WHEN TO TRAVEL to Algeria

Location

Climate

Tourist seasons in Algeria

Algeria's climate varies from region to region and can be divided into two main categories: the Mediterranean climate on the coast and the desert climate in the south of the country. This has a direct impact on the high and low tourist seasons.

High season (April to October)

The high season in Algeria generally runs from April to October. During this period, the weather is pleasant, with moderate temperatures throughout the country. Beaches are particularly popular during the summer months (July and August), especially in coastal towns such as Algiers, Oran or Annaba.

Low season (November to March)

Algeria's low tourist season runs from November to March. Temperatures are cooler and rainfall more frequent on the coast. However, this period is ideal for exploring the Algerian desertThis is particularly true of the Tassili n'Ajjer and Ahaggar regions, where temperatures are milder than in summer.

Major cultural events in Algeria

Algeria is home to numerous cultural events throughout the year. Some of the highlights include:

• Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA) The Comic Book Festival: usually held in October, this event brings together authors, publishers and comic book enthusiasts from all over the world for exhibitions, conferences and workshops.
• Algiers International Symphony Music Festival The festival takes place every year in October, and features classical music with concerts by international orchestras.
• Oran International Film Festival (FIO) The Arab Film Festival: held in November, it offers an opportunity to discover Arab and international films, as well as meetings between film professionals.
• Festival Raconte-Arts This traveling festival is held every year during the summer in a different village in Kabylia, offering a variety of shows, workshops and artistic performances.

Public holidays in Algeria

Algerian public holidays are the occasion for celebrations and commemorations that can influence your stay. Here are the main ones:

• January 1st New Year's Day
• November 1st Revolution Day
• July 5 Independence Day, commemorating Algeria's independence from France in 1962.
• Muslim religious holidays These dates vary according to the lunar calendar, and include Eid el-Fitr (end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) and Mawlid (Prophet Muhammad's birthday).

When to go to Algeria according to your interests

To enjoy the beaches

If you want to enjoy Algeria's beaches, the ideal period is between June and September, with pleasant temperatures and warm seas. The coastal towns offer a wide range of water sports and leisure activities.

Discover our cultural heritage

To explore Algeria's rich cultural heritage, choose the months of April, May, September and October. The climate is mild and the tourist sites less crowded than in high season. You'll be able to visit such must-sees as the Kasbah of Algiers, the Roman ruins of Tipaza or the archaeological site of Timgad in complete peace and quiet.

To venture into the desert

The climate in southern Algeria is extremely hot in summer, so we recommend exploring the desert landscapes between November and February. Temperatures are milder during this period, making exploration more pleasant.

Migration flows in Algeria: data and trends

Situated at the crossroads of Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Algeria has always been a welcoming country for various populations who have come to settle here or simply crossed its territory. Over the years, migratory flows have evolved according to political, economic and social contexts, both nationally and internationally.

Legal immigration

According to the latest available statistics, an estimated around 250,000 foreigners legally resident in AlgeriaThis represents almost 0.6% of the total population. Among these immigrants, the most represented nationalities are :

• Moroccans,
• Tunisians,
• Malians,
• the Senegalese,
• and nationals of various Asian countries (China, India, Philippines).

Illegal immigration

Figures for irregular immigration are more difficult to estimate due to the clandestine nature of the flows concerned. However, according to certain sources, we can estimate that several tens of thousands of irregular migrants present on Algerian territory. They mainly come from sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East (Syria, Libya).

The most popular visas in Algeria

Algeria issues several types of visa for foreigners wishing to visit the country for various reasons: tourism, business, study, work, etc. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the most popular visas:

• Tourist visa : This visa is intended for people wishing to visit Algeria for strictly tourist purposes. It is generally valid for 30 days, and does not authorize work or remunerated activities.
• Business visa: Foreign businessmen and women need this type of visa to take part in conferences, seminars or professional meetings in Algeria. The visa is valid for between 3 months and 1 year, with multiple entries possible.
• Student visa : International students wishing to study in Algeria must apply for this visa, which is generally issued for the duration of their studies.
• Work visa: Foreign workers must obtain this visa to work in Algeria. It is issued on presentation of an employment contract and a work permit issued by the Algerian authorities.

International tourism in Algeria: figures and outlook

Despite its immense tourism potential, Algeria is struggling to attract international visitors, mainly because of problems relating to security, lack of infrastructure and complex administrative procedures.

International tourist arrivals

Based on available data, it is estimated that around 2.5 million international tourist arrivals in Algeria in 2019a large majority of which (over 80%) comes from neighboring countries (Tunisia, Morocco, Libya). Other visitors come mainly from Europe (France, Spain, Italy) and North America (UNITED STATES, Canada).

Revenue from international tourism

The tourism sector represents a relatively small part of the Algerian economy, with revenues estimated at approximately $1 billion in 2019. However, these figures have been rising steadily for several years, testifying to a renewed interest in Algeria as a destination on the part of international travellers.

Challenges and opportunities for tourism in Algeria

To attract more foreign visitors, Algeria needs to overcome several major challenges:

• improve safety throughout the country,
• develop tourism infrastructure (hotels, restaurants, transport),
• simplify administrative procedures for obtaining a visa,
• and effectively promote the destination internationally.

At the same time, the country has many assets to develop, in particular :

• an exceptional cultural and historical heritage,
• varied, unspoilt natural landscapes,
• a rich and tasty gastronomy,
• and a warm, welcoming population.