International Driver's License in Algeria: Rent a Car & Drive

Is a Local Driver’s License Valid in Algeria? 

When driving here, your local driver’s license can only be valid if you support it with an IDP. Driving without an IDP can get you in trouble when caught by the road authorities in the country. You will be given a time span of three months upon your arrival in the country to use your home country driver’s license and your IDP when driving through the country. When you have decided to stay longer than three months, you are required to obtain an Algerian driver’s license. 

Which Countries Recognize International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit, commonly known as International Driver’s License, that we issue is valid for over 150 countries. Furthermore, if your International Drivers Permit is issued by us, you can still use it in other foreign countries. You just have to make sure that it has not expired yet. When it has already passed its validity date, you need to secure another one as it cannot be used anymore.

Your International Driver’s License will be your key to driving legally here. But it does not replace your local driver’s license. Its purpose is to support or supplement your local driver’s license, not replace it. It is a legal document that contains the translation of your local driver’s license to 12 recognized languages by the United Nations. 

The following are just some of the countries that recognize the use of an IDP:

• Sri Lanka
• Thailand
• Tobago
• Tunisia
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom
• Vietnam
• Zimbabwe
• Brazil
• Canada
• Cyprus
• Egypt
• Iran
• Japan
• Kuwait
• Malaysia
• Morocco
• Netherlands
• Pakistan
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Spain
• Taiwan
• Australia
• Bahrain
• Bulgaria
• Congo
• Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
• Croatia
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Laos
• Kenya
• Norway
• Macao
• Philippines
• Liechtenstein
• And more!

Who Can Apply for An International Driving Permit?

People who want to drive in the country can apply for an IDP. However, this is only assumed that you a local driver’s license from your home country and you are 18 years old and above. You can get yours by browsing through the homepage of our website. Do not forget to prepare your local driver’s license and a passport-size picture of yourself when you are about to apply for an IDP. As it can be done online, applying for an IDP is very hassle-free.

Do I Need an IDP When Driving in Algeria?

You need an International Driver’s Permit to drive in the country. The Algerian road authorities require every tourist to obtain an IDP when driving. Driving without it can get you in trouble during checkpoints. Thus, you should always bring your International Driver’s Permit for the country because it is one of the requirements that you must have when driving there. 

Can I Use My Digital Copy if I lost the Physical Copy of My IDP? 

You can not use the digital copy of your IDP as only a selected number of country recognize this. That is why, when you lose your physical copy, do request a replacement immediately. We at the International Drivers Association offer free IDP replacement to lost IDPs issued by us. Our team processes replacement requests within 24 hours after the submission of the request. Thus the physical copy will be shipped to you immediately.

When you have decided to travel and tour around this lovely country, it is best to drive your own car. If you do not have a car, there are car rental companies that you can rent from. But before that, you should know and familiarize the important Algerian driving rules. This is to make sure that you will have a trouble-free trip to the country.

Basic Traffic Rules

If you come from a country that drives on the left side of the road, always keep in mind that you have to drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left on Algerian roads. If not, then you won’t have any problem with that matter.

Always Bring Your International Driving Permit With You

Algerian road police officers require every tourist or foreign drivers to have an International Driver’s Permit along with a local driver’s license when diving in the country. As road checkpoints can happen anytime, it is best to always bring it with you.

Don’t Forget to Carry Required Documents

Aside from your International Driving Permit, you have to also bring your local driver’s license that shows your home address, your passport, and the car-related documents with you. Algerian road authorities will require you to present the mentioned documents to them during military checkpoints, so you better make sure that the documents are with you.

Drunk driving and the use of illegal drugs is prohibited

Driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug is illegal. Algerian authorities impose zero tolerance on alcohol, and if ever you are caught, especially at military checkpoints, you could be fined or even be jailed. The worst effect of driving under the influence is the occurrence of road accidents.

Obey the Speed Limits

Always follow the mandated speed limit of the road you are driving in. Speed limits are put on roads to guide drivers and prevent road accidents from happening.

