The U.S. Embassy in Algeria issued a security alert to its citizens in Algeria last Thursday, warning them of the increased risk of kidnapping of Western nationals near the Tindouf camps in Algeria during a marathon scheduled for February 28, 2024.
The U.S. Embassy urged its citizens to avoid the area until March 15, to be aware of their surroundings, to stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/Westerners, to make contingency plans to leave, and to review personal security plans.
The Embassy also advised American citizens in Algeria to ensure that their travel documents are up-to-date and easily accessible, as well as to carry a proper identification document, including a U.S. passport with a current visa.
For further information, the Embassy urged Americans to consult the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Advisory and the Country Specific Information for Algeria. It also recommended that travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and to facilitate precise traveler whereabouts should an emergency arise which would require the assistance of the U.S. embassy there.
The British government also issued a new travel warning on Monday to its citizens heading to Algeria, based on information from a U.S. security alert.
The British government urged its citizens to check the “Entry Requirements” section for Algeria’s current entry restrictions and requirements.
“There is a possibility of an increased threat against Western interests, including against British nationals. You should remain vigilant and keep up-to-date with the latest developments, including via the media and this travel advice,” it added.
The government explained that terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Algeria–including kidnappings–adding that terrorist attacks have focused on the Algerian state, but attacks could be indiscriminate and include foreigners.
“There’s also a risk that lone actors could target foreigners,” the government warned.
Citizens were urged to avoid unfamiliar areas when moving around Algiers and the other main cities– particularly after dark–as well as to avoid travel by road at night outside the major cities and motorways.
The Spanish Foreign Affairs Ministry also advised its citizens against traveling to the Tindouf camps in Algeria due to concerns over “terrorist threats against Spanish citizens in the area of the Sahrawi camps.”
The Ministry stated that the escalating instability in northern Mali and the rise in terrorist group activity in the region have impacted the security situation near the Sahrawi camps in Tindouf.
“For all these reasons, it is recommended not to travel to the area,” the Ministry stated, urging “all Spanish travelers whose presence is not essential to leave as soon as possible.”