Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Will Algeria ever open again? Will Algeria ever open again?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Leeds, UK
Posts: 120
Will Algeria ever open again?
Any developments in this area? Do you think it is likely to allow unsupported indipendanty travel in the next 2-3 years?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Doubtful. Is there anyone pushing for removing the restrictions?

Otoh, we drove without a guide as far as Illizi last year. Intend to do another trip this fall and try to "push the envelope" again (without breaking any rules).
Last edited by priffe; 12 May 2010 at 08:27.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Leeds, UK
Posts: 120
What's the deal with not taking a guide then - how do the Algerians enforce it? Is is dangerous not to have one?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: johannesburg - south africa
Posts: 108
Alegrian guides - Oran Port
Hi!

I suspect getting in or not without a guide depends on where you enter: When Ian Chappel and I arrived at Oran Port with the ferry from Algeria we were not even allowed out of the Customs & Immigration area before the guide had arrived and the police escort was ready. In fact, we had to wait for the guide to show up before we could start with the immigration part of the process.

Kobus
__________________
"The fates lead him who will; him who won't they drag." - Anon
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Coimbra, Portugal
Posts: 322
Gnazaouet
the same in Gnazaouet....

But I think that if you say that you are just going to the next town they will let you pass. (in the north of the country)

(see some topics of Rui Tremoceiro)
__________________
bernardo feio (Portugal)
2.5 Land Rover Lightweight / BMW R80 G/S PD / Toyota HZJ 78
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
If you say you are going south I don't think they will let you go alone. Otoh, if you have hotel reservations for Algiers (I only found three hotels in Algeria that I could book online last April) (and btw these reservations were what we needed for getting the visa), then maybe.
We went in at Bou Chebka where they see few tourists. It was a breeze.
We reported with the proper authorities in Ouargla and checked in with the gendarmes everywhere else, and they all gave us the laisser-passer. Until Illizi.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: FRANCE
Posts: 138
Quote:
Originally Posted by bernardo feio lightweight View Post
the same in Gnazaouet....
The same at Taleb Larbi, not allowed to cross until the guide was there
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 May 2010
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
Where is Bou Chebka, Tunisia? Dont know that one.

I get the feeling in the last few months they have got more strict.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 May 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Alentejo
Posts: 72
Will Algeria open again?

I hope so!

Down there is the "real thing"! That´s the heart of the Sahara. In all senses.
I'm already working in a next trip, solo moto, if possible again.
I lost the 80's and pre-1992 "golden age". In March 2003 I was almost there, but moved to Siwa, during 4 weeks between Alexandria, El-Alamein and the oasis. (At Marsa Matruh I remembered 3 swiss bikers coming from Libia and asking me for news about the "lost or disappeared" in Algeria. The portuguese newspaper PUBLICO had a big coverage on that issue. Now I feel that all my live I've been waiting for that Algerian Sahara.
Sorry, But after my first experience... I´m in love with it!
(I know that's not the best feeling to deal with it...)

Rui Pedro Tremoceiro
Alentejo - PORTUGAL
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 20 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
Where is Bou Chebka, Tunisia? Dont know that one.

I get the feeling in the last few months they have got more strict.

Ch
Can not find it on google maps...but it is the crossing if you drive north from Gafsa direction Thebessa. P15 in Tunisia, N10 in Algeria. Small place in the Atlas, Bou Chebka. A few trucks, some Algerians passing, no tourists.
Lovely green surroundings.

Getting more strict - - it seems they are trying to take control of their territory and why not. Both good (more safety) and bad (less freedom) for us.
Last edited by priffe; 20 May 2010 at 16:35.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 31 May 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 336
So my understanding that if you stick to northern algeria you are fine?? you can go it alone?? Or do you still need a guide??

If you want to go south to the dunes then you need a guide, what are the costs involved with guides, etc??
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 1 Jun 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Canada
Posts: 27
North Algeria
In January 2009, entering from Tunis headed for Annaba by shared taxi, no guide was required. They weren't happy that the agency that I had contact with was all the way across in Timimoun, but they let me go on. Once inside, I was never asked about having a guide: on foot, bus inspections, trains, etc. This was along the coast and down south in the west as far as Bechar/Taghit.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ne border open Libya - Algeria Chris Scott North Africa 4 26 Oct 2006 12:33
Libya - Niger.... open or closed.. what about Algeria ? petelewis North Africa 2 21 Jun 2005 01:57

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:05.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top