Do not over speed! Even if you are in a hurry, just don’t do it. If you are caught over speeding, you will likely be fined, and a possibility of your driving license to be suspended.

Always wear your seatbelt

All passengers are required to wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts are very vital in the case of your involvement in a road accident. It can lessen the impact and injury of the passenger’s body whenever you collided with other cars on the road. If traffic police officers find that you are not wearing a seat belt on the front seat at military checkpoints, you will be penalized.

Follow Road Traffic Signs

To avoid getting lost or even getting caught in a violation while driving, always follow the road traffic signs. Road signs have the purpose of guiding you on your trip and help you ensure your safety, so do not ignore them.

Using Mobile Phones While Driving is Not Allowed

Never use your mobile phones every time that you are driving. Your attention should be solely on the road ahead of you. Mobile phones can get you distracted if you use them while driving, that can lead to road traffic accidents. The best thing to do is to pull to the side of the road first before using your phone.

Do Not Drive With an Expired License

Driving with an expired driving license is illegal. The same goes for driving with an expired International Driver’s Permit. Both your local driver’s license and your International Driver’s Permit must not pass their expiration date for you to continue using those documents.

With 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to its name, this is a country where you can explore a lot. From touring the Roman ruins in the country to relaxing your time in their white-sand beaches, missing out on the opportunity is not an option. Every tourist destination in the country will offer you a vibrant and refreshing atmosphere.

Maqam Echahid

Also known as the Monument of the Martyr, the Maqam Echahid monument is an iconic monument in the country. It was inaugurated in 1982 along with the 20th anniversary of the independence. It is a 92-meter monument with three palm leaves like turrets joined together. The three turrets symbolize the country’s culture, agriculture, and industry. Underneath the joined turrets is a flame that is called the Eternal Flame.

The monument is open to the public all year long, and there is no entrance fee. You can enjoy watching its stunning structural design the whole day and night as it is also open 24/7. It is best to visit the monument on weekdays as people mostly visit the monument on the afternoon of Fridays and Saturdays, causing the place to be crowded.

Driving Directions

• An estimated 21-minute drive is needed for you to reach the Maqam Echahid from Houari Boumediene Airport, an international airport in the country, via Rocade Nord d'Alger/N11 route.
• Take Pénétrante de l’aéroport Houari Boumedien and Rocade Nord d'Alger/N11 to Boulevard Khelifa Oulmane in Alger. Exit from Pénétrante des Annassers/N5D.
• Merge onto Boulevard Khelifa Oulmane.
• Continue straight to stay on Boulevard Khelifa Oulmane.
• Turn right onto Chemin Omar Kechkar.
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on Chemin Omar Kechkar.
• Your destination will be on the right.

The Notre Dame d’Afrique, also known as the Basilique Notre Dame d'Afrique, is a Catholic church in Algiers. It is situated on a cliff with an overlooking view of the city. The church is famous for its architectural structure as it is a mix of Roman and Byzantine architecture. The outside and inside of the church are decorated with mosaics and religious artworks.

The Notre Dame d’Afrique is every day, all year long, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Take note that you have to dress properly before entering the church because they have a dress code for people entering the church. Aside from the stunning church itself, if you want to capture the beauty of the city of Algiers, you are advised to go in the afternoon.

Driving Directions

• From Maqam Echahid, it will take you an estimated 24-minute drive via the N11 route to reach the Basilique Notre Dame d'Afrique.
• Take Boulevard Khelifa Oulmane and Rue Mohamed Belkacemi to Boulevard de l'ALN/N11 in Belouizdad.
• Continue on N11. Take Rue d'Angkor and Boulevard Colonel Abderahmane Mira to Avenue Ziar Abdelkader.
• Take Boulevard Lounas Omar and Chemin Al Mahdi Ibn Toumeur to Rue de Zighara in Bologhine.

Also known as the Great Mosque of Algiers, the Djamaa el Djazaïr. It is also the third-largest in the world. The mosque was opened for the public in 2019 after a seven-year construction that started in 2012. Furthermore, you can also witness the world’s tallest minarets in the mosque.

