Gay men and lesbians in Algeria: what the law says

Article 338 of the Algerian Penal Code

The UK Home Office note (July 2026, updated 19 August 2026) cites Article 338 of the 1966 Penal Code: up to two years in prison and a fine of 2,000 dinars for homosexual acts, for men and women alike.

Article 333 and public indecency

The same note refers to amended Article 333: public indecency between people of the same sex carries up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 10,000 dinars. A public display of affection can therefore have criminal consequences.

What Washington writes, in different terms

For the US Department of State (advisory of 25 August 2026), being gay or lesbian is not illegal, but consensual acts are. It cites six months to three years for "acts against nature" and two months to two years for a "homosexual act".

Two sources, penalties presented differently

The State Department's ranges, with fines of 500 to 10,000 dinars, do not exactly match the Home Office's presentation. Keep the shared essentials in mind: consensual acts between same-sex adults can lead to prison, and prosecution for indecency remains possible.

Entrapment through dating apps

The FCDO and the US Department of State warn that, in some countries, fake profiles are used to entrap LGBT+ people on popular apps and that meeting places are monitored. In Algeria, where these acts are criminalised, this risk must be taken very seriously.

Sextortion: threats to reveal your orientation to loved ones

A conversation that quickly turns intimate, a request for photos, then a threat to send them to your family or employer: this is the classic sextortion pattern. Do not pay, cut off contact, keep the evidence and talk to someone you trust.

Digital hygiene for LGBT+ Algerians

Use a pseudonym, no photos of your face or your neighbourhood, and switch off precise location. Protect your phone with a passcode, delete sensitive conversations and never share an image that could identify you.

Taimi and inclusive apps: at what cost?

Taimi presents itself as an app open to the whole LGBTQ+ spectrum, restricted to over-18s. Using it in Algeria exposes you to the risks described above: an unknown contact may be a trap. Never give your name or your address.

Alert a trusted friend before each Algerian date

Before any meeting, tell a trusted friend the time, the place and the supposed identity of the person, and agree on a check-in message. If anything seems wrong, leave immediately, even if it makes the situation awkward.

Foreign travellers and the embassy

Travellers should keep their embassy's contact details. If arrested, the US Department of State advises asking for the embassy to be informed; British consular services say they do not judge anyone. Americans can enrol free of charge in the STEP programme.

The situation in neighbouring Morocco

Morocco also criminalises consensual same-sex relations, according to the US Department of State. Before crossing the border or meeting a Moroccan partner, read our LGBT+ page on Morocco.

Other Algerian guides

The general framework, civil registration and security alerts are covered in the main guide to dating in Algeria. People leaving a heterosexual marriage will also find legal pointers in the page on Algerian divorce.

Official sources on the LGBT+ situation in Algeria

• Home Office britannique, note pays Algérie: Country policy and information note on sexual orientation in Algeria, citing Articles 333 and 338 of the Penal Code.
• FCDO, conseils pour l'Algérie: UK government safety section stating that same-sex acts are illegal.
• Département d'État, fiche Algérie: Level 2 advisory detailing penalties for homosexual acts and prosecutions for public indecency.
• Taimi: Inclusive LGBTQ+ app for over-18s, to be used with extreme caution in Algeria.

Reducing the risks as an LGBT+ person in Algeria

1. Read the official British and American advice before any stay or meeting.
2. Use a pseudonym and photos that show neither your face nor your neighbourhood.
3. Verify a contact's identity in several ways before agreeing to meet.
4. Tell a trusted friend the place and time of every date.
5. Never pay in response to a threat to share images, and keep evidence of the blackmail.
6. Carry the number of your embassy or consulate with you.

Legal status in Algeria according to the sources

What to have for a stay

• Passport, with a copy kept separately
• Emergency number for the embassy or consulate
• Details of a trusted contact outside Algeria
• Travel insurance including legal assistance if possible

Careless moves with serious consequences

• Sending money or gift cards to a contact who threatens to reveal your orientation to your loved ones.
• Sharing photos in which your face, your home or your workplace can be recognised.
• Agreeing to meet in an isolated place with someone known only through an app.
• Showing affection in public in the belief that the law applies only to residents.
• Leaving your phone without a lock code, with private conversations and photos open to anyone.

Information up to date as of October 2026. AfriqueRencontres.com does not arrange meetings and never asks for money: never transfer money to someone you know only online.