Latest updates: Risk levels — updated information on the border with Morocco. Exercise a high degree of caution in Algeria due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of kidnapping. Avoid all travel to the following border areas due to the high threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping: within km of the border with Mali, Mauritania and Niger within 50 km of the border with Libya and Tunisia.
Back to top. Algeria's security concerns are mainly due to regional instability. There is a heightened risk of kidnapping and terrorist attacks in rural, mountainous, border and remote desert areas of North Africa. Extremist groups take advantage of porous borders to carry out attacks. They operate human, drug and weapons trafficking in these areas, contributing to the overall threat. Although counterterrorism operations should limit the ability of militants to carry out large-scale attacks, you should avoid all travel to border areas.
Reports of planned terrorist attacks occasionally emerge. In recent years, the Algerian government has intensified its fight against terrorists. Counterterrorism operations significantly diminished the capacity of terrorist groups to operate in Algeria. However, militants remain in the country even if attacks are less common. They mainly target security forces, local government, and Western interests.
Terrorist activity in Libya, Mali, Niger, and Tunisia contributes to the overall threat, particularly in border regions. Demonstrations may occur. Political, social and economic tensions caused civil unrest throughout the country in the past.
Security forces are highly visible and may use tear gas or other tactics to disperse crowds. Even peaceful demonstrations can suddenly turn violent at any time. They can also lead to traffic and public transportation disruptions, causing road closures and delays. Mass gatherings large-scale events. Over the past year, the Algerian government increased the number of arrests of activists, including some associated with the Hirak popular protest movement, which began in Algeria in February Algerian authorities have also prevented dual Canadian-Algerian citizens from leaving Algeria after they were identified as politically engaged in Canada.
