Algeria Police Number: 17
+213 · National Police (Sûreté Nationale)
The police emergency number in Algeria is 17. Operated by Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
National Police (Sûreté Nationale)
Algeria · Police
📝 National police emergency number for urban areas. Handles criminal emergencies, public safety, and urban security.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Algeria
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Police
- • Do not call 17 for non-urgent administrative matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 14 for minor injuries not requiring ambulance transport
- • Do not make false calls to 14 or 17 - punishable under Algerian law with fines and potential imprisonment
- • Do not call emergency numbers for electricity or water outages - contact Sonelgaz or local water authority
- • Do not use emergency lines to report minor traffic violations without injuries
✈️ Travel Notes — Algeria
Emergency response is reliable in Algiers and major northern cities. Response times in Sahara regions, rural areas, and mountainous Kabylie region may be significantly delayed. Civil Protection operates the primary ambulance and fire service. Private clinics in Algiers and Oran offer good quality emergency care.
🛡️ Traveling to Algeria? Protect Yourself
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Police Emergency Service in Algeria — Complete Guide
When traveling to Algeria or living there as an expat, knowing the correct police number in Algeria is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for police services in Algeria is 17, which is operated and monitored by Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale. National police emergency number for urban areas. Handles criminal emergencies, public safety, and urban security.
How to Dial 17 in Algeria
To reach the National Police (Sûreté Nationale) in Algeria, dial 17 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in Algeria. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Algeria using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 17 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Algeria from an international location, the country calling code is +213.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Algeria communicate primarily in ar, fr. If you do not speak ar, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 17
When you call the police number in Algeria, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (police assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in Algeria
Please note that Algeria utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Police (17), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: Civil Protection (Protection Civile) (14), National Police (Sûreté Nationale) (17), Civil Protection Ambulance Service (14), Civil Protection Fire Service (14), National Gendarmerie (1055). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Algeria and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 17 is verified against official directories published by Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Police in Algeria
What is the Police number in Algeria? ▼
The Police emergency number in Algeria is 17. National police emergency number for urban areas. Handles criminal emergencies, public safety, and urban security.
Does 17 work from mobile in Algeria? ▼
Yes, 17 works from all mobile phones in Algeria.
Can I call 17 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 17 free in Algeria? ▼
Yes, calling 17 is free in Algeria. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Police in Algeria? ▼
The Police service in Algeria is operated by Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale. Source: https://www.mdn.dz/
What is the difference between 17 and 1055 in Algeria? ▼
17 is the Sûreté Nationale (National Police) for urban areas. 1055 is the Gendarmerie Nationale for rural areas, highways, and small towns. Both are official police forces with different geographic jurisdictions.
Which number should I call for a road accident on an Algerian highway? ▼
Call 1055 for the Gendarmerie Nationale, which has jurisdiction over highways. If there are injuries, also request ambulance services, which will be dispatched through Civil Protection.
Can I call 14 from a mobile phone without credit in Algeria? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls to 14, 17, and 1055 are free and can be made without airtime credit from any mobile phone.
Are emergency operators in Algeria able to speak French? ▼
Yes. French is widely spoken in Algeria and emergency operators, particularly in urban areas, are typically bilingual in Arabic and French.
What emergency services are available in the Algerian Sahara? ▼
Civil Protection maintains posts in major Sahara towns. However, response times in remote desert areas can be hours or may not be available. Travelers in the Sahara should carry satellite communication equipment and arrange private security and medical evacuation support.