Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: According to local media, Algeria has the fourth highest vehicular accident rate in the world. Problems include poorly maintained roads, a severe lack of roadway signage, insufficient vehicle maintenance, defective, pirated auto parts, driver fatigue, and reckless and unskilled drivers.  Lack of enforcement continues to be a major problem.  While emergency response resources are adequate in Algiers and other populated cities, this is not the case in rural areas.

Travel overland, particularly in the southern regions, may require a permit issued by the Algerian government.

Algeria recognizes International Driving Permits. U.S. citizens who wish to drive in Algeria should obtain an International Driver’s Permit in advance.  See the Department’s Driving Abroad page for more information on driving permits. For information on obtaining an Algerian driver’s license, see the Algerian Ministry of Interior’s page for driving licenses.

Drivers will encounter police and military checkpoints on major roads within/around Algiers and other major cities.

Rather than traffic lights, police control most major traffic intersections in Algiers.

Public Transportation: Trains operate between cities in the coastal regions of Algeria (although not inter-country) and are generally safe and reliable. There is a new urban railway in Algiers that runs along the coast and is clean and well-policed. Due to concerns about crime and mechanical safety, citizens should consider carefully the risks of buses, as well as taxis hailed on the street. There are new radio-dispatch taxis within Algiers.  

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of the Algerian Embassy in Washington, DC. for information concerning Algerian driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance. 

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Algeria, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Algeria’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.