29th Algiers International Book Fair (SILA 2026)

The Algiers International Book Fair, known as SILA, is the largest book event in Algeria. The 2026 edition was officially opened on 28 October and is open to the public from 29 October to 7 November 2026 at the Palais des Expositions in Pins Maritimes, Mohammadia. It suits readers, families, students, publishers and anyone planning a short cultural trip to Algiers.

About SILA

SILA (Salon International du Livre d'Alger) brings Algerian, Arab, African and international publishers together under one roof for more than a week. Visitors come to buy books in Arabic, Tamazight, French and English, meet authors, attend talks and book signings, and browse stands from universities and cultural institutions.

For many Algerian families the fair is an annual outing, and it also draws visitors from other wilayas who combine a day or two at the stands with time in the capital. The organisers publish a catalogue of exhibitors on the official SILA website, which is the best place to check the programme of talks and the list of participating publishers. Any figures on exhibitors or visitors should be read as the organiser's own numbers.

SILA 2026 dates and venue

According to the official website, the official inauguration took place on 28 October 2026 and the fair is open to the public from 29 October to 7 November 2026, from 10:00 to 19:00 each day. If you are reading this during the fair, the remaining days are the last chance to visit this edition.

The venue is the Palais des Expositions at Pins Maritimes in Mohammadia, the main exhibition centre of Algiers (SAFEX), on the eastern side of the city near the coast. Check the official SILA website for hall plans, the daily programme and any changes to opening hours.

How to get to Algiers for SILA

Visitors flying in arrive at Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG), the country's main international and domestic hub. The exhibition centre in Mohammadia is in the same eastern part of the city as the airport, so the transfer is usually short by taxi or private car.

Within Algiers, the metro, tramway and taxis link the city centre with the Mohammadia area, and many visitors simply take a taxi to the exhibition centre gates. Traffic is heavy at weekends and in the late afternoon during the fair, so leave extra time. Travellers coming from other parts of Algeria often use domestic flights from cities such as Oran, Constantine, Annaba or the southern wilayas, or travel by train or road.

Where to stay

Good areas to stay for SILA are Mohammadia and Bab Ezzouar, which are close to the exhibition centre and the airport, and central Algiers (Didouche Mourad, Hydra or the seafront) for visitors who want to combine the fair with sightseeing in the Casbah and the old city.

Hotels near the Pins Maritimes exhibition centre fill up during big fairs, so book as early as possible, especially for the final weekend. Groups should ask for rooms in a single property to simplify transfers.

Planning a group trip to SILA

SILA works well as a group trip for schools, universities, reading clubs, libraries and families from other wilayas. A group tour to SILA usually combines one or two full days at the fair with a guided visit of Algiers, such as the Casbah, the Martyrs' Memorial (Maqam Echahid) and the Jardin d'Essai.

Plan arrival on a weekday if possible, as weekends are the busiest days at the stands. Give each traveller the venue address and a meeting point at the entrance, and agree a fixed time for the return transfer. For students and researchers, the published catalogue helps plan which publishers to visit before arrival.

Frequently asked questions

When is SILA 2026?

The official website lists the inauguration on 28 October and public opening from 29 October to 7 November 2026, from 10:00 to 19:00. Check the official site for any changes to daily opening times.

Where is the Algiers International Book Fair held?

It is held at the Palais des Expositions at Pins Maritimes in Mohammadia, Algiers, the city's main exhibition centre. It is in the eastern part of the city, not far from Algiers airport.

Do I need tickets for SILA?

Check the official SILA website for current entry arrangements before you travel. Opening hours and any access rules are published by the organisers and can change between editions.

Which airport is closest to SILA?

Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG) is the closest airport. It serves international routes and domestic flights from across Algeria, and the exhibition centre is a short drive away.

Is SILA suitable for a school or university group?

Yes. Many groups visit for a day to buy books and attend talks. Plan for a weekday visit, prepare a list of publishers from the online catalogue and agree a clear meeting point.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to SILA in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.