Planning a trip to Algeria? Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, study, or family reasons, most travelers will need to obtain an Algerian visa before departure.
Located in North Africa, Algeria is a country of striking contrasts—Mediterranean beaches, vast Saharan landscapes, mountain ranges ideal for hiking, and centuries-old historical sites. Despite being less mainstream than other destinations, Algeria offers rich cultural and natural experiences.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Algeria visas, including who needs one, visa types, document requirements, application steps, processing time, fees, extensions, and transit rules.
Who Needs a Visa for Algeria?
Most foreign nationals must apply for an Algerian visa before traveling. However, citizens of certain countries—and holders of specific passport types—are visa-exempt.
Diplomatic & Service Passport Exemptions
Holders of diplomatic or service passports from the following countries do not require an Algerian visa:
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.
Diplomatic Passport-Only Exemptions
African Union, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Malta, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Vietnam.
Types of Algerian Visas
The Algerian government issues several visa categories depending on your travel purpose:
Short-Term & Long-Term Visas
- Tourist Visa – For leisure, sightseeing, or holidays
- Business Visa – For meetings, conferences, or commercial activities (not employment)
- Visitor Visa – For visiting friends or family in Algeria
- Official/Diplomatic Visa – For diplomats and government officials
- Work Visa – For long-term employment in Algeria
- Temporary Work Visa – For short-term work (up to 90 days)
- Study Visa – For students admitted to Algerian institutions
- Family Visa – For family reunification with Algerian citizens
- Medical Visa – For medical treatment in Algeria
- Media Visa – For journalists and media professionals
- Cultural Visa – For cultural, scientific, sports, or research activities
Visas may also be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry, depending on your application and approval.
Algeria Visa Document Requirements
When submitting an Algeria visa application, you typically need:
General Required Documents
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, at least one blank page)
- Photocopies of passport pages (some consulates require all pages)
- Completed and signed Algeria visa application form
- One passport-size photo (35mm × 45mm, white background, no glasses or headwear unless religious)
- Invitation letter (from host or Algerian travel agency, notarized)
- Copy of host’s ID or passport (if applicable)
- Proof of employment or professional status
- Proof of financial means (bank statements or payslips)
- Flight reservation or itinerary
- Proof of visa fee payment
- Prepaid return envelope (if applying by mail)
- Authorization letter (if applying via proxy)
Additional Requirements for Minors
- Parental consent letter authorizing travel
Visa-Specific Supporting Documents
Tourist Visa
- Hotel reservation or host invitation
Business Visa
- Employer letter explaining travel purpose
- Invitation from Algerian business partner
Visitor Visa
- Notarized invitation letter from Algerian host
- Copy of host’s ID or passport
Work Visa
- Algerian work permit
- Employment contract
- Employer letter covering expenses and repatriation
Temporary Work Visa
- Short-term work authorization
- Employment contract
- Employer support letter
Study Visa
- Admission letter from Algerian institution
- Proof of tuition payment
- Proof of funds or scholarship
Family Visa
- Algerian ID/passport of host
- Marriage or birth certificate (as applicable)
- Notarized invitation covering expenses
Medical Visa
- Medical report
- Acceptance letter from Algerian hospital
Media Visa
- Employer letter
- Program itinerary
- Equipment list
- Professional press card
Cultural Visa
- Invitation from cultural or academic institution
Note: Algerian authorities may request additional documents at their discretion.
Where to Apply for an Algeria Visa
You must submit your application at the Algerian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence. If Algeria has no diplomatic mission in your country, apply at the nearest one.
How to Apply for an Algeria Visa
Applications can be submitted:
- In person
- By mail or courier
- Through an authorized proxy (with notarized authorization)
- Via an approved visa agency
Application Steps
- Check embassy requirements and opening hours
- Book a visa appointment (if required)
- Complete the application form
- Gather and submit all documents
- Pay the visa fee
- Wait for processing and decision
- Collect passport with visa (or receive by mail)
Algeria Visa Processing Time
Processing typically takes 10–20 working days, depending on:
- Visa type
- Embassy workload
- Country of application
Mail applications usually take longer. Incorrect or missing documents may delay or result in refusal.
Algeria Visa Validity & Duration
- Tourist and business visas are usually valid for up to 90 days
- Exact entry dates and stay duration are stated on the visa
Overstaying an Algerian visa can lead to fines, detention, or imprisonment.
Can You Extend an Algeria Visa?
Yes. You must apply for an extension at least 15 days before expiry at the Bureau des Étrangers in Algeria. A valid reason and invitation letter are required, and the host must be present during the application.
Approval is discretionary.
Algeria Visa Fees
There is no fixed visa fee. Costs vary based on:
- Visa type
- Number of entries
- Embassy or consulate
Payment methods differ (cash, bank draft, or transfer). Always check the embassy’s official website.
Visa fees are non-refundable.
Algeria Transit Visa
Required if you must clear immigration in Algeria en route to another country.
- Valid for up to 7 days
Transit Visa Requirements
- Valid passport
- Visa for onward destination (if required)
- Confirmed onward flight ticket
- Two passport photos
- Completed transit visa form
- Proof of funds
- Visa fee payment
Travel Insurance Requirements
Only citizens of the following countries must provide travel health insurance when applying:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands.
Insurance must cover at least €30,000 for medical treatment, accidents, and repatriation.
For more visa guide visit our “Visa Guide” Category
