Algeria, officially known as the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, is a North African country that shares borders with Tunisia to the northeast, Libya to the east, Niger to the southeast, Mali, Mauritania, and Western Sahara to the southwest, Morocco to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. It is considered to be a part of the Maghreb region of North Africa. The country has a semi-arid geography, with the majority of the population residing in the fertile north, while the Sahara dominates the geography of the south. Algeria spans an area of 2,381,741 square kilometres (919,595 sq mi), making it the world’s tenth-largest nation by area and the largest nation in Africa, more than 200 times larger than the continent’s smallest country, The Gambia. With a population of 44 million, Algeria is the tenth-most populous country in Africa and the 32nd-most populous country in the world. The capital and largest city is Algiers, situated in the far north on the Mediterranean coast.
Despite not being a popular holiday destination for most individuals, Algeria offers a plethora of activities for tourists. Located in North Africa, Algeria boasts access to the Mediterranean, providing ample opportunities for beachgoers to bask in the sun. The mountainous terrain is ideal for hiking enthusiasts, while the region is replete with numerous historical sites and ruins that are worth exploring.
Who Needs an Algeria Visa?
Almost everyone has to obtain a visa before travelling to Algeria. The only countries whose nationals are exempt from holding an Algeria visa when travelling for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days are:
Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Seychelles, Tunisia
Holders of diplomatic and service passports from the following countries are exempt from Algerian visas:
Albania, Argentina, Benin, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Greece, Guinea, Kuwait, Niger, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, African Union, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Malta, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Vietnam
TYPES OF VISA AND REQUIREMENT
Tourist visa
Tourist visa
- Two (02) application form duly completed, dated, and signed by the applicant. Applications with missing information will be delayed or rejected.
- Two (02) recent passport-size photographs to be affixed on each application form. Please write the first and last names of applicants in pencil on the back of the photos.
- The original passport, valid for at least 06 months and contains at least two (02) blank pages for a visa to be issued.
- Two (02) sets of copies of all the pages of the passport.
- Travel insurance is not required for British and Irish citizens (please see travel insurance for more details)
- Invitation letter "Accommodation certificate" duly certified by the local authorities in Algeria (town hall) bearing the name and address of the person inviting you and their relationship to you or, when applicable, an official invitation with itinerary from a travel agency in Algeria or a confirmation of a hotel booking.
- "Letter of employment" or "evidence of activity or income".
- For children under 18, a copy of their "birth certificate" is required when applying for a visa, as well as a"Parental Authorisation"
- Visa fees paid in GB Pound only by cash or postal order when lodged at the Consulate (no cheque, no debit or credit card) and only by postal order made payable to "The Algerian Consulate" when sent by post.
- Non-British citizens must provide proof of residence in the UK.
Note: The Consulate reserves the right to ask for additional documents to be provided.
Business visa (short stay)
Two (02) application form duly completed, dated and signed by the applicant. Applications with missing information will be delayed or rejected.
Two (02) recent passport size photographs to be affixed on each application form. Please write first and last names of applicant in pencil on back of photos.
The original passport valid for at least 06 months and contain at least two (02) blank pages for visa to be issued.
Two (02) sets of copies of all the pages of the passport.
Letter of the employer in the UK or Ireland" stating the position held by the applicant and the purpose of the visit.
"Letter of invitation" from the sponsoring company or institution in Algeria.
Visa fees paid in GB Pound only by cash or postal order when lodged at the Consulate (no cheque, no debit or credit card) and only by postal order (please write your name at the back) made payable to "The Algerian Consulate" when sent by post
Work visa
Two (02) application form duly completed, dated and signed by the applicant. Applications with missing information will be delayed or rejected.
Two (02) recent passport size photographs to be affixed on each application form. Please write first and last names of applicant in pencil on back of photos.
The original passport valid for at least 06 months and contain at least two (02) blank pages for visa to be issued.
Two (02) sets of copies of all the pages of the passport.
Copy of the "work contract" or "employment letter".
"Temporary work permit" issued by the Algerian authorities, labour office of the Wilaya where the applicant will be working.
"letter of repatriation" signed by the employer and sealed by the labour office of the Wilaya where the applicant will be working.
Visa fees paid in GB Pound only by cash or postal order when lodged at the Consulate (no cheque, no debit or credit card) and only by postal order (please write your name at the back) made payable to "The Algerian Consulate" when sent by post.
Temporary work visa
Two (02) application form duly completed, dated, and signed by the applicant. Applications with missing information will be delayed or rejected.
Two (02) recent passport-size photographs to be affixed on each application form. Please write the first and last names of applicants in pencil on the back of the photos.
The original passport valid for at least 06 months and contain at least two (02) blank pages for a visa to be issued.
