Do you need an International Driving Permit in Algeria?

Algeria and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Algeria

Algeria applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1949 Geneva Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E

What each category covers under the 1949 Geneva Convention

What to carry when you drive in Algeria

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in Algeria

The UK Foreign Office advises that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Algeria, for stays of up to 90 days.

Emergency services

police 17, ambulance 1021, fire 14

Common questions about driving in Algeria

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Algeria?

Up to 1 year. Algeria joined the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic on 16 May 1963 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 1 year from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Algeria on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Algeria for up to 3 months after you first arrive." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Algeria's road authority before you travel.

What do I dial in an emergency in Algeria?

Reach police on 17, ambulance on 1021, fire on 14. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Algeria. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Algeria?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.