Algeria: Entry Rules for VisitorsLast check:Last update:Data statusLast check:Last update:
Algeria:Visa Requirement Map
Explore which nationalities need a visa to enter this country and which can enter visa-free.
Algeria: Visa and entry documents and requirements
Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.
Visa-Free Entry Requirements
- For entries benefiting from visa exemption, a valid passport or travel document providing the exemption must be carried. If the exemption is based on an agreement concerning diplomatic, service, official or ordinary passports, the traveler must use the passport type accepted under the agreement.
- These conditions may vary depending on the agreement on which the exemption is based, the passport type, and the traveler's situation.
- Within the scope of the temporary facilitation for Algerian nationals residing abroad, until 31 December 2026, an Algerian biometric and electronic national identity card may be used together with a valid foreign passport, even if the identity card has expired. In the absence of an identity card, an Algerian biometric passport may be submitted together with a valid foreign passport, even if the passport has expired.
- The border authority may request additional documents or explanations depending on the traveler's situation and purpose of entry.
Visa on Arrival Requirements
- The regularization visa issued at the border may be used for tourists traveling to the southern regions of Algeria within the scope of an approved tourism program. The travel must be organized by a travel agency approved by the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts of Algeria.
- The tour program must cover at least one of the eligible southern provinces and the final tourist destination of the travel must be in the southern region. Temporary transit through northern regions is possible; however, tour programs outside the south are subject to a regular consular visa.
- The authorized travel agency must register the traveler's personal information and tour program in the relevant official digital system. After the review is completed, the agency issues a boarding authorization document that enables the traveler to be admitted to the aircraft or other means of transport bound for Algeria. Some official statements indicate that this document contains a QR code.
- The traveler must carry the boarding authorization document obtained from the authorized agency, a valid passport, and other travel documents notified by the agency before starting the journey.
- The regularization visa may be issued at international airports, land border crossings, or ports in Algeria. The tourist visa fee is paid upon arrival in the country.
- Some official diplomatic mission pages state that this visa may be valid for 30 days. However, since the central implementation explanation states that the duration of stay will be determined according to the duration of the approved tour program, the exact duration should be checked through the boarding authorization and the visa issued at the border.
- Apart from the approved Sahara tourism practice, the competent authorities may issue a regularization visa at the border crossing in urgent and exceptional cases. This practice is not a standard tourist visa-on-arrival entitlement. Travel should not be started relying on this exception without a pre-issued boarding permit or approval from the competent authority.
- The competent border authority may request a valid passport, a document proving the purpose of travel and urgency, proof of accommodation, return ticket, copy of personal information pages, and the visa fee.
Consular Visa Application Requirements
- Travelers subject to a visa must apply to the Algerian embassy or consulate in the country where they reside or which the authorized mission accepts. If the application is made outside the country of nationality, a valid residence permit or other legal proof of residence may be required. Applications made from a country where the traveler is temporarily present as a tourist may not be accepted.
- The visa application form must be completed clearly and in full, printed, dated, and signed by the applicant. While some missions accept the form only in electronic format, others require two signed copies. The number of forms and the completion method vary according to the mission applied to.
- The passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of application. The passport must be in reasonable condition and suitable for visa printing. A machine-readable or biometric passport requirement has not been published as a common condition for all applications.
- Some official missions require at least one blank page, while others require at least two blank pages.
- A photocopy of the passport must be submitted. Some missions request only a copy of the page containing personal information or the first two pages, while others request copies of all pages of the passport. Which pages and how many sets of copies are to be submitted is determined according to the checklist of the mission applied to.
- A recently taken passport-type or biometric identity photograph must be submitted. Official mission pages use dimensions of 35 x 45 millimeters or 4.5 x 3.5 centimeters. The number of photographs may vary as one or two.
- A copy of the national identity document may be requested from the applicant. Persons applying outside their country of nationality must submit a valid residence permit, proof of residence, municipal registration, rental contract, or another document showing that they legally live in the jurisdiction.
- For a tourist visa application, an approved hotel reservation or an accommodation certificate certified by the local municipality in Algeria must be submitted. Instead of an accommodation certificate, a document from an authorized travel agency indicating the nature of the travel and the places to be visited may be accepted.
- If an accommodation certificate is used, a copy of the inviting person's identity card or passport and proof of residence may be requested. If the inviting person is a foreigner residing in Algeria, copies of their passport and valid residence permit must be submitted.
- At some missions, the accommodation certificate must include the name, surname, date and place of birth, identity document details, address, and telephone number of the inviting person, as well as the name, birth details, passport details, and dates of stay of the visitor. The document may need to be recently certified by the municipality where the inviting person resides.
- In a tourist application, a round-trip flight ticket or transportation reservation, employment certificate, payslip, student certificate, retirement certificate, or another document showing the applicant's professional status may be requested.
- Sufficient financial means may be proven by a bank statement, income certificate, or a sponsor's declaration of financial responsibility.
- Some missions request a bank statement issued within the last three months and publish a minimum daily financial amount excluding hotel expenses for specific jurisdictions. These amounts are not common conditions valid at all missions.
