The declaration requirements and the model for declaring currency by travelers have been outlined in an order dated July 20, 2024, published in the Official Gazette no. 51. According to Finance Minister Laaziz Faïd, this decree aims to establish the terms and conditions for currency declaration by travelers in compliance with Article 198 bis of Law no. 79-07 of July 21, 1979, regarding the customs code.
The order specifies that travelers, both residents and non-residents, must declare amounts exceeding the threshold specified by existing laws and regulations, regardless of whether the currency is in national or foreign denominations. The declaration obligation encompasses banknotes, coins, bearer means of payment, commercial paper, and other negotiable securities carried by travelers.
Travelers are required to declare currency upon entering or leaving the national territory at the customs office, preferably through electronic means before arrival. The currency declaration form, provided by customs authorities must be completed and signed by the traveler. This declaration is recorded and monitored by customs authorities.
The decree emphasizes that the currency declaration must be completed before reaching the designated customs control areas and is valid for a single trip. Upon exiting the national territory, travelers must present a bank debit notice for withdrawals from an Algerian currency account or an authorization from the Bank of Algeria if the carried amount exceeds the specified threshold.
Non-resident travelers leaving Algeria with unused imported currency must present the signed currency declaration form, stamped by authorized financial institutions, detailing foreign exchange transactions conducted during their stay. All declared amounts are subject to inspection by customs officers.
Furthermore, the decree establishes that the customs administration maintains databases of national and foreign currency declarations for cooperation purposes, and failure to declare, present declared amounts, or provide false information is punishable by law.
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