The FCDO revised its Algeria travel advice on Friday 25 September. Its change note lists "Updated information about customs rules, terrorism in Algeria, political situation and personal ID". The note marks these as revisions rather than new sections, so this piece sets out what the advice now says rather than claiming which lines moved.
The no-go areas are the borders. The FCDO advises against all travel to within 30km of Algeria's borders with Libya, Mauritania, Mali and Niger, and with Tunisia in the provinces of Illizi and Ouargla and in the Chaambi mountains area. It advises against all but essential travel to within 30km of the rest of the Tunisian border.
On terrorism, the FCDO's assessment is direct: "Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Algeria." It says the threat is higher along the southern border, "where the kidnap risk is concentrated", along the Libyan and Tunisian borders, in rural areas, particularly mountainous ones, in the north and between Tunisia and Algiers, and in the Sahara. It names Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and says these groups "likely consider Western nationals legitimate targets." Against that, it says the Algerian authorities "conduct effective counter-terrorism operations and retain a strong, visible security presence across the country."
Kidnap is the risk to plan around. The FCDO says groups including AQIM and Daesh affiliates operate across North Africa's porous borders, with the heightened risk in border and remote desert areas, particularly the southern and eastern borders with Mali and Libya. It is clear that cover will not help: "If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release." The UK does not make substantive concessions to hostage takers, and the Terrorism Act 2000 makes payments to terrorists illegal.
Three other points bear on protective work. The FCDO says demonstrations are subject to restrictions and advises avoiding political gatherings. It warns that the authorities "do not always inform the British Embassy when British nationals have been arrested." And it says it is illegal to bring drones, binoculars, telescopes and certain photography equipment into Algeria without authorisation, so check the kit list with Algerian customs before travel. Cash above 5,000 euros, or the equivalent, must be declared on entry and exit.
For teams working in Algeria:
Map every route against the 30km border strips before it is approved, and treat any southern or eastern desert movement as a kidnap-risk movement in its own right.
Expect the visible state security the FCDO describes. It says the security presence "can feel intrusive". At checkpoints it advises approaching slowly and being ready to show photo ID.
Plan communications for the south, where the FCDO says mobile coverage can be patchy or unavailable and online maps may be inaccurate.
Keep the Embassy informed of the team's movements, because the FCDO says it may not be told if someone is detained.
