Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt.

1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travellers over one year of age arriving from or leaving endemic or infected areas.

2
It is sometimes advised to get an immunisation course or booster against typhoid and sometimes poliomyelitis.

3
Malaria risk is limited. The benign vivax strain has been reported in Ihrir (Illizi Department). The recommended prophylaxis is mosquito bite protection only.

Food & drink
Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns is likely to be contaminated and sterilisation is considered essential. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other risks
Hepatitis A occurs. Hepatitis B, diphtheria and tuberculosis are all present.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical help without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Note
In 2003, there were three reported outbreaks of bubonic plague in western Algeria: El Kehailia, south of Oran, and in the areas of Mascara and Sidi Bel Abbes; the last reported case was on July 10 2003.

Medical insurance is not always valid in Algeria and a medical insurance supplement with specific overseas coverage is recommended. Healthcare facilities are generally of a reasonable standard in the north but more limited in the south. Doctors and hospitals usually ask for immediate cash payment for their services. Emergency cases will be dealt with free of charge.