About Algeria's Correctional System
Algeria's correctional system is managed by the Ministère de la Justice. For inmate searches, use the official contacts listed below or contact the facility directly using the phone numbers on this page. Where available, the facility listings below include addresses, inmate capacity, and descriptive information.
For US citizens detained in Algeria, contact US Embassy Algeria at +213 770 08 2000 immediately, or call the US State Department Citizens Emergency Center at 1-888-407-4747 from the US.
Algeria Resources & Legal Services
Key Algeria Prison Contacts
| Agency / Contact | Location | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ministère de la Justice | Algeria | +213-21-629-100 | Visit Site |
| US Embassy Algeria | Algeria | +213 770 08 2000 | Visit Site |
| US State Dept Emergency (from US) | Washington DC | 1-888-407-4747 | Visit Site |
Showing 4 facilities in Algeria
El Harrach Prison (Maison d'Arr�t d'El Harrach)
Facility
Closed
Algeria's largest and most important prison. Located in El Harrach suburb east of Algiers. Built during French colonial rule. Capacity of 2000 but holds around 3000. Has detained Algerian nationalist leaders including Messali Hadj and Abane Ramdane. Documented for overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions. Houses remand and sentenced prisoners.
Serkadji Prison (formerly Barberousse)
Facility
Closed
Historic high-security prison above the Casbah of Algiers. Built by the French on a former Turkish fortification. During the Algerian War 1954-62 hundreds of FLN fighters were held here and 58 were executed by guillotine. Site of a bloody February 1995 prison riot leaving approximately 100 inmates dead. Three Moroccans linked to AQIM were held here in 2008. Now converted to a museum of national memory.
Prison de Constantine
Facility
Closed
Major prison in northeastern Algeria. Houses sentenced and remand prisoners from the Constantine region. Part of the colonial-era prison network maintained under Algerian administration.
Prison d'Oran
Facility
Closed
Main prison in Algeria's second largest city. Houses sentenced and remand prisoners from the western region. One of several major provincial penitentiaries in the Algerian prison system administered by the Ministry of Justice.
Algeria Prison FAQ
Browse the facility listings on this page to find the specific institution, then contact them directly using the phone number listed. For US citizens detained in Algeria, contact US Embassy Algeria at +213 770 08 2000 immediately.
Contact US Embassy Algeria at +213 770 08 2000 immediately, or call the US State Department Citizens Emergency Center at 1-888-407-4747 from the US. Consular officers can visit detained Americans, provide lists of local attorneys, and notify family members.
Visitation rules vary significantly by facility and security level in Algeria. You will typically need to be on an approved visitor list, present valid government-issued photo ID, and comply with the facility's dress code. Contact the specific facility directly using the phone number listed on this page to confirm current visitation hours and requirements.
Contact Ordre National des Avocats d'Algérie for referrals to qualified criminal defense attorneys in Algeria. The US Embassy can also provide a list of local attorneys. You can also find a criminal lawyer through our directory.
Each Algeria facility has its own approved methods for receiving inmate funds. Contact the facility directly using the phone numbers listed on this page for current accepted payment methods, deposit limits, and procedures.