K Hayes
FCDO advises against all travel to within 30km of Algeria's borders with: Libya, Mauritania, Mali, and Niger. It also advises against all travel to within 30km of the border with Tunisia in the provinces of Illizi and Ouargla and in the Chaambi mountains area. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 30km of the rest of the border with Tunisia. For the rest of the country, FCDO recommends seeing travel advice but does not advise against travel. Key reasons for advisories include the high risk of terrorism and kidnapping in border and remote desert areas, where extremist groups such as AQIM and Daesh-affiliated cells operate. Travellers should remain vigilant in urban areas, including Algiers, despite the heavy police presence.
Algeria is classified with a WTW risk score of 22/100, indicating 'Heightened Security Concerns'. While the security situation in Algiers and major coastal cities has improved, the threat from terrorism remains 'very likely' according to the FCDO. Security forces frequently conduct counter-terrorism operations in mountainous and border regions. The country faces significant regional instability due to its porous borders with Mali, Libya, and Niger. For a high-profile researcher with a focus on human rights, the risk is elevated due to the potential for state surveillance and the use of broad anti-terrorism laws (Article 87 bis) to target activists and researchers. The WTW band 22/100 serves as a moderate-high baseline, but the traveller's specific profile and the extreme climatic conditions in August shift the overall assessment to 'High'.
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Closure of government offices, potential for large-scale public gatherings, and increased security presence in Algiers and other urban centers.
Risk implication: Transport disruption and restricted movement; high potential for spontaneous demonstrations if political tensions are high. Enhanced surveillance of foreign nationals near public gatherings.
Official suspension of all cultural festivals and large celebratory events due to the extreme heat and the high risk of devastating forest fires.
Risk implication: Reduced opportunities for public engagement but indicates a severe environmental hazard (wildfires and extreme temperatures) that poses a direct health risk to the traveller.
Court proceedings in Algiers related to the 2021 Kabylie region unrest.
Risk implication: Potential for localized protests or flashpoints, particularly in the Kabylie region or near court facilities in Algiers. High-profile human rights researchers may attract unwanted attention from security services during these periods.
K Hayes faces three critical specific risks. 1. High Public Profile & Human Rights Focus: Algeria has recently used Article 87 bis of the Penal Code to target human rights defenders and researchers on 'terrorism' charges. A high-profile Chatham House researcher is likely to be subject to state surveillance and potential administrative harassment or detention if their work is perceived as sensitive. 2. Medical (Heart Condition): August is the peak of the Algerian heatwave (40°C-45°C) and wildfire season. The combination of extreme heat and poor air quality from smoke poses a severe risk for cardiac stress and potential emergency. 3. Gender/LGBTQ+ (Prefer Not to Say): Same-sex acts are criminalized in Algeria (up to 3 years imprisonment). The 'prefer not to say' gender status suggests a need for high discretion; public displays of affection or 'visibly queer' materials are dangerous and could lead to arrest or violence. Public profile targeting by state actors is the primary security concern.
State Surveillance and Legal Targeting
High risk of monitoring and potential arrest under broad anti-terrorism or national security laws due to the traveller's profile and research topic.
Terrorism
Terrorist groups remain active and 'very likely' to attempt attacks. While mostly rural, urban targets (state buildings, foreign interests) remain at risk.
Extreme Environmental Conditions (Heat/Wildfires)
Extreme August temperatures and wildfire smoke significantly increase the risk of cardiac events for a traveller with a known heart condition.
Kidnapping
Risk is concentrated in border and remote areas. Insurance (AIG) specifically excludes Kidnap & Ransom cover for this trip.
- 1.Conduct all meetings in high-security, vetted hotels or at the British Embassy/official venues.
- 2.Stay exclusively in Algiers or Oran; strictly avoid travel within 50km of any land border.
- 3.Limit outdoor activity between 11:00 and 17:00 to manage heat-related cardiac risk.
- 4.Register with the 'AIG MyLifeline' app and ensure the emergency number (+44 1273 065 120) is on speed dial.
- 5.Exercise extreme digital caution; use a high-quality VPN and assume all communications (calls/SMS) are monitored.
- 6.Maintain a low profile: avoid discussing research or personal safety factors (LGBTQ+/Human Rights) in public or with unknown contacts.
- 7.Ensure all essential heart medications are carried in original packaging with a copy of the prescription.
- 8.Carry a physical map of Algiers and identify the nearest private cardiac clinic to your accommodation.
Current UKHSA guidance does not place Algeria on any restrictive health lists as of July 2026.
Travel will be restricted to urban centers (Algiers). Traveller will stay in international 5-star hotels (e.g., Hyatt Regency Algiers Airport or El Aurassi) which have perimeter security and vetted staff. No travel to 'red zones' near the borders is permitted. Use only pre-arranged, vetted transport; do not use street taxis or public transport.
Evacuation will be triggered by: 1. A cardiac medical emergency requiring specialized care unavailable locally. 2. A significant deterioration in the Algiers security environment (e.g., mass unrest or terrorist event). Decisions will be made by the Chatham House Emergency Liaison Team (ELT) in coordination with AIG MyLifeline and the British Embassy. The primary route is via Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG).
If ALG airport is closed, relocation to the port of Algiers for ferry transit to Marseille (France) or overland transit to the coastal city of Oran for similar maritime routes is the secondary option. Overland border crossing into Tunisia is NOT recommended due to the high risk in border zones.
In the event of civil unrest or a 'lockdown' scenario, the traveller will hibernate in their hotel room. The hotel must have backup power, a 72-hour supply of water/food, and internal security protocols. Communication will be maintained via satellite phone or encrypted messaging if data networks are cut.
Daily check-ins at 09:00 and 18:00 (UK Time) via a dedicated Signal group. Arrival/Departure check-ins: 1. Arrival at ALG. 2. Arrival at hotel. 3. Departure for daily meetings. 4. Return to hotel at night.
If a check-in is missed by 30 minutes, the CH security lead will attempt contact via Signal/WhatsApp, then phone. After 60 minutes, the hotel and/or local contacts will be contacted. After 2 hours, AIG MyLifeline and the British Embassy will be notified to initiate a welfare check.
AIG MyLifeline: +44 1273 065 120; FCDO Consular (London): +44 20 7008 5000; British Embassy Algiers: +213 (0) 770 08 50 00; Chatham House Base Contact: [PLACEHOLDER]; Traveller (K Hayes): [PLACEHOLDER].
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Required training for high risk destinations: 5 course(s)
Basic Online Training
Required for all travel
Risk Awareness Training
Required for all travel
First Aid Training
Required for all travel
Enhanced Online Training
Required for amber/red destinations
HEAT Training
Required for red destinations
Risk Assessment
Pending
Insurance Approval
Pending
Trip Approval
Pending
Personal Travel Safety Brief
PDF document with traveller safety guidance
Comprehensive Risk Assessment Report
Full security analysis and risk assessment
Security Plan (Annex A)
Security approach, evacuation & hibernation protocols
Communications Plan (Annex B)
Check-in protocol, escalation & contact numbers