Algeria customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Algeria strictly prohibits the import of alcoholic beverages by non-resident travellers; no duty-free alcohol allowance exists. Cash amounts exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared on arrival. Personal goods and gifts up to DZD 100,000 (approx. USD 800) are duty-free in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
0.0 L
No duty-free alcohol allowance for non-resident travellers. Import of alcoholic beverages for personal use by non-residents is prohibited.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared on the customs declaration form upon arrival.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal effects and gifts up to DZD 100,000 (approx. USD 800) are duty-free. Items above this value are subject to customs duties and taxes.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Alcoholic beverages (import for personal use by non-residents is prohibited)
  • Pork and pork products
  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (strictly banned)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (without prior authorization from the Ministry of Interior)
  • Pornographic materials
  • Items infringing intellectual property rights (counterfeit goods)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines for personal use (must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription; quantities exceeding 3 months' supply require prior approval from the Ministry of Health)
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require a phytosanitary certificate and prior permit)
  • Pets (dogs and cats) require a valid rabies vaccination certificate and an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture
  • Satellite phones and radio communication equipment (require prior authorization from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture)

Rules worth knowing

Currency Import and Export Limits

Non-residents may import up to DZD 1,000 in local currency. Foreign currency can be imported without limit but must be declared if exceeding USD 10,000. Export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount declared on arrival, minus any exchanged amounts.

Duty-Free Shops at Airports

Arriving travellers cannot purchase duty-free alcohol at Algerian airports. Duty-free shops sell only tobacco, perfumes, and gifts, but alcohol is not available for arriving passengers.

Temporary Import of Vehicles

Non-residents may temporarily import a vehicle for up to 6 months without paying customs duties. A carnet de passage en douane (CPD) is required. Overstaying the period results in fines and potential seizure.

Gifts and Personal Effects

Gifts valued over DZD 10,000 (approx. USD 80) must be declared. Items intended for commercial use, even if under the duty-free threshold, may be subject to duties and require a commercial invoice.

Frequently asked questions

No. Non-resident travellers are not allowed to import alcoholic beverages for personal use. This is strictly prohibited. Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and restaurants in Algeria.
You can bring up to USD 10,000 (or equivalent) without declaring. Any amount above that must be declared on the customs form. Local currency (DZD) is limited to DZD 1,000 per person.
Personal effects and gifts up to DZD 100,000 (approx. USD 800) are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to customs duties at rates varying from 5% to 30% depending on the item.
Yes, for personal use up to a 3-month supply, provided you carry a doctor's prescription. For larger quantities, you must obtain prior approval from the Algerian Ministry of Health.
Yes. Drones require prior authorization from the Ministry of Defense. Satellite phones and other radio communication equipment need a permit from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications. Without permits, they may be confiscated.
You must declare the excess value on the customs form and pay applicable duties and taxes. Failure to declare can result in fines or seizure of the goods. Duty rates range from 5% to 30% plus VAT (19%).

Official source

Direction Générale des Douanes (Algerian Customs)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Direction Générale des Douanes (Algerian Customs) before travelling.