Embassy
Embassy of Algeria, Pretoria
Pretoria
950 Arcadia Street
Algeria visa requirements for South African citizens
South African citizens need a visa for Algeria, from its embassy or consulate.
Passport
ZAF
South Africa
Going to
DZA
Algeria
Visa needed
A visa for people visiting Algeria on holiday.
- Visa
- Required
- Fee
- Fees vary by nationality and office
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Check your passport stamps
Persons may be denied entry if entering with a passport containing visas or stamps issued by Israel.
Special rules for South African citizens in Algeria
- Persons may be denied entry if entering with a passport containing visas or stamps issued by Israel.
- Visitors on tours organized to some southern regions by an approved travel agency may obtain a visa on arrival for up to 30 days.
What to do
Find Algeria's embassy or consulate that covers where you live.
Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
Book an appointment early; processing can take several weeks.
Get your Algeria visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into Algeria
Apply before travel, unless you qualify for another entry route.
Visa on arrivalSahara tour arrival visaAn arrival visa for tourists on an approved Sahara trip arranged before travel.
- Fee
- Pay on arrival; amount not stated
How to apply
- Choose an approved Algerian agency and eligible Sahara trip.
- Send the agency your passport details and travel plans.
- Wait for approved boarding permission with a QR code.
- Show it and pay for your visa on arrival.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months
- Boarding permission with QR code
- Approved trip plan
- Proof of funds
- Your agency must get approval for your exact trip before you travel.
- No country list is given; approval is not automatic.
Visa on arrivalEmergency arrival visaBorder police may grant a visa for an urgent case with strong reasons.
- Fee
- Fee varies
How to apply
- Explain your urgent case to border police.
- Fill in the form and show supporting papers.
- Give fingerprints and have your photo taken.
- Pay the fee if approved.
Documents required
- Application form
- Travel document valid 6 months
- Identity page copies
- Proof of urgent need
- Proof of funds
- Hotel booking or host certificate
- Return ticket
- Visa fee receipt
- Passport valid 6 months
- Fingerprints
- Do not rely on this route; entry bans and some prior-approval rules exclude applicants.
- Validity: up to 15 days without a home-country mission; 10 for specified tours; otherwise 7.
Visa requiredTourist visaA visa for people visiting Algeria on holiday.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- Fees vary by nationality and office
How to apply
- Find the Algerian visa office serving your home address.
- Check its list and gather your documents.
- Submit your passport, forms and fee.
- Collect your passport and check your visa dates.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months
- Passport copies
- Signed forms
- Recent photos
- Hotel booking or host certificate
- Proof of funds
- Travel plans, if asked
- Insurance, if asked
- Return ticket
- Your stay may be shorter than 90 days.
- Visitors cannot stay more than 180 days per year.
Visa requiredOrganised tour visaA visa before travel for tourists booking a trip through a travel agency.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- Fees vary by nationality and office
- Processing
- 2 days
How to apply
- Book an organised trip with a travel agency.
- Get the agency's trip certificate.
- Submit all visa documents to your Algerian visa office.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months
- Visa application documents
- 2 recent matching photos
- Agency trip and destination certificate
- Hotel booking
- The 2-day processing time starts when the office receives all documents.
- Your stay may be shorter than 90 days.
Sources (25)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Entry visa to Algeria
- Directorate General of National Security: Guide to foreigners' entry, movement and stay
- Embassy of Algeria in Washington: Entry visa and visa instructions
- Consulate General of Algeria in New York: Visas
- Consulate General in London: Application process, exemptions, processing and insurance
- Consulate General in London: Visa fees
- Consulate General in London: Tourist visa
- Consulate General in London: Transit visa
- Consulate General in London: Business visa
- Consulate General in London: Family visa
- Consulate General in London: Work visa
- Consulate General in London: Temporary-work visa
- Consulate General in London: Cultural visa
- Consulate General in London: Press and official visa instructions
- Embassy of Algeria in New Delhi: Visa requirements, submission and fees
- Embassy of Algeria in The Hague: Study visa
- Embassy of Algeria in The Hague: Medical visa
- Consulate General in Istanbul: Medical visa
- Embassy of Algeria in Oslo: Visa and special-passport exemptions
- Ministry announcement: Reinstatement of visas for Moroccan passport holders
- Ministry announcement: Algerians abroad entry scheme extended through 2026
- Embassy in Baku: Saharan-tour visa-on-arrival destinations and entry points
- Embassy in Abuja: Saharan-tour boarding authorisation
- Embassy in Brussels: Saharan visa validity and payment
- National Tourism Office: July 2026 assessment of the visa-on-arrival system
Embassies for this trip
Book an appointment before you go.
Coming from South Africa
- Plugs C FAdapter for some
- MoneyDZD د.ج
- Time−1h
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- LanguageArabic
- Emergency1548 police14 ambulance
Planning your Algeria trip
- Timgad Roman RuinsExplore Roman ruins, ancient architecture and history.
- Monument of the MartyrsThis landmark honours independence, those who died for the country and veterans.
- Ketchaoua MosqueSee a grand mosque built in the 17th century.
- Grand Mosque of AlgeriaVisit its huge hall and viewing platform in the minaret, the mosque's tall tower.
Scams to watch for in Algeria
- Taxi overchargingUnofficial taxi drivers may charge too much. Some drivers in Algiers also charge tourists more than the normal fare. Most Algiers taxis have meters, so check that yours is being used.
- Pickpocketing and bus theftThieves steal belongings from passengers on buses in Batna. Pickpocketing is also a concern in Constantine. A theft may happen without you noticing at the time.
- Unofficial guidesUnofficial guides may approach visitors. The exact pitch, payment demand and method are not specified.
About Algeria
Algeria is the largest country in Africa by area, on the Mediterranean with the Sahara to its south.
- Capital
- Algiers
- Money
- Algerian dinar (د.ج)
- Languages
- Arabic
- Time zone
- UTC+01:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +213
Other Africa passports
Going to Algeria
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Algeria with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Are there special rules for South African citizens visiting Algeria?
Do south african citizens need a visa for Algeria?
South African citizens need a visa for Algeria, from its embassy or consulate.
Where do I apply for a Algeria visa?
At Algeria's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Book an appointment early, as it can take several weeks.
Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help south african citizens enter Algeria?
We have no record of Algeria relaxing its rules for south african citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.
Can I enter Algeria with Israeli stamps in my passport?
Persons may be denied entry if entering with a passport containing visas or stamps issued by Israel.
Do algerian citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Algerian citizens need an eVisa for South Africa. Apply on the official website.
Do other Africa passports get easier entry to Algeria?
Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Seychelles and Tunisia can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Algeria are easier for south african citizens?
Tunisia, Egypt, Angola, Benin Botswana, and 3 more let south african citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Algeria?
Find Algeria's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
What money is used in Algeria?
Algerian dinar (د.ج). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Algeria?
Arabic.
Reviewed by @snuck