Algeria Announces Visa Facilitation Measures for Tourists
Algeria has recently announced decisions to ease the process of obtaining visas for foreign tourists interested in visiting the southern regions and the Algerian Sahara. This can now be done through approved national travel and tourism agencies, enabling them to obtain settlement visas directly upon arrival at airports or land border crossings instead of going through the regular visa application process.
How to Visit Algeria Without a Visa?
Approved tourism agencies include all relevant data related to the tourist visit program for foreign tourists through a digital platform accessible to the relevant tourism and traditional industry directorates of the concerned states.
Afterwards, the eligible foreign tourists will receive a document issued by their tourism agencies, allowing them to board planes from various airlines at their departure airports.
Upon arrival, they can immediately benefit from the settlement visas for the duration that corresponds to their organized tourist trip, in accordance with the applicable legislation and regulations.
The objective of these decisions by Algeria is to promote desert tourism in the country, particularly since the Algerian Sahara is one of the most beautiful in the world, boasting breathtaking sunsets.
Types of Algerian Entry Visas (Visa):
Foreign nationals can benefit from the following types of visas: diplomatic visa, service visa, press visa, tourist visa, business visa, study visa, work visa, temporary work visa, family visa, medical visa, cultural visa, and transit visa.
Required Documents for Visa Application:
Visa files are to be submitted to the diplomatic or consular center that is regionally competent (the center corresponding to the usual residence of the visa applicant), and the file should include:
- Two original copies of the visa application form, which can be downloaded from the websites of the diplomatic or consular centers.
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.
- Travel insurance and repatriation assistance certificate.
- Additional documents as per the type of visa.
Payment of the applicable visa fees, which vary based on the country. Some countries’ nationals may be exempt from paying visa fees due to reciprocity agreements.
Foreigners residing in a country other than their own are also required to submit a copy of their residency permit along with their visa application file.
Tourist Visa Applications should be accompanied either by a certified hospitality certificate issued by the president of the local people’s council at the host’s residence or by a hotel reservation or a certificate from a travel agency confirming the nature of the trip and its location. Tourist visas will be issued to tourists arriving in Algeria as part of an organized trip by travel agencies within 48 hours of receiving the applicants’ files.
Family Visa Applications should be accompanied by a hospitality certificate prepared by one of the family members of the visa applicant who commits to hosting them. This certificate must be authenticated by the president of the local people’s council at the host’s place of residence.
Business Visa Applications should be accompanied by an invitation from the Algerian operator or a mission order or an assignment letter prepared by the employing authority of the visa applicant, along with a hotel reservation or a certificate of commitment from the host organization.
Work Visa Applications should be accompanied by a temporary work permit, a work contract, and a commitment from the employer to repatriate the worker at the end of their employment contract.
Temporary Work Visa Applications (up to 3 months) should be accompanied either by an assistance or service contract, in which case obtaining a prior temporary work permit is not required, or by a work contract and a temporary work permit, along with a commitment to repatriate the worker.
Cultural Visa Applications should be accompanied by an invitation to participate in a cultural, scientific, or sports event, along with documents proving the means of subsistence during the stay.
Study Visa Applications should be accompanied by a registration certificate from a public or private educational institution accredited by the Algerian state, along with a scholarship certificate issued by Algerian authorities or by the authorities of the applicant’s country or documents proving the means of subsistence and accommodation.
Transit Visa Applications should be accompanied by a visa for the country of destination and documents proving the means of subsistence during the transit period, which should not exceed seven (7) days.
Algeria Visa Validity
The validity of the visa can be 90 days, 180 days, one year, or two years. The maximum authorized stay upon each entry into Algeria is ninety (90) days. This stay can be exceptionally extended for an additional ninety (90) days. The total effective stay within a year cannot exceed one hundred and eighty (180) days. The duration of the stay when benefiting from a transit visa cannot exceed seven (7) days.
Visa extension can be obtained while on Algerian territory.
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