Africa's largest country is a must for
intrepid travellers, its snow-flecked mountains and rugged
coastline promising romance and adventure. Urbane, captivating
cities such as Algiers and Constantine add to its splendour, as do
some of the finest Roman sites in the world.
The capital, Algiers, reveals its turbulent
history through French-built boulevards, socialist-era monuments
and elegant apartments that weave a textured tale of destruction
and rebirth. By contrast, laid-back Tlemcen is surrounded by olive
trees and vineyards, and provides a change of pace. It's a
wonderful destination for leather shopping. Hikers can explore the
lunar landscapes of the northwestern mountain ranges, while Djemila
and other beautifully preserved Roman towns offer a glimpse into
the area's past. Further south, the Saharan region extends over a
sea of sand to mountains that are as beautiful as they are
unyielding. Their caverns contain rock paintings that date back
more than 10,000 years.
Unlike neighbouring Morocco, Algeria has
yet to become an established tourist destination. However, given
its natural beauty, history and rich culture, that may soon change.
The country has also made a real effort to improve its general
safety, though travel to the more remote areas and wider Sahel
region is still considered extremely dangerous with regards to
terrorists.
Key Facts
Language:
Arabic and Berber are the official languages in Algeria.
The most widely spoken foreign language is French, followed by
English.
Passport/Visa:
Passports must be valid for at least six months after intended
stay. Visas are required for all visitors except when in transit
and spending less than 24 hours without leaving the airport. A
transit visa for up to 48 hours can be obtained from airport
authorities. Visitors may be required to produce return or onward
tickets, other documents for next destination, and proof of
sufficient funds. Those arriving from yellow fever risk countries
must carry proof of vaccination.
Currency:
The unit of currency is the Algeria Dinar
(DZD), which is divided into 100 centimes. Algeria has a cash-based
economy and, although ATMs are available in the bigger cities and
more popular hotels, most won't accept international cards.
Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and the
larger hotels.
Electricity:
Electrical current in Algeria is 230 volts, 50Hz.
European two-pin and Schuko plugs are standard.
Travel to Algeria
Climate in Algeria
Algeria holds all the hallmarks of a Mediterranean climate, as
it's warm but wet in the winter along the coast, and extremely cold
on the higher plateau. Summers are dry along the coast and
downright arid as visitors progress inland. The hot sirocco wind
can make for an unpleasant summer.
Health Notes when travelling to Algeria
Proof of vaccination is required if
travellers are coming from or have transited through an airport of
a country where yellow fever occurs. Caution should be taken by
those with respiratory diseases, as they may be exposed to dust and
sandstorms. Tap water isn't considered safe, so bottled water is
recommended; keeping hydrated is necessary as there is a threat of
heat stroke. Healthcare services are not up to the standards many
expats are used to but private hospitals and clinics in Algiers or
Oran are adequate. Travel insurance is recommended for evacuation
or treatment in nearby countries.
Safety Notes when travelling to Algeria
Most visits to Algeria are trouble-free,
though incidents of robbery and thefts do occur in certain areas of
larger cities. Travel to the southern part of Algeria is advised
against by most Western governments, particularly to places such as
Tamanrasset, Tindouf, Boumerdès, Bouira and Tizi Ouzou. Long trips
and overland travel should be avoided as terrorists are likely to
try to carry out attacks and kidnappings. Crowds and protests
should also be avoided.
Customs in Algeria
Greetings and hospitality are important to
Algerians. Male tourists should shake hands with Algerian men, but
wait for women to offer a handshake. Female tourists should use
their own judgement as to whether a handshake or a polite hello is
the right greeting.
As Algeria is a predominantly Islamic
country, visitors should avoid eating, drinking or smoking in
public during the month of Ramadan. For the same reason, drinking
alcohol is generally frowned upon.
Women are expected to dress conservatively.
Homosexual activity is illegal and punishable by imprisonment.
Photographing of police or military personnel or facilities is
strictly prohibited.
Duty Free in Algeria
Travellers over the age of 17 do not pay duty on 200 cigarettes,
50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. The same applies for 250ml of eau de
toilette, 50ml of perfume in opened bottles and one litre of
alcoholic beverages per person. Narcotics and gold are
prohibited.
Doing Business in Algeria
Pleasantries are considered essential to
business dealings in Algeria, so it's important not to release a
handshake too hastily and to ask after health and family. Closeness
is an expression of warmth and familiarity to Algerians. Business
cards are used but some effort should be made to have them
translated to Arabic and French.
