AlgeriaVisits and short stays

Algeria medical treatment visa

Medical visa (visa médical)

In short

Foreigners travelling to Algeria for treatment apply for a medical visa. The key documents are an acceptance letter from the Algerian health institution and proof that the cost of care is covered, plus accommodation and enough money for the stay.

checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Up to 90 days per entry; the wilaya can exceptionally extend a stay by up to 90 days if treatment continues.
Fee
US$160Example for US citizens at the Washington embassy; other nationalities pay according to reciprocity, and some missions do not publish the amount.
Work
No.
Family
A companion applies separately, normally for a family or tourist visa with matching accommodation proof.
Where to apply
At the Algerian embassy or consulate covering your residence.

What the medical visa requires

Algerian missions ask for a letter of acceptance from the host medical institution in Algeria and evidence that medical expenses are covered. The Washington embassy describes this as a letter of financial support for medical care issued by the medical establishment; Oslo asks for evidence that the care fees have been paid. You also prove sufficient funds for treatment and accommodation.

Accommodation can be a hotel reservation or an accommodation certificate certified by the local authorities in Algeria, naming the host and including a copy of their ID.

The rest of the file

Add two application forms completed on a computer and signed, each with a photo, and a passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages, plus a copy of its first two pages. Applicants who are not citizens of the country where they apply attach a copy of their residence permit. The mission may request further medical or financial documents.

Required documents

Identity

  • Two visa application forms, typed, printed, dated and signed, each with one recent photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm)

Travel

  • Passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages, plus a copy of its first two pages
  • Hotel reservation or accommodation certificate certified by the local authorities in Algeria

Money

  • Medical certificate or letter showing that the cost of treatment is covered
  • Evidence of sufficient funds for treatment and accommodation

Other

  • Letter of acceptance from the host medical institution in Algeria

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Identity

  • Non-citizens of the country of application: copy of the local residence permit

Fees

The medical visa fee follows reciprocity: USD 160 for US citizens in Washington. Some missions collect it in cash and do not publish the amount.

If treatment takes longer

A medical stay that runs beyond the period on the visa can be extended exceptionally, by up to 90 days, by the wilaya where you are staying. Apply at least 10 days before your permitted stay ends with the extension form, three photos, proof of where you are staying, proof of funds, a document justifying the request (for example a letter from the hospital) and the receipt for the extension fee.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Obtain an acceptance letter from the Algerian hospital or clinic and a document showing how the treatment will be paid.
  2. Book accommodation or ask your host for a certified accommodation certificate.
  3. Complete two forms, attach photos and gather proof of funds.
  4. Submit the file at the mission covering your residence and pay the fee.
  5. If treatment runs past your permitted stay, apply to the wilaya for an extension at least 10 days before it ends.

Forms

Frequently asked questions

Does the hospital letter replace proof of funds?

No. Embassies ask both for a document showing that the treatment is covered and for proof of enough money for treatment and accommodation.

Can my companion get a medical visa too?

The medical visa is for the patient. Companions usually apply for a family or tourist visa with their own accommodation proof.

Where do I apply for an Algerian medical visa?

At the Algerian embassy or consulate covering your usual residence.

What if I need an emergency medical visit without a visa?

In emergencies, the border police may exceptionally issue a regularisation visa; the interior ministry lists a medical appointment as a supporting document.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Algeria

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per entry; total stays may not exceed 180 days a year. The wilaya can exceptionally extend a stay by up to 90 days.
  • Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per entry; total stays may not exceed 180 days a year. The wilaya can exceptionally extend a stay by up to 90 days.
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: Up to 7 days; it can exceptionally be renewed once.
  • Culture, sports and events visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per entry, normally the length of the event.

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Visa: up to 90 days per entry; long stays are covered by the resident card.

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Temporary work visa: at most 3 months. Work visa: 90 days per entry, followed by a resident card for the length of the work permit.

Family

Residence

  • Residence permit Validity: Two years; for workers and students, no longer than the work document or course. A 10-year card is possible after 7 years.
  • Permanent residence Validity: 10 years.

Online travel permits

  • Visa on arrival Maximum stay: Sahara tours: the length of the organised stay, at most 30 days. Emergency visa: set by regulation.

Protection

Algeria visa guide