Algiers, AlgeriaSmoking policy at Algiers, Houari Boumediene International Airport (ALG)
Warnings & Caveats
Algerian law prohibits smoking in all closed public places, including restaurants, bars, and cafes. Smoking is also banned within 5 meters of entrances, exits, and ventilation openings of closed public places. Electronic cigarettes are subject to the same restrictions as traditional cigarettes under Algerian law.
Houari Boumediene Airport has a mixed smoking situation that has evolved over the past few years. As of April 2026, a dedicated smoking area exists in the commercial zone of the departure lounge, located next to the Coffee & Tea outlet airside. Landside, smoking inside any terminal building is not permitted, so your only option before security is stepping outside to designated outdoor areas.
Before Security
Smoking is banned inside all terminal buildings at ALG. If you need to smoke before going through security, you must exit to the outdoor designated smoking areas outside the terminal entrances. No specific signposted outdoor zones are named in available sources, so look for ashtrays or marked areas near the terminal exits. Keep in mind that Algerian law prohibits smoking within 5 meters of entrances, exits, and ventilation openings of closed public places, so you may need to walk a short distance from the doors.
After Security
The situation airside has changed noticeably. A traveler report from March 2023 noted that there were no dedicated smoking lounges past security, but that smoking was tolerated in either of the two cafes in the departure area before the boarding gates. A more recent update from April 2026 reports that a dedicated smoking area has since been established in the commercial section of the departure lounge, next to the Coffee and Tea outlet. This appears to be the primary airside option for smokers in Terminal 4, where most international flights operate.
Vaping Rules
Algerian law treats electronic cigarettes the same as traditional cigarettes. Vaping is only permitted in the same designated smoking areas and is banned inside terminal buildings and within 5 meters of entrances.
Transit and Layovers
If you are transiting through ALG, your access to the airside smoking area next to Coffee and Tea should be available as long as you remain in the departure zone. There is no confirmed information about whether you can exit and re-enter security to use outdoor areas, so plan to use the airside spot if possible.
Bottom Line
Smoke outside before you enter the terminal, or head to the dedicated smoking area next to Coffee and Tea in the airside commercial zone after security. The situation has improved since 2023, but options remain limited.
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