e-Visa & entry to Algeria
Travellers often search for an "Algeria e-Visa". Here's the honest picture, so you plan on facts rather than hope.
Is there an Algeria e-Visa?
For ordinary tourism, there is no general online e-Visa you can simply apply for and print. Algeria's tourist entry works through two established routes instead — and we support both, free, with every booking.
Route 1 — Consulate tourist visa (the north & most trips)
You apply for a tourist visa at the Algerian consulate covering your country, normally in person. Consulates require an invitation letter / tourist voucher from a licensed Algerian agency — which we issue you, along with your hotel and tour confirmation and a checklist for your nationality. Allow roughly two to four weeks.
Route 2 — The Saharan e-Visa (organised desert programs)
This is the closest thing to an "online" route. For an organised Saharan program, we prepare a visa-authorisation document in advance — no consulate visit needed — and your visa sticker is issued on arrival at the southern gateway airports. It applies only to organised Saharan travel. See exactly how the Saharan e-Visa works ↓
How our visa support fits in
Whichever route applies, we prepare the documentation consulates and authorities expect, free with your booking — see Visa Support for the full detail and required documents. We are your documentation partner; the consulate or government issues the visa.
Verify before you travel
Algerian entry rules vary by nationality and change over time. Always confirm the current requirements with your official Algerian consulate, and let us know your nationality so we can tell you exactly which route — consulate visa or southern visa on arrival — fits your trip.
Not sure which route is yours? Ask us or message WhatsApp — we'll confirm and send your checklist.
The Saharan e-Visa — how it works
As a licensed Algerian tour operator, we can prepare your visa-authorisation document so you can travel through Algeria’s south. Issuance follows the official channels: we handle every file, and the Algerian authorities issue the visa. Here is exactly what that means — and what it costs.
- 1 Book a complete program
The Saharan e-Visa authorisation is available when you book a complete tour with us. We build your itinerary so that roughly half of the trip is spent in a Saharan state (wilaya) — which lets you combine the north and the south in one journey.
- 2 We prepare all the files — free
Assembling every required document is completely free on our side. We tell you precisely what to send for your nationality and put the application together for you.
- 3 We issue your authorisation — €40
You receive a visa-authorisation document carrying a QR code that is verifiable on the Algerian Ministry of Interior’s portal. The document costs €40.
- 4 Pay the sticker tax on arrival
A visa sticker/stamp tax is payable on arrival to the Algerian authorities, who issue the visa. The amount depends on your nationality — we confirm the figure before you travel.
One honest note: the visa sticker tax on arrival is a government charge, separate from our €40 document fee, and entry rules vary by nationality. Tell us your nationality and we’ll confirm both your eligibility and the exact arrival tax before you commit.
Saharan e-Visa — quick answers
What is the Saharan e-Visa?
It is the visa-authorisation document we prepare for travellers on an organised Saharan program. As a licensed Algerian tour operator we issue an authorisation carrying a QR code that is verifiable on the Algerian Ministry of Interior’s portal. The visa itself is granted by the Algerian authorities — your sticker/stamp is issued on arrival; we handle every file in advance.
How much does the Saharan e-Visa cost?
The visa-authorisation document is €40. Preparing all of the required files is completely free on our side. A separate visa sticker/stamp tax is payable to the authorities on arrival — the amount depends on your nationality, and we tell you the figure before you travel.
Can I visit the north too, or only the desert?
Both. With our support a single trip can combine the north and the south, provided that roughly half of the journey is spent in a Saharan state (wilaya). We design the itinerary so it qualifies.
Is the authorisation document official and verifiable?
Yes. It carries a QR code that can be checked on the Algerian Ministry of Interior’s portal. Issuance follows the official channels — we are your documentation partner; the Algerian authorities issue the visa.
Do I need to book a full tour to get it?
Yes. The Saharan e-Visa authorisation is available when you book a complete program with us — it is part of arranging your organised trip, not a standalone service.
We handle the visa — you enjoy the trip
Algeria Compass is a licensed Algerian tour operator. Tell us your dates and interests and we will craft your private, guided tour across Algeria.
Plan a journey →