Algeria

Algeria is not a country you can just show up to and get in; most visitors require a visa to visit the country and the government hasn't exactly opened up the country to the rest of the world. An Algerian visa requires reams of paperwork and often back-and-forth with consular officials. Merely obtaining one is often an accomplishment in its own right. Visa requirements Citizens of Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Seychelles, and Tunisia can enter the country without a visa for 90 days. Hong Kong passport holders are entitled to 14-day visa free arrangement. If you're not a citizen of any of the countries listed above, you are required to apply for an Algerian visa at an Algerian diplomatic mission. Obtaining an Algerian visa can be challenging, as the process often involves heaps of paperwork and high fees. …

Do not travel to or in Saharan Algeria overland if you have no experience with driving in desert areas or knowledge of Algerian roads. The area is sparsely populated (which means help is limited), and you can get lost easily if you don't know what you're doing. For this reason, access the area by plane. Do not travel after nightfall; travel by plane if you can, instead of by car; travel with public transport; avoid minor roads; ask the police or gendarmes if you are unsure about your surroundings. Travel is heavily discouraged for Jews, as anti-Semitism is ubiquitous in Algeria. Do not speak about any aspects of Judaism or Israel, and if you are Jewish, don't reveal it. Political unrest Since gaining independence in 1962, Algeria has experienced a long history of political instability. …

Algerians share a common culture with other North Africans and Arabs in the Gulf; therefore, much of what is considered good manners in the Arab world applies to Algeria. Honour is an important cornerstone of Algerian culture and forms the basis of all relationships in the country. Algerians believe that turning down someone's request causes them to lose honour. Be smart about what you say openly — criticising someone in public or making someone look bad in front of others can cause an Algerian to lose their honour, i.e., lose face. While it's not a crime to publicly shame someone in Algeria, Algerians are generally remarkably sensitive to strongly worded comments and won't hesitate to react with anger if you do anything that makes them feel unvalued and disrespected. …