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Visitor & short-stay visas

Algerian Electronic Visa and Visa on Arrival (Southern Tourism)

A limited electronic and visa-on-arrival facility for tourists visiting Algeria's southern Sahara regions, available only when booked through an approved travel agency.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

Eligible nationalities, processing time (reported around five working days), accepted airports/ports and the required share of the itinerary in the south come from secondary sources; verify against the official Ministry of Interior portal before publishing any figure.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Algeria government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Electronic visa / visa on arrival for southern tourism
Route type
Tourism entry facility (limited)
Administered by
Ministry of Interior and Local Authorities
Condition
Travel arranged through an approved Algerian travel agency
Aimed at organised trips to the southern Sahara regions
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days
Validity of the regularisation (arrival) visa may not exceed thirty days, for the duration of the organised tour.
Where to apply
Through an approved Algerian travel agency
Applications are submitted only by state-approved travel agencies via the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts digital platform.
Scope
Southern (Saharan) wilayas only
The tour programme must include at least one of the designated Southern wilayas; tours to other regions stay under the standard consular visa system.
Cost
Visa fee paid on arrival
Fees are settled on arrival in Algeria; the official announcements do not publish the amount.

Who it is for

  • Tourists visiting Algeria's southern Sahara regions
  • Travellers booked through an approved Algerian tourism agency

How to apply

  • Book an eligible organised trip through an approved Algerian travel agency
  • Apply through the Ministry of Interior portal where the scheme applies
  • Confirm current eligibility, entry points and conditions before travel

Requirements

This facilitation is for tourists travelling in an organised group to Southern (Saharan) Algeria. Independent travellers and trips to non-Southern wilayas are not covered and must obtain a consular visa in the normal way.

  • Book the trip through a travel agency approved by the Algerian authorities
  • A tour programme that includes at least one of the designated Southern wilayas (Adrar, Laghouat, Biskra, Bechar, Tamanrasset, Djelfa, M'Sila, Ouargla, El-Bayadh, Illizi, Tindouf, El Oued, Naama, Ghardaia, Timimoune, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, Ouled Djellal, Beni-Abbes, In Salah, In Guezzam, Touggourt, Djanet, El M'Ghair, El Menia)
  • A passport valid for at least six months
  • The boarding authorisation (with QR code) issued by the approved agency before you fly

Frequently asked questions

  • No. The Southern-tourism visa on arrival is only available to travellers booked on an organised tour through a state-approved Algerian travel agency. Independent travellers, and anyone visiting wilayas outside the designated Southern regions, must obtain a visa from an Algerian consulate before travelling.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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