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?

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).

What's the deal with not taking a guide then - how do the Algerians enforce it? Is is dangerous not to have one?

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

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)

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.

The same at Taleb Larbi, not allowed to cross until the guide was there

Where is Bou Chebka, Tunisia? Dont know that one.

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

Ch

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

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.

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??

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.