Algeria: Heightened security measures for New Year's celebrations

Event

The Algerian government has implemented a heightened security presence throughout the country ahead of New Year's celebrations. Some 60,000 police officers have been deployed to provide security at the country's border, public institutions, hotels, transportation hubs and public spaces.

Advice

Individuals present in Algeria are advised to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities, and to report any suspicious objects or behavior.

Some Western governments advise against travel to the desert regions of central and southern Algeria, including the entire border with Libya, due to the terrorist threat. Traveling to some wilayas of northern Algeria (Tizi Ouzou, Bouïra, Boumerdès, Béjaïa, Jijel, Skikda, Tébessa, Constantine, El Oued, or Aurès Mountains) is also advised against. Only a few large cities (Algiers, Oran, and Tlemncen) should be considered relatively safe thanks to a heavy security presence.