In September, my wife and I want to drive our car (a 1991 Citroen with NJ plates) from Barcelona across North Africa. The plan is to ferry over to Morocco for a month, then return to Spain and take another ferry to Oran and then drive east through Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. On any trip into the desert we would leave the Citroen in whatever town, and join some 4x4 group.

Is there any other way of getting from Spain to Algeria?

But our big question is: Is it safe? The US State Department and the
UK Foreign Office don't think so, and urge tourists not to drive
across Algeria. We've driven across and through Turkey, Jordan, Syria
and Egypt , as well as all through Russia and Ukraine, without a hint
of trouble. Is Algeria dangerous for tourists on the open roads, going mainly from west to east near the coast?


Are cars required to attach Algerian plates rather than their own? What are the rules for driving in Libya with your own vehicle?



Thanks.
Sy

Hi
I just spent three months working in Algeria based out of Annaba. I had a reasonably good experience there but while it was peaceful, it sometimes felt like a rather uneasy sort of peace that was enforced by an officer on every corner. I have no experience traveling outside the city as our company banned excursions beyond the city limits. However, in making the "pitch" as to why it was safe for me to go to Algeria, I viewed a map of the attacks on foreigners and police over the past 2 years and there were a lot of red dots on the map outside of the cities. It seems that most attacks are targeted towards police and the military. They are usually fake road blocks and tended to happen in mountain passes and confined areas on the road. Since most attacks are targeted towards police, it is possible you could pass by a fake road block and not know the difference. I am quite sure that many travelers pass through the region every year without incident but be aware of the risks and take simple precautions like traveling in the daytime and not being too "flashy" with the gear.

In addition be aware that it is difficult to travel in some areas unless you have a pass for that specific area and a good reason to be there. Paperwork is a nightmare in that country and as it employs a lot of people, there is a lot of it. Be prepared for delays and some expense. Also there is a border dispute with Morocco so I am not sure if it is even possible to cross directly from Algeria. Maybe other HUBB folks out the could comment on that.

I don't think there is anyway to get to Algeria from Spain but there is a ferry from Marseilles once or twice a week. If you do find yourself in Annaba, be sure to check out the roman ruins and museum. Its like most other ruins except there is no glass between you and the artifacts. No photos allowed but you can touch pottery from time of Christ. Go figure. Pretty cool anyway.

I hope this information is helpful. Have a great trip.
Cheers
Derek

IMO Derek's extremely restricted experience working there (normal) is at odds with the relative freedom that tourists get, as long as they have an escort.


Is there any other way of getting from Spain to Algeria?

The ferry you mention is the way. Morocco border is long time closed but it looks like Sy knows this (makes a change!)

But our big question is: Is it safe? The US State Department and the
UK Foreign Office don't think so, and urge tourists not to drive
across Algeria. We've driven across and through Turkey, Jordan, Syria
and Egypt , as well as all through Russia and Ukraine, without a hint
of trouble. Is Algeria dangerous for tourists on the open roads, going mainly from west to east near the coast?

Algeria is not comparable with those safe places IMO but after many years of inaction it appears the state has decided to act in the Kabylie (north east) where many of the attacks Derek mentions (as well as local kidnapping/extortion) have occured. Daily, AQIM/GSPC types are surrendering or being killed. Plenty of stories like this at the moment. It could all be coming to a head (which is a good thing).

Avoid the Kabylie. From Oran I would drive the Citroen south into the desert - Ain Sefra, Bechar, Taghit, Timimoun, across to El Menia (El Golea) up to Ghardaia and then Touggourt, El Oued and into Tunisia at Nefta. Hot, but a brilliant road tour and one that avoids the real danger zone. You will need a tourist agency escort (50-100 eu a day) as well as possibly joining the occasional OTT gendarmerie convoys who want you out of their jurisdiction - but it will all be worth it for peace of mind.


Are cars required to attach Algerian plates rather than their own?

No, but in Kabylie you might feel more comfortable if they were - especially with US plates. Might be better to make up a set of plates on a Spanish or any European pattern if possible, without the 'garden state' bit. As long as the number match, who cares.

In my experience the Algerian people are great - even the men in hats - and will admire and appreciate an American for visiting their country. I am sure you know how to comport yourself from your previous travels in similar countries.

What are the rules for driving in Libya with your own vehicle?

A long story - ask again on HUBB Sahara forum - this post ought to be moved there - or see this -

Chris S

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Morocco Overland 4 (2025) • Trans Morocco Trail