World Safety Map

Safest cities in Algeria

58 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04

US 2/4 Exercise increased cautionUK FCDO advises against all travel to parts of this country

Areas the UK FCDO advises against visiting

  • Algeria border areas
  • Rest of the Algeria-Tunisia border
  • Libya
  • Mauritania
  • Mali
  • Niger
  • Tunisia – in the provinces of Illizi and Ouargla and in the Chaambi mountains area

In full or in part — the official advisory lists exact boundaries and exceptions.

What official travel advice warns about

Terrorism

  • Terrorism in AlgeriaTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Algeria.
  • Terrorist kidnapThere is a threat of kidnapping by groups operating in North Africa, particularly from Libya, Mauritania and groups originating in the Sahel. This includes AQIM and Daesh-affiliated groups, who may travel across the region’s porous border. There is a heightened risk of kidnap in border and remote desert areas of North Africa, particularly in the…

Political situation

  • Demonstrations and other forms of protest are subject to various restrictions. You should take precautions for your personal safety by avoiding political gatherings and demonstrations. Follow instructions given by local security authorities.

Algeria-Morocco border

  • The land border between Algeria and Morocco is closed. Do not attempt to cross it.

Risk of arrest and detention

  • The Algerian authorities do not always inform the British Embassy when British nationals have been arrested. If you are detained, insist on your right to contact the British Embassy.

Crime

  • Protecting yourself and your belongingsThere is a risk of pickpocketing, robbery and petty theft in the larger cities in Algeria.
  • Security escortsThe Algerian authorities devote considerable resources to the safety of foreign visitors. There’s a clear security presence, which can feel intrusive.

Laws and cultural differences

  • Personal IDYou do not have to carry your passport at all times, but take it with you on longer journeys. You must have your passport if you travel inside Algeria by air. Keep copies of your passport’s photo page and your visa or entry stamp in a separate place.
  • RamadanRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country, next starting in February 2026. During this time, do not:
  • Alcohol lawsIt is illegal to be under the influence of alcohol in a public place.
  • Illegal drugs and prison sentencesThere is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences. The penalties for trafficking, smuggling, using and possessing illegal drugs are severe and can include the death penalty depending upon the severity of the offence.
  • Mobile phone coverageMobile phone coverage can be patchy or unavailable in more remote areas, particularly in the south of Algeria. Some online maps may not be accurate in remote areas.
  • Using cameras in secure areasIt is illegal to bring drones, binoculars, telescopes and certain types of photography equipment into Algeria without authorisation. If you have any doubt about items you plan to bring with you, contact the Algerian customs to check prior to your travel.
  • LGBT+ travellersSexual acts between people of the same sex are illegal in Algeria.
  • Family law and child custodyAlgerian family law is different from UK law. Mothers cannot renew their children’s passports without written consent from the father. Fathers can renew their children’s passports without needing the mother’s consent.
  • Military serviceIf you are a British male of Algerian origin, you may be liable for national service even if you have been living outside of Algeria. You can contact the Algerian consulate near you to check your status prior to travelling to Algeria.

Transport risks

  • Road travelIf you are planning to drive in Algeria, see information on driving abroad.
  • Road conditions and safetyAlgeria has a very high road traffic accident rate and driving can be erratic.
  • TaxisIf you are taking a taxi, ask your hotel to phone a reputable firm and do not allow unknown passengers to join you. Ask the driver to collect you for the return journey as taxis are not widely available, particularly after dark.
  • Rail travelRail travel is generally safe, although safety standards tend to be lower than those in the UK. There is a risk of petty crime on trains.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

  • WildfiresWildfires take place most summers, causing significant damage and risk to life where they take place. Fires could flare up without warning, especially during periods of extreme weather. The General Directorate of Civil Contingency has released advice on how to help prevent wildfires and what to do if a wildfire breaks out near you. Always follow…
  • FloodingParts of Algeria are prone to severe and dangerous flood damage. There have been instances where people have been killed, houses submerged and cars swept away.
  • EarthquakesEarthquakes are a risk in the northern part of Algeria, including Algiers.

Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Algeria, updated 2026-07-24 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →

Country figures

Homicide rate
1.38 /100k2024
Income inequality
Gini 27.62011
Human development
HDI 0.7632023
Income
$18,240/yrGNI per capita PPP
Road deaths
20.9 /100kWHO, 2019
Political stability
54/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
Rule of law
45/100WGI, 2024
Corruption perceptions
34/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
Natural-hazard risk
4.2/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Women, Peace & Security
0.62GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
Air quality
16.5 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
Safe drinking water
69%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
Healthcare capacity
1.7 doctors /1k1.6 hospital beds per 1,000
Malaria
0 /1k at riskWHO, 2024 · endemic countries only

Natural hazards

Earthquake
7.8/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Drought
3.8/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Flood
3.6/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Tsunami
1.4/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier

Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.

