How to Get an Algeria Tourist Visa in London for British Citizens

Africa is truly a one-of-a-kind continent, thanks to its location as well as its rich history. You’ll be surprised to know how much wealth this continent has– from the vast desert, the mountain ranges, majestic bodies of water, down to the marvelous ancient settlements and colorful culture. It’s no question why Africa is a hot destination for travelers.

One of the most interesting countries you’ll ever come across when searching for a place to visit in Africa is probably Algeria. This huge country at the tip of Africa is neither fully Arabic nor is it fully Mediterranean. You cannot consider it as fully African as well, due to its distinct culture and architecture. This puts Algeria on one of the top destinations for people who want to explore the continent.

Algeria has so much to offer, from the dunes of the Sahara to the European-like capital of Algiers, and it would be a waste not to consider this as your next travel destination.

If you’re a UK Passport holder who wishes to visit Algeria, you can read on to know more about the process of applying for a tourist visa.

Quick Facts About Algeria

Capital: Algiers

Country Code: +213

Currency: Algerian dinar (DZD)

Languages Spoken: Arabic, Berber, French

Emergency Numbers: +213 14 for the Fire Department, +213 1548 for the Police, +213 1055 for the Gendarme (inter-city/rural police)

Requirements for Algeria Tourist Visa

• 2 copies of the application form, completed and signed by the applicant
• 2 recent passport size photos glued to the proper slot on the application
• Applicant’s passport, valid for at least 6 months
• 2 sets of copies of all your passport’s pages, even the blank ones
• Original copy of your accommodation certificate from your host in Algeria stating where you’ll be staying while in Algeria, their name, their relationship to you and their address (a hotel booking confirmation or official invitation with itinerary from a travel agency will work as well)
• Letter of employment or evidence of activity
• A prepaid, self-addressed special delivery envelope if the application is sent through post (a postal order worth £8 is also added for those who live in Ireland)
• Fees paid by either cash or postal order made payable to the Consulate of Algeria (please write your name at the back of the postal order)

Step by Step Process in Applying for Algeria Tourist Visa

1. Gather all the necessary documents for your application

2. Once you have them all ready, answer the application forms without missing an information

3. You can either send your application via mail (add a pre-paid envelope for return) or by personally visiting the Consulate

4. Once processed, the visa can either be sent back to you or you can personally redeem it as well

Where to Send an Application for Algeria Tourist Visa

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Algeria

1. How long does it take to process my tourist visa to Algeria?

If you submit your application personally, you’ll generally get your tourist visa within 10 working days. For mail applications, you’ll get yours processed within at least 15 working days.

If you apply during certain times of the year (holidays, Ramadan, Eid celebrations), your application’s processing times may be extended for 5 more working days due to the high number of applications being processed.

There’s also a possibility that your application might be delayed if there are additional procedures required by the authorities.

2. Can I have my tourist visa application expedited?

No, the Consulate isn’t set up for express service at this time.

3. How long is my tourist visa to Algeria valid for?

A single-entry visa is valid for 30 days while a multiple-entry visa can either allow you to visit for 30 days within 90 days or 90 days within 180 days.
The maximum period of staying in Algeria as a visitor is 180 days per year.

4. How much does it cost to apply for a tourist visa to Algeria?

British citizens can expect to pay around £85 for a single-entry visa.

5. Is it safe to travel to Algeria?

Situations in Algeria have improved a lot over the recent years, so in general, there doesn’t seem to be any major threat to anyone who wants to visit.

The only places you have to be careful in exploring are the borders of Algeria with neighbors Libya, Mauritiana, Mali, Niger, and Tunisia.

You also have to be vigilant when staying in Algeria, not because of the country’s current situation, but because the scarcity of foreign visitors in the area will make you stand out from the rest of the crowd. This might make you more susceptible to petty crimes.

Avoid taking a trip to the countryside, especially if it’s already dark. Make sure you always go around the Saharan regions with an escort or an accredited guide, having none will be considered illegal.

Make sure you also have your travel documents or identification with you at all times.

6. Should I get insurance when traveling to Algeria?

Although it’s not a requirement for British citizens to have one when visiting, it’s still a wise move to take out a comprehensive journey and medical insurance before your trip.

7. How do I get to Algeria from the UK?

With its proximity to the country, you’ll be able to get to Algiers in no time. Several major airlines fly to and from Algeria on the daily so it’s easy to book one once you have all your documents ready.

To get to Algiers, you’ll have to ride on a 2.5-hour flight from London.

There’s also the option of driving to Algeria from the UK, but this can be a very long car ride. If you do decide to take this route, you can either drive to France, down to Marseille and get on a car ferry to Algeria. Italy-Tunisia route is also a possibility.

Ferries and boats are also a way of getting into Algeria. There’s one departing from Marseille and one departing from Spain.

8. How do I get around Algeria?

Algeria has several public transportation options available to travelers. You can either get on a taxi (make sure it’s a licensed one!), a municipal bus, tram (if you’re only going around Algiers), or hire a private car.

If you’re going outside Algiers, there are domestic flights and trains that you can hop on to.

9. Can I have my money exchanged in Algeria? Can I use my cards?

You can have your money exchanged at the national bank (La Banque Extérieure D’Algérie) or with larger hotels. Some people also resort to having their money exchanged at the black market.

If you want to pay using a credit card, you may do so but only in urban areas most of the time.

10. Will I need a translator in Algeria?

Although Algerians speak Arabic and a little bit French (in large cities), English is also taught to them at school so you’ll be able to communicate with the locals during your stay.

11. When is the best time to visit Algeria?

It’s most ideal to visit Algeria from February to May and from October to November. This is when the country is relatively dry and warm.

12. Why visit Algeria?

Algeria is another perfect mixture of cultures right at the tip of Africa. It’s parts Mediterranean, Arabic, and African, making a very interesting travel destination.

It also has a very interesting history, from being influenced by some of the greatest empires of the world like the Ottoman and the Roman, to having Moorish and other African influences. Of course, no trip to Algeria is complete without talking about the Sahara. Here, you’ll get to experience an adventure of a lifetime by visiting the world’s most famous desert.

You’ll surely fall in love with all the magnificent architecture, natural resources and of course, the unique culture.

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