Is Algiers safe?
Generally manageable in daytime. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and a few unsafe corners need care; avoid demonstrations and border regions.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-08-24.
- Homicide rate in Algeria: 1.2 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Algeria: 20.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 17 · Ambulance 14 · Fire 14.
Safety in Algiers at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Bag and phone snatching, pickpocketing on trams and in markets, and muggings in poorly lit streets after dark. |
| At night | Central streets are active in the evening; use Yassir or hotel taxis after dark. Avoid empty streets and the Casbah at night. |
| Solo women | Solo women face frequent stares and comments; dress modestly, avoid empty streets after dark and use ride apps. |
| Other risks | Earthquakes (northern Algeria is active); Summer heat and wildfires; Chaotic traffic |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Unofficial money changers swapping or short-changing notes
- Unmetered taxis quoting inflated fares to tourists
- Casbah 'guides' appearing unasked and demanding fees
Take care
- Casbah after dark and in empty lanes: robbery
- Bab El Oued and El Harrach at night
- Demonstrations, which can turn tense
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing police, military and government buildings is prohibited
- Alcohol is only sold in licensed places, and public drunkenness is penalised
- Homosexuality is criminalised under Article 338 of the Penal Code
Quick answers
Is Algiers safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women face frequent stares and comments; dress modestly, avoid empty streets after dark and use ride apps.
Is Algiers safe at night?
Central streets are active in the evening; use Yassir or hotel taxis after dark. Avoid empty streets and the Casbah at night.
What is the crime rate in Algiers?
Bag and phone snatching, pickpocketing on trams and in markets, and muggings in poorly lit streets after dark. Nationally, Algeria records 1.2 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Algiers?
Police 17 · Ambulance 14 · Fire 14.
More about Algiers
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UNESCO: Kasbah of Algiers
- Yassir
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.