Algiers - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None, however to leave Algiers we are required to have escorts with us. - Dec 2021
Seems to be quite safe, however due to COVID was mostly homebound. - Oct 2021
This is a police state. There are police every few blocks and checkpoints everywhere. I have never felt threatened or in danger here. Even outside Algiers, you are escorted by police and gendarmes. That being said there are incidents of petty theft but I've never had any issues as long as you follow common sense. - Aug 2021
Algeria is a police state. You can't walk 200 feet in Algiers without seeing several police. Certain crimes like pickpocketing are relatively rare, but THEY can happen. A bigger issue is that travel outside of the city of Algiers requires so much planning and paperwork, and then you'll be accompanied by anywhere from 2-20 guys "for your protection." Doesn't make for the best sight-seeing experience. - Apr 2021
Biggest hazard is other drivers. - Oct 2020
Walking is hazardous. There are very few sidewalks and breathing exhaust from all the traffic can be bad. - Oct 2020
No, I feel safe here. Not being able to travel around the country without a security escort is limiting Driving is an anarchic experience but you get used to it. - Sep 2019
No - feel very safe here - Mar 2019
The presence of police is, well, omnipresent. There is a real reason for that. Nothing happened in the capital during my tour but I won't be surprised if I hear of an attack someday; Algeria has a tough regional neighborhood. - Sep 2016
Algiers lost danger pay in 2015. While there are terrorists active in Algiers, the police presence is enormous in the capital. You will never be more than 500 feet from a cop on the corner or a police checkpoint. In the Embassy neighborhoods you are very safe. - Jun 2016
In the city, no. You need a police escort to leave the city but how much of that is "security concerns," and how much is them wanting to keep an eye on you is an open question. There are problems with terrorists on the Libyan border and deep in the south, but both are over 1,000 miles away. - Mar 2014
Yes, embassy people's cars had their windows broken and embassy houses have been burglarized. - Oct 2013
In the wilaya of Algiers, security is good. Police are ubiquitous. - Dec 2011
High. Two bombs had just gone off as we were leaving for Algiers. Security was fantastic, there were Gendames and police everywhere. - Sep 2008
Some terroristic attack to strategic targets (last one at the UN building). - May 2008
Tons. Security drives the quality of life here due to the credible, ongoing, significant threat from Al Qaida. - Mar 2008
With the bombs on December 11 and the targeting of the U.N. building, the threat to foreigners has increased. Anyone who tells you it's safe is either uninformed or deceptive. You will have to be willing to accept the risk of uncertainty when it comes to security. - Mar 2008
Yes, Al Qaida is active here and managed two spectacular attacks in Algiers in 2007. There are daily skirmishes/attacks in the countryside. - Feb 2008
