Before you travel

Visa support for Algeria

A visa is the one piece of Algeria planning that puts people off — so we take it off your hands. As a licensed Algerian operator we provide the official paperwork consulates ask for, free with every booking. We don't issue the visa itself — the consulate or government does — but we make sure your application has everything it needs.

Two ways to get your visa

1. Apply at your local Algerian consulate

The standard route for visiting the north and most of the country. You submit a tourist-visa application to the Algerian consulate that covers your country, in person. Most consulates require an invitation letter / tourist voucher from a licensed Algerian agency — which is exactly what we issue you.

2. Book with us and let us do the documentation

When you book a tour, we provide — at no extra cost — the official invitation letter, your hotel and tour confirmation, the full list of required documents and clear, step-by-step guidance for your nationality. You take that package to the consulate; we stay on hand for questions.

The visa-on-arrival route for the Sahara

For organised desert tours entered via the south, Algeria allows a simplified visa on arrival at the southern gateway airports for qualifying itineraries — so you can skip the consulate visit. It applies only to organised Saharan travel, not to ordinary trips to the north. We confirm whether your itinerary qualifies and arrange the authorisation as part of your booking.

What you'll typically need

  • A passport valid for at least six months beyond your entry date
  • A recent passport photo and the completed application form
  • A flight reservation
  • Our invitation letter and tour/hotel confirmation

Requirements vary by nationality — we send you the exact checklist for your country once your trip is confirmed.

How long it takes

Allow about two to four weeks for a consulate tourist visa, depending on your nationality and consulate; the southern visa-on-arrival route is faster. We recommend confirming your trip at least a month ahead so there's comfortable time to apply.

Honest caveats

Algerian visa rules vary by nationality and change over time. Always verify the current requirements with your official Algerian consulate before you rely on anything here — and treat us as your documentation partner, not the issuing authority. See our e-Visa & entry page and the travel questions for more.

Ready to start? Tell us your trip or message us on WhatsApp and we'll send your visa checklist.

Travel planning

Plan your trip — visa support included

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 →