Algeria expands tourist cash allocation and opens new CNEP‑Bank branches

Algeria's central bank has moved to speed up the tourist allocation scheme. Governor Mohamed Lamine Lebou met with senior bank officials to accelerate issuance of international payment cards that give travelers a quota of €750 for adults and €300 for youths aged 12‑19. Officials noted uneven processing times across banks and a requirement for an initial foreign‑currency deposit to open the associated account, leaving some applicants uncertain about waiting periods and costs.

Separately, CNEP‑Bank announced the opening of two new branches in the western Algiers suburbs of Douéra and Sidi Abdallah. The additions raise the network to 234 locations and include full banking services, Islamic‑finance products and a 24/7 self‑service area, aimed at improving accessibility for local residents.