Crossing into Algeria via Hazoua to El Oued

[mjstansb]

After being turned back in Agadez, Niger by police (even with visa for Algeria)... we are now in Sfax Tunisia preparing to cross into Algeria via Hazoua and onto El Oued, Algeria.

Can anyone provide travel costs for taxis/louages/buses from Algerian border to El Oued or other cities?

Any other info on the crossing is much appreciated!

[Chris Scott]

It's very unlikely you'll be allowed to leave Taleb Larbi border post without an escort - probably organised by the same agency that supplied the Alg visa and costing €100/day with a car + driver. Others have tried and failed here over the years.

If you want to try and slip into Algeria and not get bogged down in this way, I suggest you fly into Algiers airport while trying not to look like backpackers. I did so last month and walked right through unchallenged, although on previous occasions (possibly at a time when more bombs were going off in Algiers) immigration asked where my escort was. On all occasions I have an escort/local contact waiting for me somewhere, so am not trying get away with it.

If that works, once in the country stay north of In Salah latitude. If you want to get down deep south (Tam/Djanet), I propose a domestic flight (€100?) and then be prepared to deal with any land transport issues coming back up (or fly back to the north). Having said that, I dont think you will get away with it arriving in Djanet where they may be more strict. In Tam - flying in direct from Europe - again we have never been asked for escorts by immigration (though they were there waiting). So if you want to see both, go to Tam first, then fly to Djanet, and be prepared to face the music there. Things may be more edgy here for tourists following Italian kidnap nearby.

I take it you have read this post and have taken on board what it says.

Ch

[jonathanhfxns]

You can also try going the Tunis-Annaba route. That assumes cars are still running and the Algerian border is equally welcoming now as a couple of years ago.

After making such a detour, your visa must be running out soon?