Algeria reinstates visa requirement for Moroccan nationals
Algeria reverses 20 years of visa-free travel for Moroccans, citing security concerns amid escalating bilateral tensions.
On 26 September 2024, Algeria reimposed visa requirements for all Moroccan nationals seeking to enter its territory, ending nearly 20 years of visa-free movement established in 2005 through an agreement between Algeria’s former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI.
https://twitter.com/APS_Algerie/status/1839312365353054260
This decision follows escalating diplomatic tensions between Algeria and Morocco. Bilateral relations have significantly deteriorated since the rupture of diplomatic ties in August 2021, initiated by Algeria in response to what it deemed a series of hostile acts by Morocco.
Official justifications for reinstating visa requirements
Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad issued an official statement explaining its rationale. The ministry cited national security as the driving consideration behind the decision to reinstate visa requirements for all Moroccan passport holders.
Algerian authorities accuse Morocco of exploiting the visa-free regime to carry out actions deemed harmful to Algeria’s stability and security.
By relying on the visa exemption regime, unfortunately, the Kingdom of Morocco engaged in various actions that harmed Algeria’s stability and national security... including the deployment of allegedly Israeli intelligence agents holding Moroccan passports to gain unrestricted access to Algerian territory. These acts constitute a direct threat to our national security and necessitate stringent controls at all entry and stay points across the national territory. The Kingdom of Morocco bears sole responsibility for the current downward spiral in bilateral relations through its hostile actions against Algeria.
Algerian Foreign Ministry statement
Algeria also alleges that Morocco allowed Israeli intelligence operatives to enter its territory using Moroccan passports.
Implementation details: Visa application process
Procedural requirements
All foreign nationals holding Moroccan passports are subject to the reinstated visa regime with no exceptions. While Algerian authorities have not yet published detailed application rules, the process is expected to follow standard visa applications. Currently, Algerian visa applications lodged in France cost €80 for applicants over 12 + €30 in service fees. Processing typically takes up to two weeks, though additional delays are anticipated given the new policy.
Required documents for an Algeria visa from France (general list)
Common documents for all visa types:
Visa application forms – completed in duplicate.
Passport – valid for at least six months with one photocopy.
Recent passport-style photographs – two identical copies, no older than 6 months.
Travel insurance certificate – including repatriation assistance.
Submission – must be filed at the nearest Algerian consulate based on the applicant’s French residence.
Additional requirements for foreign residents in France:
French residence permit – with one photocopy.
Extra documents by visa type:
Family visa:
Certified accommodation certificate issued by a local Algerian municipality.
Tourist visa:
A certified accommodation certificate issued by a local Algerian municipality; or
A hotel booking confirmation or agency attestation specifying travel nature and location, notarised as required.
Projected visa categories
While Algeria has not yet published a definitive list, the following visa types are expected to be introduced:
Tourist visa
Business visa
Student visa
Transit visa
Diplomatic visa
