Do I need a visa to enter Algeria?

[YOUNCEY]

Hi guys, here's my situation, i was born in Algeria but left at age 6, I am now a Canadian citizen and travel with a Canadian passport.

I have a huge family back home i haven't seen and barely spoken to in almost 24 years, i would love to go back to visit but i have never found the time to apply for a visa.

Here's the reason why, i am constantly travelling, my work requires me to do so, I am barely ever in Canada these days. The whole process for applying for a visa as a Canadian national is such a headache, i have never encountered so much bureaucracy just to be able to fly into a country. My country at that too...

I know what the process entails in Canada, if you plan to fly as a Canadian you need a letter of invitation from your family and then a few more applications and pictures which you must submit to the embassy and then wait up to a week or so for approval.

This would be ok if my tourist visa was granted for up to 90 days or so like most countries i would then just fly at my time, but with Algeria you need to give them specific dates, due to my employment i never know when i would have the the time to schedule an actual date.

This would be so much easier for me as i am constantly flying in and out of Dubai and i can easily make a connecting flight to Algiers from there, but i have never attempted to because I never know my dates.

I am more the type to just drop in instead of making a scheduled visit.

So my question to you all is, can i actually just fly into Algeria and pay for a Visa on Arrival? Is there such a system?

And I know i can fly in as an Algerian citizen because i was born in Algeria but I do not wish to do so.

Looking forward to your replies.

Kind regards to all.

[Al-khiyal]

Salam,

In brief, if you're travelling as a Canadian citizen, you'll need a visa. I very much doubt that you can get one 'at point of entry'.

I see you're a long way from Canada at the moment - when you have time you can >>> check out how to obtain a visa from the Algerian Embassy in Canada <<<

[YOUNCEY]

Hi thank's for the quick reply.

So is that the only option? A visa arranged in advance? I was told by my Algerian aunt in Lyons that i can just pay the customs 100 euros or so and i'll get stamped no problem... don't know if that's legal or not lol

Not too sure about that option, it would be amazing if i can, can i not just pay my way in like in a lot of countries with On Arrival Visas?

Thanks

Salam,

In brief, if you're travelling as a Canadian citizen, you'll need a visa. I very much doubt that you can get one 'at point of entry'.

I see you're a long way from Canada at the moment - when you have time you can >>> check out how to obtain a visa from the Algerian Embassy in Canada <<<

[Tizi]

In my experience applying for family visit visas you need to complete an application form [very simple - one side of A4 and can be downloaded from the Algerian Consulate's website- at least from the UK], provide 2 photos and a certificat d'hébergement plus pay the fee. They always grant a 90 day visa for family visits you just have to give them a date for entry and the 90 days will start from then - you are free to travel in and out of Algeria multiple times during the 90 day period. It takes the Consulate in London 5 working days to process the application.