Algeria Visa Guide – 5 Easy Steps to Apply for Algerian Tourist and Travel Visa
Algeria may not be somewhere that you thought about going before, but you won’t be disappointed with what you’ll find there. With a Mediterranean coastline and beautiful beaches, magnificent mountains and canyons, and opportunities for trekking through parts of the Sahara there is a lot to see and do. Cities with gorgeous white-washed buildings and more stunning architecture at every turn, a UNESCO Kasbah, ancient ruins and much more, this country will surely surprise you! In this article learn more about how to apply for Algeria Visa at the Algerian embassies and consulates worldwide, Algeria visa appointment booking, Processing time at the Algerian visa application center, Algeria visa application form, apply from USA, India, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, China, Algeria visa application requirements, flight itinerary or round trip ticket booking or flight reservation, Algerian visa types, Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation.
Applying for Algeria visa
There are only a few countries that are permitted to travel to Algeria for tourist or business purposes without a visa. They are:
Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Seychelles, and Tunisia
Holders of diplomatic and/or service passports from the following countries can also enter Algeria without a visa:
Albania, Argentina, Benin, Brazil, Croatia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait, Malta, Mexico, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Vietnam
Please note, if you are traveling to Algeria on a cruise ship, you do not need a visa to enter the country if you are part of an organized shore excursion.
All other nationalities must be in possession of a valid visa which can be obtained from any of the Algerian Embassies or Consulate Generals around the world.
Types of visas for Algeria
There are several types of visas for Algeria and the one you apply for will be determined by the reason why you wish to travel to Algeria.
- Tourist
- Business
- Family visit
- Work
- Diplomatic
- Journalist
- Transit
- Cultural
- Student
- Medical
- Transit
- Press
Visas are usually issued as single, double, or multiple entry which relates to the number of times you are allowed to enter the country.
Where to apply for Algeria visa
In order to apply for an Algeria visa, you need to approach one of the Algerian Embassies or Consulate Generals located in the country where you live. So, the first thing to do is to find out where they are.
You can visit this website www.embassy-worldwide.com, so click on the link and you’ll find all the Algerian Embassies and Consulates around the world.
All you need to do is to scroll through the list, find your country and click on the link.
For example, if you live in Australia, click on the link and you will be directed to information about the Algerian Embassy in Canberra. You will also find the website that you need to visit for information on how to apply through that particular embassy.
It’s a good idea to spend time looking at the pages of the website of the embassy or consulate you will be applying at. There is comprehensive and easy to understand information regarding how to apply and the requirements for each type of visa. You will also find out about processing times and fees etc.
You can usually apply at the Algerian Embassy or consulate within your location, but some consulates have outsourced their visa application to 3rd parties, such as VFS Global. The websites will confirm whether this is the case.
Here are the links to some of the Algerian Embassies and Consulate Generals around the world:
The Algeria Visa Application Process and Requirements
When you apply for your Algeria visa, you need to take account of processing times. Generally, the turnaround time is 10 days. However, it’s worth checking with the individual embassy or consulate you are dealing with because they may have slightly different timescales. In addition, some embassies and consulates may allow you to apply by mailing your application and this could also affect the timescales.
The best thing to do is check the embassy or consulate’s website for their processing times and apply well in advance of your trip.
Once you know where to apply from, there are a serious of steps to help you apply for your Algeria visa. The first one is to make an appointment at the embassy or consulate you will be applying at.
Step 1: Make your appointment online
If you have to appear in person to submit your application and supporting documents, the first step is to make an appointment at the Algerian Embassy or Consulate General you will be applying through.
Visit their website for instructions on how to do this. Most visa authorities have online booking systems that you can use to make a suitable date and time for your appointment. However, you may simply need to phone or email to make your appointment.
Step 2: Complete Algeria visa application form
The next step is to complete your application form. You will be able to find this on the website of the embassy or consulate general you are dealing with. There are two ways to complete your form:
- Use the embassy or consulate’s website to complete your form online
- Download the application form from their website
Step 3: Get your documents ready
Step 3 is very important to get right. If you submit your application but have failed to comply with the embassy or consulate’s requirements for what documents you need for your application, then this could result in you having to reschedule your appointment or a declined application or both. So, spend time looking at the requirements before you begin.
You also need to provide original documents as well as photocopies. If you don’t provide photocopies this will be viewed as an incomplete application, so don’t forget to do this.
Documents you need to get ready are:
1) Original passport valid for 6 months beyond your stay in Algeria. It should also have at least 2 free pages for your Algerian visa to be attached
2) Algerian visa application form – fully completed and signed. You may need 1 or 2 copies depending on the particular embassy or consulate
3) 2 x passport-sized photograph in color, front view, and with a plain/white background
4) Proof of residence and valid visa with ID – please note that you must live in the jurisdiction of the embassy or consulate that you are dealing with. Check the website of the particular office to make sure you apply at the right one
5) Flight itinerary and/or ticket showing entry and departure points from Algeria
6) Proof of accommodation – hotel reservation and/or cruise reservation. If you are planning on staying in various hotels, you need to provide proof of each reservation. If you are staying with family or friends in Algeria, you need an inviting letter from the host
7) Proof of sufficient funds – bank statement and/or payslips
8) Proof of financial support in Algeria
9) Travel insurance for a minimum of €30,000 – this is mandatory for citizens of the following countries; Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Romania.