Two (02) sets of copies of all the pages of the passport.
Copy of the "work contract" which does not exceed 90 days signed by the employer in Algeria,
"Temporary work permit" delivered by the Ministry of Labour, Department of Labour at the Wilaya where the employer is based.
"Letter of the employer in the UK or Ireland" stating the position held by the applicant and the purpose of the visit.
A "letter of repatriation" issued by the relevant services signed by the employer and sealed by the labor office of the Wilaya where the applicant will be working, in which the employer certifies to undertake full financial responsibilities for repatriation of their foreign workers upon completion of their work contract.
Visa fees paid in GB Pound only by cash or postal order when lodged at the Consulate (no cheque, no debit or credit card) and only by postal order (please write your name at the back) made payable to "The Algerian Consulate" when sent by post
A temporary work visa can also be issued to a foreigner holder "an assistance contract or provision of services" concluded by itself or his employer organization in the UK or Ireland with a company or organization carrying an activity in Algeria.
Family visa for spouse of an Algerian citizen
Two (02) application form duly completed, dated and signed by the applicant. Applications with missing information will be delayed or rejected.
Two (02) recent passport size photographs to be affixed on each application form. Please write first and last names of applicants in pencil on the back of the photos.
The original passport valid for at least 06 months and contain at least two (02) blank pages for visa to be issued.
Two (02) sets of copies of all the pages of the passport.
Travel insurance is not required for British and Irish citizens (please see travel insurance for more details)
Copy of the valid "consulate registration card" of his/her spouse.
If the spouse is not registered at the Algerian Consulate in London, the applicant should provide an "accommodation certificate" duly certified by the local authorities (town hall) in Algeria including the name and address of the family member inviting the applicant and their relationship to him.
Copy of the "marriage certificate" issued by the register office or a copy of "the Algerian family book".
Visa fees paid in GB Pound only by cash or postal order when lodged at the Consulate (no cheque, no debit or credit card) and only by postal order (please write your name at the back) made payable to "The Algerian Consulate" when sent by post
Family visa for children of an Algerian citizen
Two (02) application form duly completed, dated, and signed by the applicant. Applications with missing information will be delayed or rejected.
Two (02) recent passport-size photographs to be affixed on each application form. Please write first and last names of applicant in pencil on back of photos.
The original passport valid for at least 06 months and contain at least two (02) blank pages for visa to be issued.
Two (02) sets of copies of all the pages of the passport.
Travel insurance is not required for British and Irish citizens (please see travel insurance for more details)
Copy of the valid "consulate registration card" of the Algerian parent.
If the parent is not registered at the Algerian Consulate in London, the applicant should provide an "accommodation certificate" duly certified by the local authorities (town hall) in Algeria including the name and address of the family member inviting the applicant and their relationship to him.
Copy of their "birth certificate"
For children under 18, a"Parental Authorisation " to be signed by the legal guardian of the Child at The Consulate General when lodging his visa application or a notarised Parental Authorisation if send by post
Visa fees paid in GB Pound only by cash or postal order when lodged at the Consulate (no cheque, no debit or credit card) and only by postal order (please write your name at the back) made payable to "The Algerian Consulate" when sent by post
Cultural visa
This type of visa is issued to people invited to take part in a cultural, scientific, social or sports events.
Two (02) application form duly completed, dated and signed by the applicant. Applications with missing information will be delayed or rejected.
Two (02) recent passport size photographs to be affixed on each application form. Please write first and last names of applicant in pencil on back of photos.
The original passport valid for at least 06 months and contain at least two (02) blank pages for visa to be issued.
Two (02) sets of copies of all the pages of the passport.
"A letter of invitation" from the event organizer
"Employment letter" or "proof of activity"
Travel insurance is not required for British and Irish citizens (please see travel insurance for more details)
Visa fees paid in GB Pound only by cash or postal order when lodged at the Consulate (no cheque, no debit or credit card) and only by postal order (please write your name at the back) made payable to "The Algerian Consulate" when sent by post
Medical visa
Two (02) application form duly completed, dated and signed by the applicant. Applications with missing information will be delayed or rejected.
Two (02) recent passport size photographs to be affixed on each application form. Please write first and last names of applicant in pencil on back of photos.
The original passport valid for at least 06 months and contain at least two (02) blank pages for visa to be issued.
Two (02) sets of copies of all the pages of the passport.
Confirmation of enrolment.
Evidence of payment of tuition fees.
Evidence of sufficient funds for the studies and accommodation.
Travel insurance is not required for British and Irish citizens (please see travel insurance for more details)
Visa fees paid in GB Pound only by cash or postal order when lodged at the Consulate (no cheque, no debit or credit card) and only by postal order (please write your name at the back) made payable to "The Algerian Consulate" when sent by post
TRANSIT VISA
Two (02) application form duly completed, dated and signed by the applicant. Applications with missing information will be delayed or rejected.
