Algeria dangers

This item appears on page 21 of the May 2009 issue.

The Department of State recommends avoiding overland travel in Algeria. Terrorist attacks, including bombings, false roadblocks, kidnappings, ambushes and assassinations, occur regularly, particularly in the Kabylie region of the country. Since early 2007, the use of suicide bomb attacks, mostly vehicle-borne attacks, has emerged as a terrorist tactic, including in the capital.

Visitors to Algeria are advised to stay only in hotels where security is provided, to avoid predictable travel patterns and to maintain a low profile.