Location: Algeria
Event: There is an ongoing outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, China. The global public health threat posed by COVID-19 is high, with more than 6,651,047 reported cases worldwide. On June 6, the Algerian Ministry of Health announced 10,050 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 698 deaths, in Algeria.
The government of Algeria has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Algeria closed all land borders and suspended non-cargo international air and maritime travel as of March 17 and suspended domestic flights as of March 22. Cultural, sporting, and commercial events are suspended, and restaurants and cafes, schools, universities, public baths, event halls, nightclubs and all forms of public transportation are closed. Other measures include requiring citizens to wear a protective mask when in public.
Algeria has imposed a 5 pm to 7 am curfew in Algiers, Ain Defla, Annaba, Batna, Bejaia, Blida, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Constantine, Medea, Oran, Setif, Sidi Bel Abbes, Tiaret, Tipaza, Tizi Ouzou, and Tlemcen. All other wilayas are under curfew from 7 pm to 7 am, with the exception of Illizi, Saida, Tamanrasset, and Tindouf, where no curfew currently applies.
The government announced a phased approach to lifting restrictions starting June 7, but the easing of restrictions will be gradual and dependent on the evolution of COVID-19 cases in Algeria. Visit the website of the Algerian Ministry of Health for updates and its dedicated webpage for additional information on these measures. The Ministry of Health has advised people to dial 3030 if they suspect they are symptomatic.
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of U.S. personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19. U.S. government personnel are advised to practice social distancing and restricting movements. U.S. Embassy consular services are limited as further described below.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
The CDC has issued a Level 3 Travel Notice for Algeria.
American Citizen Services: Effective March 16, 2020, U.S. Embassy Algiers suspended routine consular services. For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information: https://dz.usembassy.gov/ or see assistance information below. Several airlines are running exceptional flights for their citizens. Seats may be available at short notice for other nationalities. If you wish to depart Algeria and are interested in receiving information about possible upcoming flights, please email ACSAlgiers@state.gov.
Visa Appointments: In response to significant worldwide challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State has temporarily suspended routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Embassies and consulates have canceled all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments as of March 20, 2020, but will continue to provide emergency and mission-critical visa services as resources and local conditions allow. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. Please see these notices which contain detailed information about the current status of visa services worldwide and visa restrictions related to the COVID-19 global pandemic: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-visa-services-and-restrictions.html.
Actions to Take:
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Algiers, Algeria, 05 Chemin Cheikh Bachir Ibrahimi, El Biar 16030
- 213 (0) 770-08-2000
- ACSAlgiers@state.gov