Two (02) recent passport size photographs to be affixed on each application form. Please write first and last names of applicant in pencil on back of photos.
The original passport valid for at least 06 months and contain at least two (02) blank pages for visa to be issued.
Two (02) sets of copies of all the pages of the passport.
A valid visa or required documentation for entry to the country of final destination.
A valid ticket for the country of final destination.
Evidence of sufficient funds for accommodation during stay in Algeria.
Travel insurance is not required for British and Irish citizens (please see travel insurance for more details)
Visa fees paid in GB Pound only by cash or postal order when lodged at the Consulate (no cheque, no debit or credit card) and only by postal order (please write your name at the back) made payable to "The Algerian Consulate" when sent by post
Where Can I Submit an Algeria Visa Application?
To apply for an Algerian visa, it is necessary to visit the Algerian embassy or consulate that is responsible for your region. This may be the embassy or consulate in your country or the nearest one if there is no Algerian diplomatic mission in your country. Prior to submitting your application, it is important to determine which embassy or consular office covers your region.
How Can I Submit an Algeria Visa Application?
There are several ways to submit an Algeria visa application, including appearing in person at the Algerian consulate/embassy and submitting the required documents, sending the documents by mail or courier, authorizing a proxy to apply on your behalf with a notarized letter of authorization, or using an authorized visa application agency. However, it is important to ensure that you are aware of the requirements of the consulate or embassy that will handle your application, as not all consulates accept document submission through all of the aforementioned methods.
Algeria Visa Application
The process for applying for an Algerian visa involves visiting the website of the Algerian embassy or consulate where you will be submitting your application to learn about appointment requirements, work days, and opening hours. You will then need to make an Algerian visa appointment, which may be possible to do online depending on the consulate. After making an appointment, you will need to complete the Algeria visa application form and gather the necessary documents for the Algeria visa. When submitting the documents, you may be asked several questions regarding the purpose of your trip, what you will be doing in Algeria, or personal questions such as your job and salary. You will also need to pay the Algeria visa fee and wait for the visa to be processed. If approved, the consular/embassy staff will contact you to retrieve your passport with the affixed visa. The visa will indicate the date on which you will be allowed to enter the country.
Terrorism: Terrorist organizations and their affiliates are determined to launch attacks against American citizens overseas. These groups are increasingly resorting to unsophisticated methods of attack, such as knives, firearms, and vehicles, to more effectively target crowds. Their primary targets are often unprotected or vulnerable locations, including high-profile public events, tourist hotspots such as hotels, clubs, and restaurants, places of worship, schools, parks, shopping malls and markets, and public transportation systems such as subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights.
Terrorist Activity: Although Algeria has been a crucial partner in counterterrorism efforts with the United States and has continued to aggressively combat terrorist activity, active terrorist threats persist within Algeria and along its borders. Notably, Al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb and Jund al-Khilafah in Algeria, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS), pose significant threats.
Terrorist attacks in Algeria typically target government interests and security forces outside major cities, particularly in mountainous and remote areas. In 2020 and 2022, attacks targeting law enforcement facilities were thwarted but resulted in casualties among security forces in the southern wilayas of Bordj Badji Mokhtar and In Guezzam.
The Department of State cautions U.S. citizens against traveling to remote areas in southern and eastern Algeria due to the high risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping. As outlined in our Travel Advisories for Algeria, U.S. citizens should exercise caution and remain vigilant at all times.
Algeria is a cash-based society, and credit cards are generally not accepted outside of hotels. Travelers are required to declare any amount exceeding 3000 Algerian dinar or foreign currency equivalent to 1000 euros upon entry at Customs. The maximum amount of foreign currency that can be taken out of the country is 7500 euros or its equivalent, and proof of withdrawal from an Algerian bank account is mandatory. Algerian Customs guidelines prohibit foreign citizens from taking any amount of Algerian currency outside of the country. Algerian residents are allowed to take up to 10,000 DA out of the country, while Algerian dual-nationals who are not residents or other third country nationals are not permitted to take Algerian currency outside of the country.
It is important to note that the official exchange rate may differ significantly from the street exchange rate. It is illegal to exchange money on the black market, and foreign currency should only be exchanged at authorized currency exchange locations, such as banks or major hotels.
When leaving Algeria, authorities may inquire about the amount of currency in possession and conduct a search. Severe penalties may be imposed if foreign currency exceeding the aforementioned amount is not declared upon entry but is found during exit. The amount of foreign currency declared upon entry will be compared to the amount being taken out, and documentation proving legal exchange will be required.
