Yesterday, September 26, 2024, Algeria decided to reintroduce visa requirements for all Moroccan nationals wishing to enter its territory. This measure puts an end to almost 20 years of free movement between the two countries, introduced in 2005 following an agreement between the former Algerian president and the Moroccan government. Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the king Mohammed VI of Morocco.
This decision comes against a backdrop of growing diplomatic tensions between Algeria and Morocco. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated considerably since the severance of diplomatic relations in August 2021, initiated by Algeria in response to what it saw as a series of hostile acts on the part of Morocco.
Official justification for the measure
The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad issued an official statement explaining the reasons for this decision. According to the document, the reinstatement of the visa is motivated by national security considerations.
The Algerian authorities accuse Morocco of taking advantage of the visa-free regime to carry out various actions deemed detrimental to Algeria's stability and security.
Unfortunately, taking advantage of the visa-free regime, the Kingdom of Morocco has engaged in a number of actions that threaten Algeria's stability and national security (...) as well as the deployment of Zionist intelligence agents (sic), holding Moroccan passports, to gain free access to the national territory. These acts constitute a direct threat to our country's national security, and call for firm and strict control of all points of access to and residence on national territory.
Algerian press release
The Kingdom of Morocco is held solely responsible for the current deterioration in bilateral relations through its hostile actions towards Algeria.
In addition, Algeria claims that Morocco has deployed Israeli intelligence agents with Moroccan passports to gain free access to Algerian territory.
Technical implementation
Visa procedure
The restoration of the visa applies to all foreign nationals holding a Moroccan passport, without exception. The Algerian authorities have not yet given details of how to obtain the visa, but it is likely that the procedure will follow visa application standards.
At present, Algerian visa applications from France cost 80โฌ for children over 12 + 30โฌ administration fee. It takes up to 2 weeks to obtain visaBut this decision will have to allow for a few delays.
Documents required for an Algerian visa from France
Documents common to all types of visa :
- Visa application forms Please complete in duplicate.
- Passport Must be valid for at least six months, with a photocopy.
- Passport photos Two recent, identical photos.
- Travel insurance certificate Including repatriation assistance.
- File submission Please contact corresponding consulate residence in France.
For foreign nationals residing in France :
Residence permit With photocopy.
Additional documents depending on the type of visa :
Family visa :
- Certificate of accommodation for an Algerian family member, legalized by the Mairie in Algeria.
Tourist visa :
- Or a certificate of accommodation legalized by the Mairie in Algeria.
- Either a hotel reservation or a certificate from a travel agency specifying the nature and location of the stay.
Types of visa concerned
Although specific details have not been released, we can expect different types of visas to be introduced, including:
- Tourist Visa
- Business Visa
- Student Visa
- Transit visa
- Diplomatic visas
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