As the 2026-2027 Saharan tourist season approaches, Algeria has announced the reinstatement of its visa on arrival policy for foreign tourists visiting the country's southern regions through authorized travel agencies. This policy, which was introduced in late 2022, allows tourists to obtain a visa upon arrival at the border, eliminating the need for prior consular procedures. The program applies to 24 provinces in the south, including Adrar, Tamanrasset, and Djanet.
Since its introduction, the visa on arrival policy has been well-received, with nearly 39,000 tourists from 120 nationalities benefiting from the program. The policy aims to boost tourism and create jobs in the southern provinces. Tourists can obtain a visa valid for up to 30 days, which corresponds to the duration of their trip as booked with an authorized Algerian travel agency.
To be eligible for the visa on arrival, tourists must book their trip with an authorized Algerian travel agency and meet specific requirements. The agency must submit the travel program on a digital platform, which is linked to various government departments. Upon validation, the agency provides the tourist with a boarding authorization featuring a QR code, which is required for travel.
The visa on arrival policy has several requirements and steps that tourists must follow. First, tourists must choose an authorized Algerian travel agency and agree on a program that includes at least one of the 24 southern provinces. They must then provide their identity, nationality, passport details, and travel itinerary to the agency. The agency submits this information on the digital platform, and after validation, provides the tourist with a boarding authorization.
Tourists must also meet specific document requirements, including a passport valid for at least six months, the boarding authorization with a QR code, and proof of payment for the visa fees. The fees, which vary depending on the tourist's nationality, are approximately €110. Tourists can pay these fees upon arrival.
The 24 provinces eligible for the visa on arrival program are divided into three regions: the Grand Sud, Sud-Est, and Sud-Ouest et Hauts-Plateaux. These regions offer a range of tourist attractions, including the Sahara Desert, historic cities, and natural landmarks. Tourists can visit provinces such as Tamanrasset, Illizi, and Djanet, which are known for their stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
However, not all tourists are eligible for the visa on arrival program. Those traveling alone or on a family visit must apply for a traditional visa through the consulate. The program is exclusively designed for organized tourism, and tourists must travel with an authorized agency to be eligible. The Algerian government has reported a positive impact from the program, with a significant increase in tourism and job creation in the southern provinces.
Key points
- The visa on arrival program is valid for up to 30 days and is only available to tourists visiting 24 specific provinces in southern Algeria.
