Algeria

Specific Information

Inventory value limits: Duty and tax exemption for non-diplomatic shipments is only granted if the valued inventory is less than 20,000 EUR (per IAM guide). For returning Algerian citizens, the combined CIF value of goods and vehicle must not exceed 3,000,000 DZD. For Algerian diplomats, the total inventory value must not exceed 2,000,000 DZD.

One shipment only: Only one shipment is authorised duty-free — maximum one sea and one air shipment.

Document language: All documents must be in French.

Consulate stamping: The Change of Residence certificate and the valued inventory must both be stamped by the Algerian Consulate in the country of origin. This is a critical requirement.

Customer presence: The owner must be present for customs purposes. The shipment will be physically inspected (except for ambassadors) and the client's presence or their proxy's is required.

Customs inspection: Customs authorities inspect all containers and parcels. The contents inspected must match the packing list and inventory. If goods are not listed on the inventory, customs will charge an Extra Legal Tax (TEL), the amount of which is at the customs officer's discretion, or the unlisted goods will be seized.

Customs tax: 2% of the total inventory value is charged as a customs processing tax.

Appliances and electronics: Only one item of each type is permitted duty-free. Invoices and receipts stating make, model, and serial numbers are required on the detailed inventory.

ISPM 15 (wood packaging): Not specifically referenced in the FIDI guide. Confirm with the destination agent whether ISPM 15-compliant wood packaging is required.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions — Foreign citizens: Personal effects are admitted into Algeria under the Temporary Admission Regulations, not as a permanent duty-free import. Once obtained, temporary admission may be extended several times by the moving agent or clearing agent for a maximum of 3 years. After 3 years, the goods will be taxed as an import, at which point the client is no longer obliged to re-export. The extension of temporary admission is the client's responsibility. Failure to extend results in penalties. Imported household goods must be re-exported when the non-Algerian owner leaves the country, unless the 3-year period has expired and duties have been paid.

Duty-free conditions — Returning Algerian citizens: To import personal effects, the Algerian citizen must have resided outside Algeria for at least 3 years. The dates on the consular card are used to determine eligibility. The combined CIF value of goods and vehicle must not exceed 3,000,000 DZD.

Duty-free conditions — Foreign diplomats: Diplomats may import one or more air and/or sea shipments duty-free, provided they arrange diplomatic exemption for each shipment. The diplomat must have already started duties in Algeria and have had their diplomatic card issued (usually delivered within 5–10 days). The exemption process takes approximately 5 weeks after the diplomatic card is issued.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Original vehicle registration documents or international book For Foreign Diplomats
• Prior agreement for the import of the vehicle For Foreign Diplomats
• Commercial invoice or document showing the value of the vehicle For Foreign Diplomats
• Vehicle data sheet providing cylinder capacity in cm³ and power of the vehicle For Foreign Diplomats
• Original power of attorney on behalf of the moving agent For Foreign Diplomats
• Original vehicle registration documents or international book For Foreign Citizens with Work Contracts
• Document showing the value of the vehicle / original commercial invoice For Foreign Citizens with Work Contracts
• Original certificate of compliance For Foreign Citizens with Work Contracts
• Vehicle data sheet providing cylinder capacity in cm³ and power of the vehicle For Foreign Citizens with Work Contracts
• The client must first obtain customs agreement for importing the vehicle through their company For Foreign Citizens with Work Contracts
• Original vehicle registration documents or international book For Returning Algerian Citizens
• Original certificate of compliance For Returning Algerian Citizens
• Original commercial invoice For Returning Algerian Citizens
• Vehicle data sheet providing cylinder capacity in cm³ and power of the vehicle For Returning Algerian Citizens
• The vehicle must be **new and purchased from the brand's dealer** For Returning Algerian Citizens

Specific Information

Engine power restrictions: The existing IAM guide states the maximum allowable engine power is 10 HP (fiscal horsepower). Additional restrictions apply regarding vehicle age and power — contact the destination agent for current details.

Algerian citizens — new vehicles only: Returning Algerian citizens may only import vehicles that are new and purchased from an authorised brand dealer. Used vehicles are generally prohibited for import (per Algerian finance law, with exceptions for vehicles under temporary admission).

Foreign citizens — temporary admission: Vehicles for foreign workers are imported under temporary admission, similar to household goods. The original registration document allows the client to obtain the TPD (titre de passage en douane — customs passage title). The client should request the "carnet acquit à caution," which is valid for 3 months.

Non-registered vehicles: Vehicles without proper registration documents (such as quad bikes for private use) will be issued a "carnet A3" specifying the duration of temporary admission. Upon expiry, the owner must present themselves at the Ministry of Customs in Algiers.

Vehicle preparation for shipping: All vehicles must be completely emptied of fuel and run until stalled. Batteries must be disconnected, taped, and properly secured. No hazardous materials should be stored in vehicles.

Temporary admission for tourists: Vehicles, caravans, planes, and boats are admitted under temporary exemption for tourists. A touristic card with 3-month validity is issued by customs on arrival. The traveller must purchase obligatory frontier insurance; the international insurance card is not accepted.

Driving: Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

Pets

• ISO 15-digit microchip (compliant with ISO 11784/11785), implanted before rabies vaccination
• Current rabies vaccination certificate (administered between 30 days and 12 months before travel)
• Veterinary health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian not more than 14 days before travel (some sources say 48 hours — use the more restrictive requirement or confirm with the destination agent)
• Government endorsement of the health certificate (e.g., USDA endorsement via APHIS Form 7001 for US-origin pets)
• Vaccination history (including distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus for dogs; rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, feline leukemia for cats)
• Pet must wear a name tag with current owner contact information

Identification: Pets must be identified with a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered.

Minimum age: Puppies and kittens under 3 months of age should not be vaccinated for rabies. After reaching 3 months, they must be vaccinated and wait 30 days before travel, making the effective minimum import age approximately 4 months.

Rabies vaccination timing: All cats and dogs must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering Algeria.

Other vaccinations: Recommended (and typically expected) vaccinations include distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus for dogs; feline viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and feline leukemia for cats.

Rabies titer test: Algeria does not require a rabies titer test for entry. However, Algeria is classified by the CDC as a high-risk country for dog rabies. Pets re-entering the United States from Algeria must meet enhanced CDC requirements, including a rabies titer test for foreign-vaccinated dogs.

Health certificate: Must be completed by a licensed veterinarian not more than 14 days before travel. For US-origin pets, APHIS Form 7001 must be endorsed by the USDA. Two pets per passport/certificate are permitted.

Import permit: Not required for personal pet dogs and cats entering Algeria with their owners.

Quarantine: No quarantine is required if all documentation requirements are met.

Entry method: Pets must enter Algeria at Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers. Pets can enter as checked baggage or air cargo according to airline pet policies. An IATA-compliant crate or carrier is required. Advance notice to veterinary officials is recommended. Small pets under 5kg may travel in-cabin on some airlines (e.g., in an IATA-approved bag).

Banned breeds: Algeria does not publish a list of banned breeds. Aggressive dogs must wear a muzzle.

Common mistakes: Not having the microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination. Failing to have the inventory and Change of Residence certificate stamped by the Algerian Consulate before departure (applies to the overall move, not just pets). Health certificate timing — some sources say 48 hours, others 14 days; use the more restrictive timeframe or confirm with the destination agent.