December 16, 2020
- As of December 16, Algeria confirmed 93507 cases of COVID-19 and 2631COVID-19 related deaths in its borders.
- In mid-November, the Algerian government imposed mandated 3:00pm daily closures on some businesses, including salons, home goods stores, and commercial centers, in the 32 wilayas, including Algiers. Restaurants and cafes are also subject to the 3:00pm closure requirement and offer only carry-out or delivery services. It is expected that the Algerian government will review these restrictions in mid-December. The lifting of restrictions will be gradual and dependent on the evolution of COVID-19 cases in Algeria.
- People are required to wear a protective mask when in public and those who do not comply may be subject to a fine.
- All land borders remain closed and the suspension of non-cargo international air and maritime travel remains in place. Domestic air travel resumed in early December. Public and private transportation has been prohibited between the provinces listed below as being impacted by a curfew. Public transportation (and depending on the province, private transportation) may be suspended on Fridays and Saturdays in the provinces affected by a curfew.
- A curfew is in effect in 34 of Algeria’s 48 provinces, including in Algiers, where the curfew is from 8 pm to 5 am. The other provinces covered by the curfew are: Adrar, Laghouat, Oum El Bouaghi, Batna, Bejaïa, Biskra, Blida, Bouira, Tébessa, Tlemcen, Tiaret, Tizi-Ouzou, Jijel, Sétif, Guelma, Annaba, Constantine, Médéa, Mostaganem, M’Sila, Ouargla, Oran, Illizi, Bordj Bou Arréridj, Boumerdes, El Tarf, Tindouf, Tissemsilt, El Oued, Khenchela, Souk Ahras, Tipaza, and Aïn Temouchent. Curfews are constantly being reviewed and revised and the curfew may be more restrictive in certain provinces or in certain areas of the provinces above for short periods of time as the health situation develops.
- The Ministry of Health has advised people to dial 3030 if they suspect they are symptomatic. Visit the website of the Algerian Ministry of Health for updates and its dedicated webpage for additional information on these measures.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Algeria closed all land borders and suspended non-cargo international air and maritime travel as of March 17. Limited domestic flights were resumed December 6.
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes However, please be advised that at this time, entry into the country for U.S. citizens may require dual U.S.-Algerian citizenship, or special permission. Algeria does require a visa. Please visit the Algerian Consulate in New York ( https://www.algeria-cgny.org/visa-application/ ) or the Algerian Embassy in Washington, D.C. ( https://www.algerianembassy.org/consular-affairs/visa/visa-instructions.html )
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
- Visa extensions for residents and/or tourists:The Algerian government has instructed the U.S. Embassy to inform citizens in need of Algerian visa extensions to contact their local wilaya Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly (Bureau de la Circulation des Etrangers) to request visa extensions. The U.S. Embassy cannot process these requests.
Movement Restrictions: (See Country-Specific Information above for details)
- Is a curfew in place? Yes
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes
Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
- All travelers to Algeria must quarantine in a state-determined hotel for one week followed by quarantine for an additional week in the location of the traveler’s choosing. Travelers must comply with a medical screening at the hotel. Currently, there are no charges to travelers for the one-week quarantine hotel stay.
- As of March 18, 2020, Algerian authorities announced they are quarantining known cases of confirmed COVID-19 within its borders.
Transportation Options:
- For international travel to/from Algeria, only special, commercial repatriation flights are in operation. The rules of purchasing a ticket and boarding are fluid, but U.S. citizens have been able to board these flights, mostly to depart the country. However, many common transit countries have special transit rules in place. Please confirm with your airline that you will be permitted to board/transit.
- Is public transportation operating? Yes – See Country-Specific Information above for details
Fines for Non-Compliance:
- Enforcement is variable. However, fines of up to 10,000 Algerian Dinars can be assessed for not wearing a mask in public.
Consular Operations
American Citizen Services:
- U.S. Embassy Algiers has suspended all routine consular services and is providing only emergency services. U.S. citizens should email ACSAlgiers@state.gov.
- Please make sure you are also enrolled in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://step.state.gov to ensure the U.S. Embassy can contact you with updates.
- Please continue to check this website and the Embassy’s Twitter and Facebook accounts for updates.
- If you wish to depart Algeria and are interested in receiving information about possible upcoming flights, please email ACSAlgiers@state.gov.
Visa Appointments:
- The U.S. Embassy in Algeria has suspended routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services at this time. We will resume these services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date. The MRV fee is valid and may be used to schedule an interview appointment in the country where it was purchased within one year of the date of payment. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/dz/dz-main-contactus.asp, e-mail support-Algeria@ustraveldocs.com, or call 213 982 402 688 to request an emergency appointment. Applicants for H1B, H2B, H4, L, and certain J categories covered by Presidential Proclamation 10052 should request an appointment only if you have reason to believe you may qualify for one of the exceptions listed in the Proclamation here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-aliens-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-following-coronavirus-outbreak/.
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