Communication in Algeria
The international access code for Algeria
is +213. WiFi is available at hotels and restaurants; travellers
can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Algeria
A 10 percent tip is expected but may be
factored into the price at more upmarket venues.
Passport/Visa Note
Passports must be valid for at least six months after intended
stay. Visas are required for all visitors except when in transit
and spending less than 24 hours without leaving the airport. A
transit visa for up to 48 hours can be obtained from airport
authorities. Visitors may be required to produce return or onward
tickets, other documents for next destination, and proof of
sufficient funds. Those arriving from yellow fever risk countries
must carry proof of vaccination.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a passport valid for at least six months
from the arrival date. Visa required.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals require a passport valid for at least six
months from the arrival date. Visa required.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a passport valid for at least six months
from the arrival date. Visa required.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals require a passport valid for at least six
months from the arrival date. Visa required.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least six months
from the arrival date. Visa required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least six
months from the arrival date. Visa required.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals require a passport valid for at least
six months from the arrival date. Visa required.
Tourist Offices
National Tourist Office, Algiers: +213 21 43 8060
Algeria Embassies
In the United States:
Algerian Embassy, Washington: +1 202 265 2800
In Canada:
Algerian Embassy, Ottawa: +1 613 789 8505
In the United Kingdom:
Algerian Embassy, London (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20
7299 7077
In Australia:
Algerian Embassy, Canberra (also responsible for New Zealand):
+61 2 6286 7355
In South Africa:
Algerian Embassy, Pretoria: +27 12 342 5074
Foreign Embassies in Algeria
American Embassy
United States Embassy, Algiers: +213 770 082 000
Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Algiers: +213 770 08 30 00
British Embassy
United Kingdom Embassy, Algiers: + 213 770 085 000
Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for
Algeria): +33 1 4059 3300
Irish Embassy
Embassy of Ireland, Berne, Switzerland (also responsible for
Algeria): +41 31 350 0380
New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Cairo, Egypt (also responsible for
Algeria): +20 2 246 16000
South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Algiers: +213 21 484 418
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Algeria
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Algeria, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Algeria. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Although the risk of malaria is low in Algeria, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. Some travelers to certain areas who are at higher risk for complications from malaria (such as pregnant women) may need to take extra precautions, like antimalarial medicine. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Algeria, see malaria in Algeria.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Algeria, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Algeria
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Algeria. The government of Algeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Algeria, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Algeria. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Although the risk of malaria is low in Algeria, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. Some travelers to certain areas who are at higher risk for complications from malaria (such as pregnant women) may need to take extra precautions, like antimalarial medicine. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Algeria, see malaria in Algeria.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Algeria, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Algeria
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Algeria. The government of Algeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Algeria, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Algeria. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Algeria include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Algeria. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Algeria’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Algeria may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Algeria, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Algeria for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Algeria Dinar
(DZD), which is divided into 100 centimes. Algeria has a cash-based
economy and, although ATMs are available in the bigger cities and
more popular hotels, most won't accept international cards.
Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and the
larger hotels.
