[REVISION HISTORY]

Algeria's digital reforms and currency controls

Updated 5 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-14 08:53 UTC → 2026-08-27 11:39 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In late June 2026, Algeria introduced the “Waqar” card for retiree discounts and launched an online platform for biometric passport renewals. The government subsequently transitioned the €750 tourist allowance from cash to prepaid international bank cards to curb fraud. On 25 July, the National Bank of Algeria (BNA) clarified that adults and adult students receive €750, while children aged 12–19 receive €300 (limited to two per household). To load these funds, travelers must provide a passport, travel reservation, proof of income, and family records. On 28 July, Crédit Populaire d'Algérie launched the CPA VISA Classique, a card dedicated to this travel allocation that requires a 10,000 DA dinar balance to cover fees. To further digitize the economy, the Bank of Algeria established a National Payments Committee to implement a strategy for promoting electronic transactions and reducing cash dominance. Amidst these shifts, the Ministry of Finance issued a statement on 5 August refuting social media rumors regarding the cancellation or revision of the tourist allowance, labeling such claims as based on “forged” documents. In a broader effort to combat money laundering following its removal from the FATF grey list, new regulations now require accountants to report suspicious transactions and identify “beneficial owners” of companies. Additionally, under Regulation No. 26-02, exporters must repatriate proceeds from non-hydrocarbon exports within 120 days, or within 180 days if backed by national export credit insurance. By late August, banks including the Banque du Développement Local (BDL) and BNA began implementing measures to facilitate the €750 allowance, such as reducing international card fees and allowing balances to be used for online hotel and flight bookings. Concurrently, the Sidi M’hamed court in Algiers opened a case against 22 individuals suspected of bypassing exchange regulations.

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