10) Proof of employment status – a document to prove you are employed/self-employment/student/retired
11) Birth/marriage certificate
12) Letter of employment stating position held and purpose of visit to Algeria
13) Work contract and/or work permit
14) Enrollment letter from a school or university etc., approved by the Algerian authorities
15) Letter of invitation – if you are traveling to Algeria as a tourist, you must this document from an authorized travel agent. Or, if you are planning on visiting family or friends in Algeria, you must have a notarized invitation letter plus the inviter’s ID and passport. Algerian host invitation letters can be notarized at the city hall in Algeria
16) Proof of event/activity
17) Pre-paid, self-addressed envelope for the return of passports by mail
If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:
- Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
- Submit the travel details and make the payment online
- Receive flight itinerary in email
Step 4: Submitting your file
When the day arrives for you to attend your appointment, remember the following things:
- Arrive early – if you are late, you may need to make a new appointment and this could delay things for you
- Dress smartly – this is not the time and place to turn up in jeans and a t-shirt. Dressing smartly really does make a difference
- Remember your application and ALL the supporting documents – if you forget anything your appointment may have to be rescheduled. The embassy or consulate that you are dealing with cannot make a decision regarding your visa if there is anything missing
At the start of your appointment, the visa official will look over your application and other documents and if they need to clarify any of the information you have supplied they may ask you extra questions. If they do, simply answer them with confidence, do so politely, and provide them with the information they are seeking. Common questions could be:
- What salary do you earn?
- What do you do in your home country?
- What do you know about Algeria?
- Are you meeting anyone there?
You will also pay the fee for your visa. The fee must be paid for in the local currency of the country you are applying for. Generally, you can pay by cash, money orders, cashier’s check, or credit/debit card but this depends on the embassy or consulate you are dealing with. In addition, if a 3rd party visa application center is used to deal with visa applications, there may also be a service fee to pay too. These fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused.
Algeria Visa Fee
Visa Type | Fee in USD | Fee in DZD (Algerian Dinar) |
Tourist | $160 | 19,000 |
| Business | $160
| 19,000 |
Work | $190 | 23,000 |
Step 5: Receive Algeria visa
When your application has been processed and there is a decision on whether your visa has been granted or not, you will receive notification and you can either collect your passport from the respective Algerian Embassy or Consulate OR you can have it mailed back to you.
With any luck, your new Algeria visa will be attached to your passport, but there are instances when visa applications get refused such as:
- You have not provided a good enough reason for traveling to Algeria
- Your travel itinerary was not included
- It does not appear that you can afford the trip
- Your passport is not valid
- You have submitted documents in a foreign language
Firstly, you must satisfy the embassy or consulate that you have a purpose for traveling to Algeria and that your reason for travel is genuine. You must provide all the required documents and those documents must be translated into English if they are in a foreign language. You must also prove that you can pay for your trip by providing bank statements or other forms of proof. Lastly, your passport should be valid for 6 months after you return to your home country.
Here is the link again for the list of Algerian Embassies and Consulates around the world: https://www.embassy-worldwide.com/algeria
FAQs
1) I want to go to Algeria, do I need a visa?
If you are from a country other than the above-mentioned countries you do need to a visa to enter the country
2) Can I get a visa on arrival?
No. You need to arrange a visa from the Algerian Embassy or Consulate in your region
3) How long does it take to get a visa for Algeria?
Generally, you will receive a decision within 10 days, but you should check the processing times of the embassy or consulate you are dealing with
4) Do I have to provide any additional information?
Maybe. You will need to prepare certain documents in order for your application to be processed. However, if the visa staff need to clarify what you have stated, they may ask you to provide additional documents
5) I am traveling to Algeria in 2 days. Can my application be approved before?
No. Visa applications will not be expedited, so you should apply well in advance of your trip
6) Can I apply at any Algerian Embassy or Consulate?
No. You have to apply at the embassy or consulate within your region. Each office accepts applications from applicants who live in certain areas, so you should check this before you apply
7) Why do I have to provide proof of employment?
You need to provide proof of employment so the authorities know you have something to return to your home country for. Plus, they need to know you can afford your trip
Conclusion
Once you know where to apply, there are just 5 easy steps to follow when you apply for your Algeria visa:
- Make an appointment
- Complete your application form
- Get your documents ready
- Submit your file
- Receive your visa
Hopefully, you’ll get your visa and you can start to prepare for your Algerian trip!
At Visa Reservation, we strive to simplify the visa process by providing free visa consultations, cover letter templates and no objection letter templates for our clients from US, UK, Canada, Philippines, India, China, UAE, Europe, Nigeria and globally. We also offer flight itinerary for visa, travel medical insurance, hotel reservations for visa , Book Visa Appointment, Travel Guides, Visa Interview Guides and many more. To learn more about how we can help you with our visa services, please feel free to contact us today.