- The requirement for travel health insurance varies according to nationality and the mission applied to. Some missions require insurance covering the entire validity period of the visa, including illness, accident, hospitalization, medical repatriation, and repatriation of remains in the event of death.
- Some missions apply a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in their own jurisdictions; this amount is not a universal Algerian condition for all applicants.
- For a family visit or family visa, an invitation or accommodation certificate certified by the municipality, the inviting person's Algerian identity card or passport, proof of residence, and a document showing the family relationship must be submitted. For spouses, a marriage certificate or family record book may be requested; for children, a birth certificate may be requested.
- The application of applicants under 18 may be made by a parent or legal guardian. A birth certificate or family record book and its photocopy may be submitted. If the child travels alone or with only one parent, a notarized or consulate-signed parental consent may be requested.
- For a business visa, a letter from the applicant's employer stating the position, purpose of travel, and the company's financial responsibility, together with an invitation letter from the business partner or company branch in Algeria must be submitted. A business visa does not permit paid employment and cannot be used in place of an employment visa.
- For an employment visa, a work permit issued by the competent authority in Algeria, an employment contract, and a letter from the employer undertaking to cover living expenses and to repatriate the employee when the contract ends are required.
- For a temporary employment visa, an employment contract not exceeding 90 days, a temporary work permit, and the employer's repatriation undertaking must be submitted. If the employment period exceeds 90 days, a regular employment visa must be applied for.
- For a study visa, an acceptance or enrollment certificate from the educational institution in Algeria, a scholarship certificate if applicable, and financial proof showing that education and living expenses will be covered are required.
- For a medical visa, a medical certificate explaining the illness or need for treatment, an acceptance or treatment letter from the healthcare facility in Algeria, and a financial document showing that treatment costs can be covered must be submitted.
- For cultural, scientific, social, or sporting events, an invitation letter from the organizer, travel itinerary, and if necessary, proof of financial means or employment status are required.
- For a press visa, a letter from the press organization explaining the assignment and purpose of travel, press card, if applicable an invitation from the partner in Algeria, a list of filming and recording equipment to be used, visit program, information on persons to be interviewed and places to be filmed may be submitted.
- For diplomatic or official visa applications, a diplomatic note, a letter indicating the assignment and purpose of travel, an invitation from the relevant Algerian authority or event organizer, and the appropriate diplomatic, service, or official passport must be submitted.
- Documents issued by foreign authorities may need to be authenticated by the diplomatic or consular authorities of the relevant country. The requirement for documents to be translated into Arabic or French or to undergo another authentication process varies depending on the country of issue and the mission applied to.
- The visa fee varies according to nationality, passport type, visa duration, and number of entries. The fee paid is generally not refunded if the application is rejected or if the applicant withdraws the file.
- The accepted payment method varies by mission. Some missions accept only credit card, some accept cash in euros or local currency, some accept bank transfer or postal money order.
- The processing time may vary depending on nationality, visa type, security clearances, and the mission applied to. The application must be made sufficiently in advance of travel.
- Visas may mostly be issued as single-entry and providing a stay of 30 days. Multiple-entry visas may also be granted depending on the purpose of travel and the evaluation of the application. The exact validity period, permitted duration of stay, and number of entries are indicated on the issued visa sticker.
- The mission applied to may, when necessary, request the applicant to appear in person, attend an interview, or submit additional documents.
- Submission of the required documents for a visa does not guarantee that the visa will be issued. The consulate may request additional documents, information, verification, or prior approval from the competent authorities in Algeria.
Transit Visa Requirements
- A transit visa is issued for travelers who will continue to a third country via international airports or other entry points in Algeria and who are subject to the transit visa requirement.
- The application form must be completed in full, printed, dated, and signed. The number of form copies and the application method may vary by mission.
- A passport valid for at least six months and passport copies must be submitted. Some missions require at least two blank pages.
- A recently taken passport-type photograph must be submitted. The number, dimensions, and technical specifications of the photograph vary according to the mission applied to.
- An approved ticket showing the transit flight or transportation through Algeria must be submitted. If the final destination country requires a visa, a copy of the valid visa or entry permit for the destination country must also be attached to the file.
- A bank statement, income certificate, or other proof of financial means showing sufficient means during the transit period may be requested.
- If the transit period in Algeria exceeds 24 hours, some missions request a hotel reservation or other proof of accommodation.
- The requirement for travel health insurance may vary according to the mission applied to and the traveler's situation.
- If the applicant applies outside their country of nationality, a residence permit or proof of residence showing that they legally reside in the jurisdiction must be submitted.
- For minor applicants, a birth certificate, family record book, and if necessary, parental consent may be requested.
- The maximum permitted duration of stay with a transit visa is seven days. The exact validity dates and number of entries are shown on the issued visa.
- The transit visa fee and accepted payment method vary according to nationality and the mission applied to.
- The authorized mission may request additional documents, in-person application, or further explanation. Incomplete applications may not be processed.
Update History
The permitted stay changed from 90 days to 14 days.
