Algeria could easily be the cheapest, quickest, and most exotic destination reachable from Europe. Just a short flight away, it offers world-class Roman ruins, arguably the best desert in the world, and endless small towns, villages, and cities with picturesque buildings packed with local life — far removed from the tourist circuits of neighbouring countries.
Long closed to tourism and still largely unexplored, Africa’s largest country remains genuinely authentic, much like Morocco was 50 years ago.
need to know for traveling in Algeria
Quick facts
Capital: Algiers
Population: 45 million (34th)
Language: Arabic is the official language; Tamazight is also official. French is widely used in administration and daily life, especially in cities.
Area: 2,381,741 km² (10th largest country in the world)
Visa
You need a visa to visit Algeria. You can either apply for one at the embassy (which can be tricky depending on your nationality), or obtain a visa on arrival by booking a tour with a registered local company. In some cases, only a partial tour is required, depending on the company.
Tours for Algeria
We will be announcing our Algeria Expeditions soon.
Travel Insurance
With its Backpacker plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Algeria
Access internet
You can buy a local SIM card at the airport, usually loaded with plenty of data for very little money. Mobile internet works well in cities and towns, but coverage is limited and unreliable in the Sahara. Wi-Fi is generally poor.
eSIMs from providers like Airalo are available, but performance is only OK; a local SIM is faster.
Remember to always connect using a VPN, such as ExpressVPN.
Money
The official currency is the Algerian Dinar (DZD).
1 EUR = 150 Algerian Dinar.
Do exchange in the black market, where you can get up to 250 DZD for €1.
Budget: starting at €30 a day for budget backpackers.
Independent travel in Algeria
Most Algerian companies won’t provide the required invitation letter / visa authorisation unless you book a full tour with them. However, some agencies in southern Algeria — especially in Djanet and Tamanrasset — may arrange the necessary paperwork in exchange for booking a partial tour. Sometimes, not even a partial tour, but just a one-time fee. This can allow you to obtain a visa on arrival at the airport and then travel independently around Algeria.
Top experiences in Algeria
Exploring Roman ruins without crowds
Sites like Timgad, Tipaza and Djemila are first league Roman ruins without crowds.
Getting lost in the Casbah of Algiers
A living maze of Ottoman houses, crumbling stairways, and everyday life – chaotic, and atmospheric.
Venture into the best desert in the world
I genuinely believe that southern Algeria, in both Djanet and Tamanrasset, offers the most spectacular desert landscapes on Earth.
Meeting the one-eyed women of Ghardaia
Even if you’ve travelled extensively through Muslim countries, the Mozabite culture of Ghardaia is unlike anything else and won’t leave you indifferent.
tips for Algeria
Accommodation
In Algeria, there is a wide range of hotels, many of them very affordable and ideal for budget travelers. Many properties are listed on Booking.com, but it’s best to book directly through the hotel whenever possible, as Booking.com uses the official exchange rate, which is significantly lower.
Getting in
Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG) has connections to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. From cities like Paris, Madrid, and Barcelona, there are daily flights, sometimes for as little as €50 return. Check airlines such as Vueling and Air Algérie.
Land borders with Morocco and Libya are closed, but entry from Tunisia is possible. It’s also possible to enter Algeria by ferry from Marseille or Valencia.
Transportation
Buses go almost everywhere, but overland travel in Algeria is slow and distances are vast. Domestic flights are often a better option and are surprisingly affordable. You won’t be able to book tickets directly through the Air Algérie website, but they are listed on Skyscanner and can be booked through any of its recommended providers.