Algeria's healthcare system is a mix of public and private facilities. In major cities, medical care is adequate for routine issues; for serious emergencies, facilities can be limited. Here's what American travelers need to know to stay healthy before and during their trip.
Recommended Vaccinations
No vaccinations are legally required to enter Algeria (unless arriving from a yellow fever–endemic country, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory). However, the CDC recommends the following for US travelers:
- Routine vaccines: MMR, TDAP, polio, flu — make sure these are current.
- Hepatitis A: Strongly recommended. Spread through contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for longer stays or if you might need medical treatment.
- Typhoid: Recommended, especially if eating street food or visiting rural areas.
- Rabies: Consider if you'll be spending time in rural or desert areas with potential animal exposure.
- Measles: Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past.
Water and Food Safety
Tap water in Algiers, Oran, and Constantine is chlorinated and considered safe. Still, most travelers prefer bottled water — it's cheap and widely available (Saïda, Ifri, and Lalla Khedidja brands). In rural areas and the south, always drink bottled or purified water.
Food safety at established restaurants is generally good. Street food is usually safe if it's freshly prepared and served hot.
Desert Health Risks
If you're heading to the Sahara, prepare for extreme conditions:
- Dehydration: Temperatures exceed 120°F (50°C) in summer. Drink at least 1-1.5 gallons or 4–6 liters of water per day. Definitely, start hydrating before you feel thirsty.
- Sunstroke: Wear a wide-brimmed hat, loose long sleeves, and high-SPF sunscreen. Rest during midday heat (11am–3pm).
- Scorpions and snakes: Shake out shoes and clothing every morning. Sleep in a tent or elevated bed — not directly on the ground.
- Sandstorms: Carry a scarf or bandana to cover your nose and mouth. Protect electronics in sealed bags. Ethan Hunt in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol even had goggles during a sandstorm.
Hospitals and Pharmacies
Pharmacies are well-stocked and found on every major street in Algerian cities. Many medications that require prescriptions in the US are sold over the counter in Algeria. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and are often the first point of contact for minor ailments.
For emergencies, major public hospitals include:
- CHU Mustapha Bacha (Algiers) — the largest university hospital in Algeria
- CHU d'Oran — main hospital for western Algeria
- CHU de Constantine — serving eastern Algeria
Private clinics in Algiers and Oran offer higher-quality care for non-emergency issues. Always carry comprehensive travel health insurance — medical evacuation to Europe may be necessary for serious conditions, and it can cost tens of thousands of dollars without coverage.
COVID-19 and Other Entry Health Requirements
As of 2026, Algeria has lifted COVID-19 testing and vaccination entry requirements. However, health policies can change quickly — check the latest requirements on the Algerian Ministry of Health and the US Embassy websites before departure.
Medications
Bring all prescription medications you'll need, in their original packaging with written prescriptions and your name. Common OTC medicines (ibuprofen, antihistamines, and antibiotics) are readily available. Narcotic painkillers and psychiatric medications may require documentation — check with the Algerian embassy before traveling with controlled substances.