Algeria is located in North Africa and it has many beautiful beaches, mountains where you can go hiking as well as many historical sites.
Nevertheless, traveling to Algeria, for most countries, you will be required an Algeria visa. Read this article to learn everything you need to know about Algeria visas.
Do you need an Algeria visa?
The countries that are visa-exempt in Algeria are: Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Seychelles, Tunisia.
The countries mentioned above do not require a visa and can stay in Algeria for up to 90 days if you travel to Algeria for business or tourism reasons.
In addition, if you have a diplomatic passport, you are excluded from the following countries:
Albania, Argentina, African Union, Benin, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, China, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait, Malta, Mexico, Niger, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Romania, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, South Korea, South Africa, Sudan, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Vietnam.
Algeria visa requirements
The requirements and documents for an Algeria visa are:
- A valid passport
- Copies of some passport pages
- Application form of the visa
- Biometric passport photos
- Letter of invitation
- Evidence of financial statements
- Itinerary of your flight
- Evidence that the fees have been paid
Note: Additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa. For more information keep reading below.
Algeria visa types
The Algerian visa is categorized into different types depending on your purpose of travel to travel. The type of visa can be for tourism, work, business, etc.
Algeria tourist visa
If you are planning to visit Algeria for tourism purposes or leisure activities you will need to also submit some additional documents:
- A letter indicating your intention of travel as well as the places you plan to visit during your stay.
- Evidence of accommodation.
Algeria business visa
Additional documents required for a business visa are:
- A letter stating your job position, what you are doing in the company as well as whether your trip expenses are covered or not.
- Invitation letter from the company you plan to work at.
Algeria working visa
In order to be able to work in Algeria you will need the following:
- Permit of work from the employment office in Algeria
- Employment contract copy
- A letter similar to the business one which states your job position, covered expenses.
Algeria student visa
To study in an educational institution in Algeria you will need to submit:
- Evidence of enrollment in the educational institution
- Financial resources
- If you have been offered a scholarship you should provide proof of it as well
- Evidence of paid fees
Algeria family visa
The Algeria family visa is granted to foreigners who wish to visit a close relative in Algeria. The documents for this visa are:
- Passport or ID card copy of your relative in Algeria
- Letter of invitation
- If you are visiting your spouse then you will need to prove a certificate of marriage
- If you are visiting a minor then you will a certificate of birth
Algeria medical visa
The Algeria medical visa is granted if you wish to receive medical assistance in Algeria. For this visa you must provide:
- Medical certificate
- A letter that confirms your medical assistance from the medical institution
Algeria journalism visa
Also known as a media visa, it is granted to journalists who want to practice their work in Algeria.
The documents required are:
- A letter stating the job position and what you are planning to do in Algeria
- Provide the number or names of people you plan to interview as well as the place you plan to do so
- Provide a list of the tools you are going to use
- Professional card copy
- If you are hired by a company then you will need a letter of invitation
How to apply for Algeria visa?
Here is a step by step guide on how to apply for a visa to Algeria:
- Go to the official website to check the visa application
- Schedule an interview with the embassy or consulate
- Fill in the application form depending on the visa type
- Collect the required documentation
- Pay the fees
- Be patient for the process to finish
How long does an Algeria visa take?
The time required for the Algeria visa varies on what type of visa you request for, the country from which you apply or the number of applications received.
Nevertheless, it normally takes between 10-20 workdays for the process to be done.
Keep in mind that it can take longer if you apply via email.
If you have provided any incorrect documentation, the approval process for your visa may be extended or in most cases, it can even be rejected and you will have to reapply for it.
Algeria visa fees
An Algeria visa fee will depend on the type of visa and the way you apply for it. Thus there is no standard set fee.
You may have to pay in cash once you request for a visa in person or you may be required to pay in advance via bank draft and keep the payment slip. If you are applying online, via email then you may have to pay by bank transfer.
Note that the fee of the visa is not refundable so in cases when the visa gets rejected you will not get a refund for it.
Algeria visa photo requirements
For every type of Algeria visa you will be asked to attach a passport size photo which should be the following requirements:
- The size should be 45mm x 35mm
- It should be in color and not black or white
- Look directly at the camera lens
- The photo must be a recent one
- The background of the photo should be white
- Keep a neutral facial expression
- Smiling is not acceptable
- Your mouth should be closed when taking the photo
- Glasses are allowed if your eyes are visible
- Headcoverings can be allowed for religious purposes only
- The photo should have dimensions 600DPI
- It is recommended to wear something that does not create contrast with the background.
- If you have a beard you are allowed to keep it
If you want to take an Algeria visa photo from home we suggest taking a look at our photo validator application. It will automatically crop your photo to the required size as well as remove the background if it is not in the required color or if there are any objects visible.
