Algeria Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Algeria
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated September 26, 2024
Algeria recorded 1.2 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Algeria #140 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.3 per 100,000 in 2013, 1.2 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Algeria at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
1.2 /100k
Safety Rank
#56 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (2006-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.3 per 100,000 in 2013, 1.2 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Algeria Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Algeria, the homicide rate for men is 4.0× higher than the rate for women — 1.8 vs 0.5 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Algeria has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
26(2020)
Military Spending
8.0% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Algeria:
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in Algeria due to terrorism and kidnapping . Do not travel to: Areas near the eastern and southern borders due to terrorism and kidnapping . Areas in the Sahara Desert due to terrorism and kidnapping . Country Summary: Terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in Algeria. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and have recently targeted the Algerian security forces. Most attacks take place in rural areas, but attacks are possible in urban areas despite a heavy and active police presence. The U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Algeria
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated September 27, 2024).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists use simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)
Terrorist Activity
Algeria has long been an important counterterrorism partner to the United States. It continues its aggressive campaign to eliminate all terrorist activity. However, active terrorist threats remain in Algeria and along its borders. In 2024, the Algeria reported nearly 53 counter-terrorism operations. These resulted in nine terrorists captured and 10 hideouts discovered and destroyed. Over the past five years, Algeria reported 24 major attacks. Almost all these terrorist attacks targeted Algerian security forces. Almost all involved improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or ambush tactics as suspects actively fled through rural mountainous regions. We warn U.S. citizens against travel to remote areas in southern and eastern Algeria. This is due to a high threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping. As noted in our Travel Advisories for Algeria , U.S.
Crime
Algeria’s crime rate is moderate. Algeria has a very visible police presence throughout the country. Many plain-clothes police officers also exist. Petty theft and home burglary occur frequently in low-income areas. They also occur occasionally in affluent areas. Theft of contents and parts from parked cars, on trains and buses, and in hotel rooms occurs. Pickpocketing and purse snatching also occurs. In general, women face harassment in public if not accompanied by a male. Foreign women attract greater unwanted attention in public. International hotels generally provide adequate security. We have seen several cases in which U.S. citizen women meet an Algerian man online. They are then lured to Algeria for marriage and held against their will in abusive situations.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Algeria. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Tips to avoid scammers: Look for red flags like their location is far away, their profile was recently created or seems to be too good to be true, the pace of the relationship is moving too quickly, or they ask for money. Set up a phone call/video chat in the initial stages. Do a reverse image search on the profile picture. If they ask for help, you should refer to them to the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate so we can work with local authorities to assist.
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS navigation apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app, make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. A GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety considerations. Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are. Meet in a popular public place. Avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police and contact the U.S. Embassy at (213) 770-08-2000. The crime emergency lines in Algeria are 1548 and 17; for gendarmes, call 1055. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage. Staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Algeria Population & Demographics
Population of 46,814,308, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Algeria safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Algeria at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 1.2 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Algeria?
Algeria has an intentional homicide rate of 1.2 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #140 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Algeria?
Algeria is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Algeria compare to other countries?
Algeria's homicide rate of 1.2 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.