Algeria tourist visa

Algerian embassy guidance lists only nine nationalities whose ordinary passport holders enter without a visa: Libya, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Seychelles and Tunisia. Some other countries are exempt only for diplomatic and service passports, so tourists with an ordinary passport from the EU, the UK, the US and most other countries need a visa.

Law No. 08-11 treats a visitor who stays up to 90 days without settling or working as a non-resident. Air passengers who stay airside in transit are exempt, but anyone who passes through immigration needs a visa unless a treaty says otherwise.

Algerian missions ask for two application forms with a photo on each, and one proof of accommodation: an invitation from a host in Algeria certified by the local authorities (with the host's name, address and a copy of their ID), an invitation with an itinerary from an Algerian travel agency, or a hotel booking confirmation. Add travel insurance for the whole stay and an employment letter or other evidence of activity or income.

The passport needs six months of validity and two blank pages. Some missions ask to see the round-trip ticket only after the application has been accepted. Forms must be filled in on a computer, printed and signed; handwritten, incomplete or unclear forms are rejected. Missions in different countries ask for the same core file, sometimes with a flight reservation instead of income proof.

Algeria sets chancery fees by reciprocity, so the price depends on your nationality, the length of validity and the number of entries; some nationalities pay nothing. Published examples: the embassy in Washington charges US citizens USD 160 for a tourist visa, and the embassy in Oslo charges Norwegians NOK 1,270 for stays under 90 days. Some missions take the fee in cash and do not publish a figure, so ask the mission before you apply. Fees are not refunded if the visa is refused.

A consular visa is valid for 90 days, 180 days, one year or two years, and each entry allows up to 90 days. On a multiple-entry visa you may spend at most 180 days a year in Algeria and never more than three months in a row. Embassies warn that you cannot enter before the start date printed on the visa, and that a change of travel dates may require a new visa. Embassies also advise against buying non-refundable tickets before the visa is issued.

If you must stay longer without settling, the law allows an exceptional extension of up to 90 days. Apply to the regulation and general affairs service of the wilaya where you are staying at least 10 days before your permitted stay ends, with the ministry form, a passport valid for more than six months, three photos, proof of where you are staying, proof of funds for the extra period, documents explaining the request and a receipt for the extension fee set by the stamp code. Overstaying is an offence under Law No. 08-11.