Country guide
Algeria
Visa
Visa required
Vaccinations
Conditional
Currency
Algeria Dinar (DZD)
Time zones
UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa)
Dialing code
+213
Best time to go
March – April and October – November. Avoid the summer months (May – September) due to the heat.
Drinking water
Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. Bottled water is available.
Tourism office
embpretoria.mfa.gov.dz/
Travel tips
Credit cards have limited acceptance in Algeria, cash is the preferred method of payment. There are a few ATM’s in the urban area, but they are unreliable. Driving in the desert will require a permit and preparation beforehand, but is not recommended due to high incidents of kidnap. Visits are not recommended during Ramadan. Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans. Protests and political gatherings should be avoided.
Visa guide
Visa requirements
A Transit Visa is required if travelling through Algeria.
Applicants must submit their applications in person at the Embassy. However, they can designate a representative to apply on their behalf, or through a visa services office.
Tourist Visa Requirements:
Two (02) copies of application form
Confirmed hotel reservation or a certified invitation letter signed by an Algerian host who must provide a copy of his ID or passport and proof of residence
A confirmed copy of a round trip flight ticket.
Letter from employer
Statement of financial resources or proof of income (bank statement).
Passport and a copy of the first page (the passport should be valid for at least six months).
Copy of the ID.
Two (02) photos.
Additional Business Visa Requirements
Employer letter providing a brief presentation of the company and stating job title or position of the applicant and purpose of the visit. The company should assume financial responsibility of expenses incurred during the trip
Algerian partner or company local branch invitation letter
NOTE: Holders of business visa are NOT allowed to work and business visa cannot replace work visa
Issuing authorities
Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Algeria
950 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: +27 (0)12 342 5074/5/7
Email: algemb.pretoria@gmail.com
Visas: visaapplication.algemb@gmail.com
Visa processing time
10 - 15 working days after receiving passports. No urgent visas.
Visa validity
Tourist: up to 30 days
Transit: 7 days
Business: As per invitation/business letter from the company.
NOTE: Date of issuance is the first day of validity. We urge applicants to apply within a period that doesn’t exceed thirty (30) days of their travel date
Visa cost
No fees for South African citizens.
For nationals from other countries, please contact the Embassy (the consular section)
SA representative
SA Embassy
21, Rue du Stade, Hydra, Algiers
Tel: + 213 2148 4418/82/89/94
Email: Algiers.embassy@dirco.gov.za
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio, Rabies, Typhoid
Public holidays
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 12; Mar 20-22; May 1, 27-28; Jun 17, 26; Jul 5; Aug 26; Nov 1