Algeria to Officially Implement €750 Travel Allowance After Eid

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | February 23rd, 2025 — The Algerian government is set to officially implement the €750 travel allowance after Eid, extending the benefit to land travelers as well. In a significant move to streamline currency exchange operations, the Bank of Algeria will deploy dedicated exchange wings at international airports and continue the expansion of exchange offices at seaports.

These unprecedented financial measures are expected to impact the parallel currency market, with the Finance Committee of the National People’s Assembly (APN) anticipating a potential decline in black-market exchange rates. The government aims to narrow the gap between official and parallel rates while curbing speculative activities in foreign currency trading.

Parliament’s Finance Committee Welcomes the Reform

Oussama Arbaoui, Chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee at the People’s National Assembly, told Echorouk that the committee has repeatedly raised the issue of the travel allowance with successive finance ministers due to its importance for Algerian travelers. He welcomed the recent statement by Finance Minister Abdelkrim Bouzerd, calling it a positive development. Arbaoui confirmed that the executive directive specifying the implementation date and procedures for accessing the allowance, as mandated by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, will be issued immediately after Eid.

“The inclusion of land travelers in the allowance scheme is a significant decision,” he stated. “As Chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee, I commend the Minister of Finance’s announcement during the discussion of the 2022 budget settlement bill. Implementing the travel allowance after Eid represents a concrete step in Algeria’s broader financial transparency agenda and efforts to reduce the disparity between official and parallel exchange rates.”

Expanding Currency Exchange Facilities and Enhancing Financial Transparency

The announcement comes as part of Algeria’s ongoing efforts to modernize its financial system. The government has already begun establishing currency exchange offices at airports and seaports, with dedicated Bank of Algeria wings set to be deployed at Algiers International Airport. These measures aim to facilitate seamless currency exchange transactions for travelers, further reducing reliance on informal financial channels.

Arbaoui emphasized that these steps reflect the government’s commitment to developing a balanced financial system that meets citizens’ needs while ensuring fiscal stability. “This initiative is expected to improve travelers’ purchasing power, reduce dependence on the informal currency market, and strengthen the role of official financial institutions,” he noted. “Additionally, it will support the banking sector by increasing formal foreign currency inflows, reinforcing Algeria’s image as a country adopting modern and flexible financial policies.”

A Long-Awaited Reform Driven by Parliamentary Advocacy

The Finance Committee has long prioritized the issue of the travel allowance, with multiple discussions and interventions by its members during meetings with the former finance minister. Arbaoui highlighted that increasing the allowance to €750 demonstrates the state’s commitment to assisting citizens in their travel for various purposes, including tourism, education, and medical treatment.

“This approach reflects a comprehensive economic vision that balances citizens’ needs with financial sustainability,” he asserted. “While we welcome this initiative, we also urge the continuation of financial and banking reforms to enhance economic stability and development.”

Implementation Timeline and Presidential Directive

Finance Minister Abdelkrim Bouzerd confirmed during a parliamentary session on Thursday that the new travel allowance policy will be officially enacted by the end of March or immediately following Eid al-Fitr. The decision follows President Tebboune’s directive issued in a December cabinet meeting, which mandated raising the travel allowance to €750 per year for adult travelers and €300 for minors. Additionally, the Hajj pilgrimage allowance has been increased to $1,000.

With these comprehensive measures, Algeria is taking decisive steps toward modernizing its financial infrastructure, enhancing transparency, and reducing reliance on the parallel market, ensuring a more regulated and equitable financial landscape for travelers.

 

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