Algiers, December 26, 2025 – The Bank of Algeria has issued a new directive clarifying regulations regarding the foreign currency travel allowance. The memo, addressed to all banks operating in Algeria, emphasizes that the right to access this allowance is strictly personal and non-transferable.
The directive, numbered 03/DGC/2025, aims to ensure the correct application of previous instructions, particularly Instruction 05-2025 dated July 17, 2025, and Memo 02/DGC/2025 issued on December 16, 2025, both concerning foreign exchange for travel.
The central bank seeks to guarantee that travel allowances are used solely by the intended traveler or their immediate family, as legally defined. This measure is designed to prevent any circumvention or misuse of the allowance.
The directive underscores that the right to the travel allowance belongs exclusively to the traveler (the beneficiary). Payment for the foreign currency must be made either by the traveler themselves or by their direct relatives, defined as spouses, children, or parents.
Crucially, the memo prohibits travel agencies, tourism operators, and any travel intermediaries from acting on behalf of clients in paying, collecting, or managing their travel allowances. This prohibition extends to travel for religious pilgrimages such as Umrah.
Furthermore, bank tellers are now required to demand the original passport of the traveler or their legal representative to verify their identity and register the transaction in their name before processing it.
Through these directives, the Bank of Algeria and monetary authorities aim to protect the country’s foreign currency reserves, ensure they are used for their intended purpose, combat evasion and circumvention of exchange regulations, guarantee transparency in currency exchange operations, and safeguard the monetary system by optimizing the use of the nation’s foreign currency resources.
These measures will directly impact travelers, who must now personally visit the bank or be accompanied by a direct relative to complete the exchange process, presenting their original passport. Travel agencies are now barred from collecting funds from clients to purchase currency on their behalf, limiting their role to logistical arrangements. Banks are required to enhance monitoring and rigorously verify identities before completing any travel-related currency exchange.
