Documents to travel to Algeria

Algeria is one of the countries with the highest historical richness in the world. Also, it turns out to be largest in africa and one exemplary nation which, despite the civil unrest of the 1990s, is today built with a view to progress.

Trips to Algeria, given its proximity, are becoming more and more popular with europeans; and, thanks to this interest, the opinion has spread that it is a tourist gem. In many localities there are still ruins of the roman, phoenician and byzantine empires. But without a doubt, its greatest attraction is the Sahara deserta fascinating place that draws the attention of lovers of hiking and those who wish to live the experience of riding camels.

Added to the imposing Saharan desert are the algerian beaches and the wild landscapes; that constitute your natural appeal. But not everything is hot; Winter arrives in December and lasts until March. In this season, this country becomes one of the favorite destinations of the ski lovers.

What are the requirements to travel to Algeria?

For many years, Algeria suffered the delay in tourist terms due to its internal conflicts; which, in turn, influenced his rigorous immigration policy. It was a time when foreigners were considered a potential security risk and their rejection was qualified as a measure of public order.

In recent years, the authorities have relaxed the migratory conditions and allowed that tourists, investors and skilled labor enter the country. This decision is one of the measures that has most favored the development of Algeria.

However, so far, they are only visa exempt citizens from: Morocco, Seychelles Islands, Libya, Malaysia, Tunisia, Mali, Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic and Mauritania. Other travelers must obtain it before entering and present it along with the documents detailed below:

• Passport. Those documents whose minimum validity is six months, counted from the moment they leave the country, will be valid. Additionally, it is essential that they have two contiguous blank sheets.
• reservation of Return ticket. In order to confirm that the person will leave the country, within the period allowed by their visa.
• economic solvency. Bank movements or references are valid, in which it is reflected that the person has enough money to cover the expenses derived from their visit.
• Health insurance. It is mandatory for foreigners and its coverage must cover the time of stay in Algeria.

These requirements will be required of each passenger at the time of entering Algeria. Those who do not comply will be deported to their country of origin; unless the person proves that there are reasons that prevent him from returning to his homeland or traveling to another nation, in accordance with the international standards that regulate the refugee situation.

Requirements to obtain a tourist visa

Algeria does not grant visas on arrival; therefore, those who wish to travel to this country have to process this document in advance. The process is similar to that established by other nations, except that, for now, there is no possibility of carrying it out by electronically; but only before the corresponding embassy. Once the appointment is requested, the person must present the following documents:

• Passport. That is in force and whose validity is at least six months, counted from the moment you leave Algeria.
• Two photographs. Recent, printed in color, on a white background, passport type and on photographic paper. Likewise, they must be taken without accessories that complicate the identification of the person.
• Travel reservation. That meets the following requirements:
  • Confirmation of accommodation reservation for a minimum period of 4 nights and issued directly by the hotel.
  • Letter of invitation legalized by the local mayor, if the person is staying with friends or family.
  • Copy of the flight itinerary, confirming the date of entry and exit from the country.
• Travel insurance. That is accepted in Algeria and whose validity covers the days of stay in the country.
• Two copies of the application form. They can be filled from the computer and if not, use a blue or black ink pen. Each embassy is responsible for making the corresponding model available to citizens. However, below, we offer a link with the format available in Spanish: http://www.emb-argelia.es/images/Form_Visado.pdf

The value of consular feesas well as the valid payment methods, vary according to the nationality of the applicant. Therefore, it is recommended consult the embassy corresponding details in relation to this aspect. Likewise, the process takes between 5 and 8 business days, depending on the applicant’s nationality.

In case the visa is approved, the tourist will be able to stay in Algeria for 90 days within a period of 180 days. This document does not constitute a work permit, therefore, may be revoked if the visitor does something paid activity.

Rules established due to COVID-19

Tourism is one of the activities that involves the most risk during pandemic times. Therefore, before traveling, it is essential to ensure that you are not spreaders of COVID-19. To this end, Algeria has established for its visitors the following conditions:

• Health form. It is a questionnaire that tourists must fill out before their flight. In it, information related to your travel itinerary, symptoms related to COVID-19 and personal data are requested. This document can be downloaded by going to: https://c.ekstatic.net/ecl/documents/travel-requirements/algeria-medical-form.pdf and introduce yourself upon arrival in Algeria.
• Negative PCR test. Made within 36 hours prior to arrival in Algerian territory or 72 hours, if not traveling by direct flight. The certificate must be issued by an authorized entity in the country of origin and written in Arabic, English or French.
• Vaccination certificate. From December 25, 2021, tourists must present the card that certifies a complete vaccination schedule. This document will also be required upon leaving the country.
• Antigen test. It will be made to each passenger upon arrival in Algeria and it is paid by the visitor. If the result is negative, the tourist will be able to continue with their itinerary; but, if it is positive, he must complete 10 days of quarantine and bear the expenses that this generates.

Mandatory biosecurity measures within Algeria

Currently, Algeria maintains relatively flexible terms regarding the pandemic. The authorities insist on recommending to nationals and foreigners the importance of Wash hands frequently and keep the social distancing. With regard to mandatory standards, they have provided for the following:

• The use of face masks in public spaces, including means of transport.
• Public transport works with restricted capacity.
• Stores and other commercial premises, will design a disinfection protocol For your customers.
• All persons over 16 years of age will be required to vaccination certificate when entering stadiums, nightclubs and other public spaces.

As for the bars, restaurants and nightclubsuntil now no regulations have been issued that alter its normal operation. However, the authorities can modify these conditions with very little notice, so it is recommended to keep up to date with the measures that the government dictates in this regard.

Recommendations for traveling to Algeria

In addition to the rules described above, there is a series of recommendations that every traveler should observe. These are tips that, followed to the letter, guarantee that you will live a Satisfactory experience. They are mainly based on the following aspects:

Security

Although Algeria has been strengthening its National security progressively and tourism can be carried out without problems, it is recommended avoid certain areas. These include the borders with Niger and Libya, as well as rural areas.

On the other hand, there are certain regions whose access is prohibited for travelers. Among them, we can mention: Kabylia, the mediterranean strip which borders the city of Jijel and some roads that coincide with Sétif. This restriction is due to the fact that they are points in which clashes with terrorists.

Religion

Because it is a nation in which the practice of Islamit is forbidden pork consumption and of alcoholic drinks. These are only sold in hotels and certain restaurants and bars.

Due to the strict Islamic regulations applied to women, female tourists are advised to avoid wearing suggestive pants, short skirts or very revealing necklines. These outfits are qualified as offensive garmentswhich violate modesty.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims engage in fasting, prayer and reflection. Your date is determined according to the Moon’s calendar. However, it is a sacred season, in which foreigners are recommended, do not eat, drink or smoke in public areasin consideration of the people who practice abstinence.

Weather

During the summerit is essential to travel with sunscreen, comfortable clothes, umbrella and hydrate sufficiently; since, in some areas, temperatures rise to 40º C. On the contrary, the winter is very cold; and if you travel in this season, you will need to bring enough coats.

With this information, you are ready to start plan your trip to Algeria. So get out your schedule select the date and organize the documentation you will need. Cheer up, this jewel of tourism wait for you.