From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Algeria
Date: 12 Jan 1993 16:03:27 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Algeria
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Algeria - Consular Information Sheet
 January 8, 1993

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 U.S. Consulate in Oran is located at 14 Square 
de Bamako, telephone (213-6) 334-509 and 335-499.  Operations at the 
Consulate in Oran have been temporarily suspended.

Country Description:  Algeria is a republic with a developing 
economy.  Tourist facilities are widely available, but sometimes 
limited in quality.

Entry Requirements:  Passports and visas are required for U.S. 
citizens traveling to Algeria.  For more information concerning 
entry requirements, travelers can 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 unrest and uncertainty in Algeria.  
Elections were canceled in January 1992 and a state of emergency was 
declared in February 1992.  Numerous violent demonstrations were 
held to protest these developments, and over 100 people were killed 
and thousands imprisoned in detention camps.  There have been 
sporadic bombings, and assassinations of Algerian military and 
government officials occur frequently.  The president was 
assassinated in June 1992 and a number of his advisors were wounded. 
 

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.  The border 
between Niger and Algeria is currently closed.

Terrorist Activities:  Violence directed against Algerian 
government targets is a serious continuing problem.  A fatal bomb 
attack in August 1992 at the international airport in Algiers has 
raised concerns that foreigners may be at risk.  The U.S. Government 
has ordered the departure of minor dependents of U.S. Embassy 
personnel and has authorized the voluntary departure of other 
dependents in response to the the risk of violence and political 
turmoil.  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 additonal useful health information.

Information On Crime:  The crime rate in Algeria is moderately 
high, and is increasing.  Petty theft and home burglary are 
particular concerns.  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.

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:  Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in 
illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Tips For Travelers:  The Department of State publication "Tips for 
Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa" contains useful 
general information on travel in the area.  It is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

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. 93-010

Newsgroups: rec.travel