Exchange right
New procedure effective from 19 July 2026
In accordance with the regulations in force, Algerian nationals residing in Algeria may benefit from the foreign exchange allowance for personal travel abroad, subject to compliance with the applicable conditions.
Essential information
The foreign exchange allowance is made available to the beneficiary through a personal international payment card. The beneficiary must hold both a bank account in Algerian dinars and a foreign currency account. The equivalent amount, fees, taxes and commissions are paid exclusively in Algerian dinars.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility for the foreign exchange allowance is subject to the following conditions:
- be an Algerian national residing in Algeria;
- be at least 12 years old;
- hold a bank account in Algerian dinars;
- hold a foreign currency account required for the use of the international payment card;
- travel abroad for a period of at least seven (07) days;
- not have already benefited from the foreign exchange allowance during the same calendar year;
- hold a valid visa when required by the country of destination.
This scheme does not apply to travel undertaken for the performance of Hajj.
What amount is granted?
Persons aged 19 and over
The maximum annual amount is set at EUR 750, or its equivalent in another freely convertible currency.
Persons aged 12 to under 19
The maximum annual amount is set at EUR 300, or its equivalent in another freely convertible currency, limited to two (02) children per family.
Children under the age of 12 are not eligible.
The amount granted is strictly personal and is reserved exclusively for the beneficiary. It may not be assigned, transferred, lent or made available to a third party.
The amount may not be accumulated or carried forward from one calendar year to another.
Provision of the foreign exchange allowance
The foreign exchange allowance is made available to the beneficiary exclusively through a personal international payment card issued in accordance with the regulations in force.
The card is strictly personal and may only be used by its holder.
Bank account in Algerian dinars
The dinar account is used to pay the equivalent amount of the allowance, as well as the applicable fees, taxes and commissions.
Foreign currency account
A foreign currency account is required for the use of the international payment card during the stay abroad.
Subscription to an international payment card
Subscription to an international payment card must be completed sufficiently in advance of the planned travel date.
It may be completed independently of the application for the foreign exchange allowance, which may be submitted at a later stage.
The card is valid for a minimum period of three (03) years.
What documents are required?
The application file must include the following documents:
- a valid passport;
- a copy of the passport's first page;
- a copy of a valid visa, where required;
- a return travel ticket or a tax receipt for travel by land, in accordance with the regulations in force;
- proof of income.
Foreign exchange allowance for minor children
The holder of an international payment card may complete the subscription formalities on behalf of their eligible minor children.
The holder must present a family record or any other document proving the family relationship and their status as legal representative.
The foreign exchange allowance granted to minor children may be credited to the international payment card of the parent holding the card, limited to two (02) children per family.
How can you obtain the foreign exchange allowance?
- Hold a bank account in Algerian dinars and a foreign currency account.
- Subscribe, where applicable, to a personal international payment card.
- Submit the travel application file to a Banque de Développement Local branch.
- Pay the equivalent amount granted in Algerian dinars.
- Pay the applicable fees, taxes and commissions.
- Receive a document confirming payment of the equivalent amount.
- Access the foreign exchange allowance through the international payment card.
A notation specifying the amount granted, the corresponding currency and the transaction date is entered in the beneficiary's passport.
Payment terms
Payment of the equivalent amount in Algerian dinars, together with the related fees, taxes and commissions, must be made:
- no later than seven (07) working days before the planned travel date;
- exclusively through a non-cash payment instrument;
- from a bank account in Algerian dinars.
Cash payments are not accepted under this procedure.
The applicable exchange rate is the opening commercial selling rate for the relevant currency in force on the transaction date.
Use of the foreign exchange allowance abroad
The amount credited to the international payment card may only be used for transactions carried out abroad in connection with the travel for which the foreign exchange allowance was granted.
Neither the card nor the amount granted may be assigned, lent, made available to a third party or used for any purpose other than that for which it was granted.
Any action intended to enable a person other than the actual beneficiary to use the amount may expose the person responsible to the penalties provided for under foreign exchange laws and regulations.
Assistance when using the card
Banque de Développement Local provides international cardholders with assistance services accessible from abroad to handle incidents and requests relating to the use of the card.
Details on how to access these services are communicated to the cardholder when subscribing to the international payment card.
Cancellation of the trip or a stay of less than seven days
In the event of cancellation of the trip, or where the actual duration of the stay abroad is less than seven (07) days, the beneficiary must return the full amount of the foreign exchange allowance received.
The amount must be returned:
- to the bank where the foreign currency account is domiciled;
- upon presentation of the passport;
- within a maximum period of five (05) working days from the date of return.
A transaction notice or cancellation receipt is issued to the beneficiary. A notation confirming the cancellation of the transaction is also entered in the passport.
Failure to comply with this obligation may result in the loss of eligibility for the foreign exchange allowance for a period of five (05) years, without prejudice to any legal proceedings provided for under the applicable legislation.
Need further information?
Banque de Développement Local branches and advisers remain available to assist you with the required formalities and provide information on the subscription procedures for the foreign exchange allowance for travel abroad.