Taleb Larbi's border post

[roro]

I've heard some infos about a possible closing of this post for foreigners vehicles (with foreigners plates ).
For me this info seems not very reliable but, to be sure, does anyone have crossed this border post recently with a non Algerian vehicle?
Or other infos about that.
RR.

[Endurorally]

Any border post into Algeria from Tunisia would be a blow, if it was to get this restrictive. Where does this information come from? How real is this?

Is it because lone travellers or groups not on Algerian plates are more conspicuous, and so a more likely target, after the recent shoot ups of road menders and their guards in the north east region? Or just because things are actually getting worse?

[Yves]

Hi,
>I've heard some infos about a possible closing of this post for foreigners vehicles (with foreigners plates ).

My friend in Algeria confirmed, that there was no change, foreign vehicle cross the border as ever.

[roro]

Thanks Yves for your reply, I was quite sure this info was a "desert legend".
RR.

[roro]

Hi Yves,

I wrote you a private message ....... (just in case you didn't see it).

Robert

[roro]

We are planning to pass this border post early in the morning (to have a full day of driving on our 1st day in Algeria).
Before we have to pass the Tunisian border post.
So, do you know if it is possible to do all Tunisian formalities on the day before crossing, find a bivouac near the border and cross the border early in the morning?
(I think no, but in case of yes.....).
Do you know opening hours for these 2 border post?
RR

[Richard Washington]

Originally Posted by roro

We are planning to pass this border post early in the morning (to have a full day of driving on our 1st day in Algeria).
Before we have to pass the Tunisian border post.
So, do you know if it is possible to do all Tunisian formalities on the day before crossing, find a bivouac near the border and cross the border early in the morning?
(I think no, but in case of yes.....).
Do you know opening hours for these 2 border post?
RR

18 months ago the border was open 24 hours a day and you could sleep between the two border posts (near the Alg border post at least) if you wanted to. Here's the story.....

18 months ago a group of 2 of us in one vehicle passed through the Tunisian border into Algeria near Taleb Larbi at about 10pm (we had come off the ferry in Tunis earlier in the day). We drove across the no-man's-land and tried to pass through the Algerian border. Our Algerian escourt was not yet there (we agreed only to meet the next day) and so the Algerian border officials would not let us through or process our passports. We did fill out the forms and we handed over our passport so that we could pass quickly in the morning. We slept on a dirt track 50m from the Algerian border post on the no-mans-land side. The border officials had no problem with this at all. Both borders were open 24 hours and there was occasional traffic passing throughout the night, mainly taxis.

The only hassle in the process seemed to be on the Tunisian side. They kept us at the border for over an hour. I think they were jumpy about us getting off the ferry at 2pm in Tunis and checking out of Tunisia a few hours later. They checked us over at gunpoint several times. I think they were worried that we could have done some crime or terrorism in Tunsia. Once we are out of the country there would be nothing they could do to get us back. I have experienced the same concern in several sub-saharan countries when we have done quick exits through countries. Once was in Zambia.

[jbmoto]

Richard Washington

You will have to admit it does look like you're returning from a covert operation, maybe stealing and transporting sand out of the country. :--))

JB

[roro]

Thanks, Richard, for your report about your experience.
I can't believed it is possible to sleep between the 2 border posts.
RR.

[Richard Washington]

Originally Posted by roro

I can't believed it is possible to sleep between the 2 border posts.
RR.

just another detail - make sure if you do camp, that you camp close to the Algerian border post and agree with them first! Don't camp in the no-mans-land in the middle because a military patrol would probably get to you quite quickly and they may not want to discuss first! The Algerians were nice and friendly and actually offered us a place inside one of the frontier post buildings to sleep in - although we chose to sleep on the dirt road (actually on the roof racks of the car).

[roro]

Thank again,Richard for your infos.
If we arrrive too late in Hazaoua (Tunisian border post), does somebody knows a not so bad and not so far place to camp without passing this post?
RR.

[Richard Washington]

On the first two trips to Algeria we camped on the Chott El Jerrid. We turned south off the road to Algeria a few kilometers after Nefta but well before Hazoua. There was a piste going off onto the salt flats and no one passed near us in the night. I think it was near to where the desert roses are sold. The salt flats were dry then - best to check!

On the way back from Algeria we have stayed quite cheaply at the Bel Horizon Hotel in Nefta. Out of season it is not too expensive. Safe place for cars as well.

[roro]

Thanks again

RR.