Same-sex sexual activity is criminalized in Algeria (as of 2025). This describes the law on the books, not necessarily enforcement practice.

How Algeria compares

Algeria against the median of all 180 countries in the dataset. Green means better than the median.
MeasureAlgeriaWorld medianDifference
Homicide rate1.4 /100k2.4 /100k−1.0 /100k — better for Algeria
Income inequality (Gini)27.635.2−7.6 — better for Algeria
Human development (HDI)0.7630.763±0.000
Road deaths20.9 /100k15.4 /100k+5.5 /100k — better for World median
Rule of law45/10052/100−7/100 — better for World median
Corruption perceptions34/10039/100−5/100 — better for World median
Air quality (PM2.5)16.5 µg/m³19.7 µg/m³−3.2 µg/m³ — better for Algeria
Natural-hazard risk4.2/103.8/10+0.4/10 — better for World median
And against its own region — often the more useful comparison, since Africa shares much of the context a global median averages away.
MeasureAlgeriaAfrica medianDifference
Homicide rate1.4 /100k4.7 /100k−3.3 /100k — better for Algeria
Income inequality (Gini)27.638.5−10.9 — better for Algeria
Human development (HDI)0.7630.560+0.203 — better for Algeria
Road deaths20.9 /100k28.2 /100k−7.3 /100k — better for Algeria
Rule of law45/10042/100+3/100 — better for Algeria
Corruption perceptions34/10030/100+4/100 — better for Algeria
Air quality (PM2.5)16.5 µg/m³27.7 µg/m³−11.2 µg/m³ — better for Algeria
Natural-hazard risk4.2/105.3/10−1.1/10 — better for Algeria

Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.

All 58 cities, safest first

  1. Oran79.9 · #1856 worldwide
  2. Djelfa79.9 · #1857 worldwide
  3. Annaba79.9 · #1858 worldwide
  4. Batna79.9 · #1859 worldwide
  5. Setif79.9 · #1860 worldwide
  6. Tlemcen79.9 · #1861 worldwide
  7. Biskra79.9 · #1862 worldwide
  8. El Oued79.9 · #1863 worldwide
  9. Sidi Bel Abbes79.9 · #1864 worldwide
  10. Bejaia79.9 · #1865 worldwide
  11. Ouargla79.9 · #1866 worldwide
  12. Mostaganem79.9 · #1867 worldwide
  13. Souk Ahras79.9 · #1868 worldwide
  14. Laghouat79.9 · #1869 worldwide
  15. Bordj Bou Arreridjj79.9 · #1870 worldwide
  16. Bechar79.9 · #1871 worldwide
  17. El Eulma79.9 · #1872 worldwide
  18. M'Sila79.9 · #1873 worldwide
  19. Saida79.9 · #1874 worldwide
  20. Aflou79.9 · #1875 worldwide
  21. Touggourt79.9 · #1876 worldwide
  22. Ain Beida79.9 · #1877 worldwide
  23. Bou Saada79.9 · #1878 worldwide
  24. Khenchela79.9 · #1879 worldwide
  25. Relizane79.9 · #1880 worldwide
  26. Ghardaia79.9 · #1881 worldwide
  27. Mascara79.9 · #1882 worldwide
  28. El Abiodh Sidi Cheikh79.9 · #1883 worldwide
  29. Messaad79.9 · #1884 worldwide
  30. Ain Oussara79.9 · #1885 worldwide
  31. Tamanrasset79.9 · #1886 worldwide
  32. Barika79.9 · #1887 worldwide
  33. Hassi Bahbah79.9 · #1888 worldwide
  34. Maghnia79.9 · #1889 worldwide
  35. Adrar79.9 · #1890 worldwide
  36. Mecheria79.9 · #1891 worldwide
  37. Tiaret78.0 · #2055 worldwide
  38. Algiers77.7 · #2077 worldwide
  39. Boumerdes77.7 · #2078 worldwide
  40. Meftah77.7 · #2079 worldwide
  41. Larbaa76.2 · #2178 worldwide
  42. Zeralda76.2 · #2179 worldwide
  43. Tizi Ouzou76.1 · #2182 worldwide
  44. Chlef75.5 · #2211 worldwide
  45. Khemis Miliana75.5 · #2212 worldwide
  46. Chettia75.5 · #2213 worldwide
  47. Blida74.6 · #2844 worldwide
  48. Koléa74.6 · #2845 worldwide
  49. Tebessa74.6 · #2846 worldwide
  50. Medea74.6 · #2847 worldwide
  51. Constantine74.2 · #2922 worldwide
  52. Skikda74.2 · #2923 worldwide
  53. Jijel74.2 · #2924 worldwide
  54. Guelma74.2 · #2925 worldwide
  55. Ali Mendjeli74.2 · #2926 worldwide
  56. Taher74.2 · #2927 worldwide
  57. El Khroub74.2 · #2928 worldwide
  58. Ain Mlila74.2 · #2929 worldwide