How To Get an Algeria Tourist Visa in Washington DC, USA [Tourist Visa for Algeria]

Algeria, officially the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria is a North African country. It is also the largest country in Africa by area. This country is very rich in terms of fossil fuels. But not only that, it has a lot of beautiful places and attractions that should be added to your travel bucket list

One thing that you shouldn’t miss here is that 80% of Algeria is covered by the Sahara Desert which presents magnificent views. However, visiting this beautiful country is not easy. All Amerian citizens should get a visa first before traveling to Algeria. In this article, we provide you all the information that you need in able to get an Algeria Tourist Visa.

Facts about Algeria

Language

Over 99% of Algerian use Algerian Arabic and Berber as their native languages. French is still in use in its government, culture, media, and education due to its colonial past. Only a few percents of Algerians speak English.

Currency

Algerian Dinar

Religion

Algeria is a Muslim country in North Africa. 

Main requirements in applying for Algeria Tourist Visa

1. Passport (should be valid for 6 months after you depart)

2. Two completed application forms, typed online.

3. Two passport pictures with white background

4. Copy of airline itinerary (Do not purchase a ticket until the visa is issued), you can use our rent a flight service for $30 only.

5. An invitation letter signed and legalized at a local city hall in Algeria or a hotel reservation

Visa Fee:

  • For business, tourism, family, press, and transit visa: $160.00

  • For working, temporary working, and cultural visa: $190.00

Mode of payment: By money-order delivered exclusively by the U.S Post Office to either the Embassy of Algeria or the Consulate General of Algeria in New York.

Processing time: About 5-8 business days

Drop off hours: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Mon-Thu)

Pick up hours: At the visa office of the Embassy between 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Mon-Thu)

Photo by Rabie Madaci

Photo by Rabie Madaci

Important Notice

1. Applicants who reside in the following States should submit the visa applications by walk-in or by mail to the Embassy of Algeria in Washington- DC:

  • Washington. DC

  • North Carolina

  • South Carolina

  • Delaware

  • Maryland

  • Virginia

  • West Virginia

How to apply by mail?

Prepare all the documents needed, including the money-order. After that, provide a prepaid self-addressed envelope with express United States Postal Service (USPS) or a self-addressed postage-paid envelope with Federal Express so that you can get your passport mailed back to you. All the documents must be submitted to the Embassy of Algeria in Washington DC: 2118 Kalorama Road NW, Washington DC 20008

2. Residents of all other states (not mentioned above) including Hawaii must submit their application to The Consulate General of Algeria in New York. You can contact them here:

Address: 15 East 47 Street (Between Madison and 5th Ave) New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 486-6930 / (212) 486-6931 / (212) 486-6932
Fax: (212) 486-6934

Embassy in the United States

Embassy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
Address: 2118 Kalorama Road NW, Washington DC 20008
Email and contact number: 
mail@algerianembassy.org
Tel: (202) 265-2800
Fax: (202) 986-5906

For Consular Affair issues:  
Address: 2137 Wyoming avenue NW - Washington DC 20008

Email and contact number: 
consular-section@algerianembassy.org
Tel: (202) 265-2800 ext 147 / 120

For Visa Office:
visaoffice@algerianembassy.org
Tel: (202) 265-2800 ext 164

Frequently Asked Questions on Applying for a Tourist Visa to Algeria

1. When is the best time to apply for an Algeria visa?

As soon as possible. Since the process takes up to 8 days, you should apply for the visa at least a month before your departure.

2. Is it safe to travel to Algeria?

It is now safe to visit Algeria. However, there are still threats of terrorist attacks in some areas, especially along the borders with the neighboring countries. Click here for more information about the precautionary measures that you should remember when you go to Algeria.

3. Should I get travel insurance before heading to Algeria?

The U.S government always recommend getting travel insurance before going to an African country. 

4. How to get there?

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the US to Algeria. You need a connecting flight to any international airport in the country. Houari Boumediene Airport or Algiers Airport or Algiers International Airport is the main airport in the country. You can check Skyscanner for the cheapest flights available.

5. What transportation should I use to go around Algeria?

Algeria is a large country, enough reason to have a lot of public transportation, however, buses or trains are the most convenient way to use especially for tourists since they’re cheap and they go around town.

6. When is the best time to visit?

Since more than 50% of Algeria is desert, the temperature could be so high during the summer season that it would cause you a very uncomfortable feeling and you would end up not enjoying your trip. The best time to visit is around March to April or Oct to Nov when the temperature is cooler and more comfortable.

7. How can I communicate with the locals?

Only a few percents of Algerians speak English so you might have a hard time communicating with the locals, it is recommended to use a translation app during your travel, or use a travel guide app to help you on your trip. However, if you speak French, then you may find some Algerians speaking French because of its colonial history.

8. Why should I visit Algeria?

Algeria surely is a destination for people who are into fun activities and adventures. This beautiful country has several places to go to that visitors would surely enjoy. From beaches to mountains, you can either go hiking or even skiing. Also, because Algeria was a French colony for 106 years, some of its attractions will make you feel like you’re in France. Stunning ruins are still present in some parts of the country. Djemila is one of the best examples of ruins that you shouldn’t miss here. With all these reasons, you should pack your things, book a flight, and get ready to have a memorable experience in this wonderful African country.

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