- Capital
- Algiers (ALG)
- Dialing Code
- + 213
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT +1
- Language
- Arabic & Berber
- Best Time to Go
- March - April & October - November
- Currency
- Algeria Dinar (DZD)
Travel Tips
- Credit cards have limited acceptance in Algeria, cash is the preferred method of payment. There are a few ATM’s in the urban area, but they are unreliable
- Driving in the desert will require a permit and preparation beforehand, but is not recommended due to high incidents of kidnap
- Visits are not recommended during Ramadan
- Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans. Protests and political gatherings should be avoided
- Avoid the summer months (May – September) due to the heat
- Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. Bottled water is available
Last updated 25 September 2026
Visa Guide
Foreign Representation in South Africa
Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Algeria
950 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: +27 (0)12 342 5074/5/7
Email: algemb.pretoria@gmail.com
Visas: visaapplication.algemb@gmail.com
Website: embpretoria.mfa.gov.dz
Consular hours: Monday - Friday, 09:00 to 16:00
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1, 12
March: 20 - 22
May: 1, 27 - 28
June: 17, 26
July: 5
August: 26
November: 1
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders. A Transit Visa is required if travelling through Algeria
Applicants must submit their applications in person at the Embassy. However, they can designate a representative to apply on their behalf, or through a visa services office
Tourist Visa Requirements:
- Two (02) copies of application form
- Confirmed hotel reservation or a certified invitation letter signed by an Algerian host who must provide a copy of his ID or passport and proof of residence
- A confirmed copy of a round trip flight ticket
- Letter from employer
- Statement of financial resources or proof of income (bank statement)
- Passport and a copy of the first page (the passport should be valid for at least six months)
- Copy of the ID
- Two (02) photos
Additional Business Visa Requirements
- Employer letter providing a brief presentation of the company and stating job title or position of the applicant and purpose of the visit. The company should assume financial responsibility of expenses incurred during the trip
- Algerian partner or company local branch invitation letter
- NOTE: Holders of business visa are NOT allowed to work and business visa cannot replace work visa
Visa Processing Time
10 - 15 working days after receiving passports, no urgent visas
Visa Validity
Tourist: up to 30 days
Transit: 7 days
Business: As per invitation/business letter from the company
Date of issuance is the first day of validity. We urge applicants to apply within a period that doesn’t exceed thirty (30) days of their travel date
Visa Cost
- No fees for South African citizens
- For nationals from other countries, please contact the Embassy (the consular section)
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
- Hepatitis A & B,
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Rabies
- Typhoid
South African Representative Abroad
South African Embassy
21, Rue du Stade, Hydra, Algiers
Telephone: + 213 2148 4418/82/89/94
Email: Algiers.embassy@dirco.gov.za
Website: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/algiers/