Central Bank of Algeria sets two-step foreign exchange travel allowance process with limits of up to EUR 750 per adult

The Central Bank of Algeria published an explanatory document for Instruction No. 05-2025 on the foreign exchange travel allowance for resident nationals, setting out a two-step process in which funds are reserved in advance and the foreign currency is collected at exit points. The note confirms that the allowance is granted once per reference year starting on 20 July and is conditional on meeting documentation and minimum trip-duration requirements. Under step one, travellers must reserve funds no later than three working days before departure at a Bank of Algeria branch or at an agency of a participating bank, currently BNA, BADR, BEA, BDL and CNEP, by paying the equivalent amount in Algerian dinars and obtaining a payment receipt. The maximum allocation is EUR 750 for adults aged 19 and over and EUR 300 for minors aged 12 to under 19, with each family eligible for only two children; supporting documents include a valid passport, travel ticket for trips of at least seven days for air and sea travel, and for land travel a tax receipt covering seven days plus proof of payment of the fuel tax, alongside visa and family relationship evidence where applicable. Step two requires collection at dedicated Bank of Algeria counters at airports, ports and land borders, using the passport and the dinar payment receipt, plus a boarding pass for air and sea travel. If the trip is cancelled before exiting Algeria, the beneficiary must return the full amount, and if the trip is shortened to less than seven days the amount must be repaid within five working days of return, failing which the beneficiary loses the allowance for five years, with specific treatment for minors affected due to their legal guardian.