Exchange rate for 1 DZD - Algerian Dinar
0.00BMD Bermudan Dollar
0.01EUR Euro
0.01USD U.S. Dollar
0.01GBP U.K. Pound Sterling
1.02JPY Japanese Yen
0.01CAD Canadian Dollar
0.01CHF Swiss Franc
0.01AUD Australian Dollar
0.26UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
3.39KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
10.73LBP Lebanese Pound
0.04LYD Libyan Dinar
0.05BOB Bolivian Boliviano
0.90NPR Nepalese Rupee
0.00OMR Omani Rial
0.03QAR Qatari Rial
0.01SGD Singapore Dollar
0.08SEK Swedish Krona
0.05TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00VEF Venezuelan Bolivar
0.38DOP Dominican Peso
0.05HRK Croatian Kuna
0.14MXN Mexican Peso
4.67XOF West African CFA Franc
0.03PGK Papua New Guinean kina
0.01BSD Bahamian Dollar
0.02FJD Fiji Dollar
0.18HNL Honduran Lempira
14.93MMK Myanma Kyat
0.09BWP Botswana Pula
0.03PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol
6.56CLP Chilean Peso
2.88AMD Armenia Dram
0.17CZK Czech Koruna
0.14MDL Moldova Lei
0.99ISK Icelandic Krona
77.78UZS Uzbekistan Sum
0.02ILS Israeli New Sheqel
0.01JOD Jordanian Dinar
0.00KWD Kuwaiti Dinar
0.29UYU Uruguayan Peso
0.32MUR Mauritian Rupee
0.26NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
0.07NOK Norwegian Krone
0.03PLN Polish Zloty
0.03SAR Saudi Riyal
2.59LKR Sri Lanka Rupee
0.26THB Thai Baht
0.03AED U.A.E Dirham
0.04BRL Brazilian Real
0.04RON Romanian New Leu
0.06HKD Hong Kong Dollar
4.68XAF Central African CFA Franc
167.48VND Vietnamese Dong
1.02ARS Argentine Peso
0.02XCD East Caribbean Dollar
0.06GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
0.08MAD Moroccan Dirham
0.00BHD Bahrain Dinar
0.01PAB Panamanian Balboa
0.01AZN Azerbaijan Manat
31.43COP Colombian Peso
0.57KGS Kyrgyzstan Som
2.90HUF Hungarian Forint
0.07TJS Tajikistan Ruble
105.74IDR Indonesian Rupiah
0.14EGP Egyptian Pound
9.95KRW South Korean Won
49.60PYG Paraguayan Guaraní
0.03MYR Malaysian Ringgit
4.50CRC Costa Rican Colón
0.01NZD New Zealand Dollar
1.59PKR Pakistani Rupee
0.43RUB Russian Rouble
0.12ZAR South African Rand
0.02TND Tunisian Dinar
0.01BBD Barbadian Dollar
0.01BGN Bulgarian Lev
0.13TRY Turkish Lira
0.41PHP Philippine Peso
0.22TWD New Taiwan Dollar
3.05NGN Nigerian Naira
0.85XPF CFP Franc
0.07GHS Ghanaian Cedi
1.08JMD Jamaican Dollar
0.01ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder
0.01BND Brunei Dollar
0.84RSD Serbian Dinar
0.05CNY Chinese Yuan
0.05DKK Danish Krone
0.02TMT New Turkmenistan Manat
0.57INR Indian Rupee
Exchange Rate for U.S. Dollar to Algerian Dinar
1 USD = 140.53 DZD
Exchange Rate for Euro to Algerian Dinar
1 EUR = 140.42 DZD
Exchange Rate for Canadian Dollar to Algerian Dinar
1 CAD = 106.51 DZD
Exchange Rate for U.K. Pound Sterling to Algerian Dinar
1 GBP = 161.51 DZD
Exchange Rate for Australian Dollar to Algerian Dinar
1 AUD = 94.49 DZD
Exchange Rate for New Zealand Dollar to Algerian Dinar
1 NZD = 84.12 DZD
Exchange Rate for South African Rand to Algerian Dinar
King Louis-Phillippe needed troops for the French colony of Algeria, but foreign soldiers were not permitted to join the French army. The King solved the problem by forming a new military unit on March 10, 1831. The recruits were a mixed bunch: soldiers from other countries, adventurers, and criminals. Forced to work together
From the open roof of the watchtower, above the labyrinth of narrow alleys and serried rooftops, Ghardaïa appears as a rolling tableau of jumbled pastel cubes. The only hints of modernity are the Tannoy speakers projecting from the mud-walled minarets at the
King Louis-Phillippe needed troops for the French colony of Algeria, but foreign soldiers were not permitted to join the French army. The King solved the problem by forming a new military unit on March 10, 1831
King Louis-Phillippe needed troops for the French colony of Algeria, but foreign soldiers were not permitted to join the French army. The King solved the problem by forming a new military unit on March 10, 1831. The recruits were a mixed bunch: soldiers from other countries, adventurers, and criminals. Forced to work together, the troops from different lands were bound by a strong esprit d'corp and hard training. Algeria became the Legionnaires' home. Since their formation, Legionnaires have
King Louis-Phillippe needed troops for the French colony of Algeria, but foreign soldiers were not permitted to join the French army. The King solved the problem by forming a new military unit on March 10, 1831. The recruits were a mixed bunch: soldiers from other countries, adventurers, and criminals. Forced to work
No city divides the French like Marseille. For every admirer cooing about the sun-warmed sea, craggy coastlines, fish-rich bouillabaisse and the Mediterranean melting pot (thanks to 20th-century immigration from Greece, Spain, Italy, Corsica, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria), someone else is grousing about corruption, dirty streets and eroding Frenchness. And
King Louis-Phillippe needed troops for the French colony of Algeria, but foreign soldiers were not permitted to join the French army. The King solved the problem by forming a new military unit on March 10, 1831. The recruits were a mixed bunch