The mosque is open for 24 hours all year long. But please take note that opening hours can change on Yennayer (a Berber word for January). Aside from that, you should also dress properly as you are about to tour a mosque.

Driving Directions

• From Notre Dame d’Afrique, it would take you an estimated 23-minute drive via N11 to reach Djamaa el Djazaïr.
• Take Chemin Al Mahdi Ibn Toumeur and Boulevard Lounas Omar to Boulevard de I'Emir Khaled.
• Drive from Rue d'Angkor/N11 to Mohammadia. Exit from Rocade Nord d'Alger/N11
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on Chemin Omar Kechkar.
• Lastly, at the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit.

Ruins that are a mix of Phoenician, Roman, Paleo Christian, and Byzantine architecture can be found in a small town in coastal central Algeria. Tipaza is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its Roman ruins are one of the most visited places in the country. The likes of the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, which showcases Tipaza’s ancient roman past and the original resting place of Queen Cleopatra and Mark Anthony’s only daughter, can be found in the town.

If you want to enjoy the beach, you can also visit Chenoua Beach in Tipaza. It is best to visit Tipaza in the months of April until October, where the temperature is pleasantly accompanied by a little rainfall. Don’t miss out as you drive vehicles and take a picture of the historic ruins of Tipaza.

Driving Directions

• A 1 hour and 3-minute drive is needed for you to reach Tipaza from Djamaa el Djazaïr via the Rocade Tipaza route.
• Get on N5 in Dely Ibrahim from Route du Frais Vallon and Route de 5 Juillet.
• Continue on N5. Take Rocade Tipaza to N11 in Tipaza. Exit from Rocade Tipaza.
• Keep continuing on N11. Drive to Rue de la Gare.
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto N11.
• Turn right toward Rue de la Gare.
• Continue onto Rue de la Gare.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country is the Djémila Village. It is famous for well-preserved Roman ruins in the whole of North Africa. It was once a Roman military station and was known as Cuicul. The ruins of Roman architecture of the Temple of Gens Septimia, The Arch of Caracalla, a Roman Theater, and the Cardo Maximus Road can be found in the village.

The entrance fee to the ruins of Djémila Village is less than 162 Algerian Dinar (a little over $1), and that includes the entry to the museum already. The best time to visit the village is in the months of March to May when the temperature is more refreshing and relaxed.

Driving Directions

• A little over a 4-hour drive is needed to reach the Djémila Village from Tipaza via the A1 route.
• Get on Rocade Tipaza from N11 and Head northwest on Rue de la gare toward Rue du 1er Novembre/N11.
• Turn left onto Rue du 1er Novembre/N11.
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit.
• Keep left at the fork and merge onto Rocade Tipaza.
• Merge onto Rocade Tipaza.
• Take the exit toward 2eme Rocade d'Alger.
• Merge onto A1.
• Keep left at the fork to stay on A1.
• Take W117 to your destination in Djemila.

The last of the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Roman ruins in the country is the town of Timgad. The town is situated in the Aures Mountains and is dubbed the “Pompeii of Africa.” The ruins from the Roman Empire can still be seen up to this day. It is where you can find the Trajan Arch, the Roman triumphal arch of the Roman Emperor, Trajan.

The entrance fee to the ruins in Timgad is 200 Algerian Dinar (a little over $1). It is open from 9 AM to 6 PM during the months of April to September, and 9 AM to 5 PM during October up until March. It is highly advised to visit in the months of May until October to enjoy the fine weather in this country.

Driving Directions

• From Djémila, it would take a little over a 3-hour drive to reach Timgad via the W118 and N75 routes.
• Continue to W117.
• Drive from Jamila Alama to Tchouda.
• Continue to Guelta Zerga.
• Turn left onto N77A.
• Continue to El Eulma.
• Then continue on N5. Drive from W118, N75, W165, W26, and N87 to Timgad.
• Lastly, turn right.