeria. It further recommends that Americans in Algeria whose circumstances do not afford them effective protection depart Algeria. Recent attacks against foreigners, coupled with increased press attention to the U.S., indicate that the level of risk in Algeria has increased not only for foreigners in general, but for Americans and American facilities as well. All American citizens in Algeria are urged to exercise maximum caution and to reevaluate their personal security practices. For more detailed information please see paragraph 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 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. Since September of 1993 a terrorist campaign against foreigners has resulted in the deaths of dozens of foreigners. Assassinations of Algerian intellectuals, government officials, and military officers occur frequently. Sporadic bombings, gun battles between government forces and terrorist groups, and other violence occur almost daily. 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. Terrorist groups have profited by this strategy to 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. Terrorist Activities: A number of foreigners have been kidnapped and murdered since September 20th, 1993, sometimes in assaults involving dozens of attackers. Terrorists have threatened to kill 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. Americans in Algeria whose circumstances do not afford them effective protection should depart Algeria. U.S. citizens who choose to remain in Algeria despite this warning 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) 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. 94-133 This replaces the consular information sheet dated May 16, 1994, to warn U.S. citizens that the level of risk to Americans and American facilities has increased, and to update the paragraph on terrorism.