How to Apply for an Algeria Visa in Salt Lake City

Algeria remains a mysterious and unexplored country for most Salt Lake City tourists, as well as for business leaders across the state of Utah seeking commercial opportunities overseas.

Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and several other North African countries, Algeria’s tropical and subtropical climates encompass fertile land in its northern region and the Sahara Desert to the south.  The second largest country in Africa, Algeria is the continent’s fourth largest tourist destination.  The country also offers numerous business opportunities, particularly in the oil and gas, power, infrastructure, IT, and defense sectors (https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/algeria-market-opportunities).

The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria gained its independence from France in 1962 after more than a century of European rule.  The country’s population of almost 47 million is primarily Arab-Berber.  Although deserts cover four-fifths of the country, 90 percent of the people live in the more hospitable northern/coastal region.  Most people speak Algerian Arabic (Darja) and Berber, while French is still commonly used.  More than 98 percent of Algeria’s residents are Muslim.

Eco-tours of the Sahara are the top draw for most global visitors.  Cultural tourism is also an important factor, offering historic sites, world-famous relics, nine U.N.-designated World Heritage sites, ten national parks, nine major museums, Roman and Phoenician ruins, and numerous local and international festivals.

Algiers, the nation’s capital and largest city, is located on a bay of the Mediterranean Sea.  Algiers includes a modern section built on the seashore and ancient structures on steep hills overlooking the coast.  The crown jewel of the ancient section is the Casbah (or Kasbah), an historic citadel and a World Heritage Site.  Other top tourist sites for Salt Lake City area travelers include the Grand, New, and Ketchaoua Mosques;Notre Dame d'Afrique cathedral, the National Library, the Botanical Garden of Algiers, and Bardo Museum.  You can also take a cable car to Martyr’s Memorial, stroll the seaside Sablettes promenade, shop for local fruits and vegetables at four major outdoor markets, or explore a variety of French Colonial architecture.  Sample Algerian cuisine -- a fusion of Andalusian, Berber, and Mediterranean traditions -- or enjoy a drink at the Seventy-Five Bar.

Outside the major cities, Algeria’s unique natural beauty is the main attraction.  Tourists come from around the world to explore the Sahara Desert by camel, 4x4 vehicle, and/or hiking.  One popular Sahara site is the Atakor Plateau, a volcanic field in the Hoggar Mountains.  On the Mediterranean coast, numerous beach resorts offer food, drink, lodging, sports, entertainment, and shopping on the premises.  The picturesque port city of Bejaia boasts Aiguades Beach, the mountains of Yemma Gouraya, and Pic des Singes (Peak of the Monkeys, a habitat for the endangered Barbary macaque) -- all located within Gouraya National Park. Roman ruins are major attractions in Khemissa, Timgad, and Tipaza, while the fortified city of Qal’a of Beni Hammad was the first capital of Algeria’s Hammadid rulers.  Tlemcen, “the town of cherries” features Thirteenth Century ruins plus a national park with expansive forests, cliffs and waterfalls.

Requirements to Obtain an Algeria Visa from Salt Lake City

Citizens of the United States and most other nations must obtain a visa before visiting Algeria. {However, those entering Algeria on a cruise ship who will tour the country as part of an organized tour excursion do not need to get a visa in advance, according to the U.S. State Department (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Algeria.html).} The main requirement for obtaining an Algerian visa is holding a current passport.  Current travel and health advisories can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/algeria-travel-advisory.html.)

The Algerian government is currently in the process of developing an electronic visa option where travelers from Salt Lake City can apply online without visiting an embassy or consulate.  However, the new e-visa program was delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and should become available in the near future.

In the meantime, the only way for U.S. residents to visit Algeria is by obtaining a traditional paper visa from the republic’s embassy in Washington, D.C. or its consulate in New York City.  Residents of Salt Lake City, and the state of Utah (and most other states) must apply through the New York consulate at https://www.algeria-cgny.org/.  Those residing in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, North and South Carolina, and Virginia can only apply through the Washington embassy (https://embwashington.mfa.gov.dz/).

The basic requirements for obtaining a tourist visa are the same for both offices:

  • Passport valid for at least six months.
  • Two recent passport-style photographs.
  • Two completed application forms (https://www.algeria-cgny.org/pdf/algeriavisa.pdf).
  • Payment of application fees via a USPS money order for $160 payable to the Consulate General of Algeria in New York (or the embassy in Washington, as appropriate).
  • Parents must also apply for visas for their children.

To apply, download the application form and type the required information into the editable PDF.  Print two copies and sign both copies.  Attach one of your passport photos to each of the application forms.  You will also need to provide:

  • Your U.S. passport valid for more than six months plus a copy of the first page.
  • Confirmed return flight ticket.
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or notarized invitation letter).
  • Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses.
  • Health Insurance. Although not required for the visa, we recommend purchasing international medical insurance to cover accidents, injuries, and illnesses while traveling in Algeria.  International medical insurance from GeoBlue can be purchased from Visa Supply online through the following link: ⇒ Order Now.

Residents of the Salt Lake City area can apply in person at the consulate; by mail; or through a visa services agency like Visa Supply.  The Republic of Algeria typically responds to applications within two weeks after receipt.  If you mail your application package, you must include a prepaid return envelope for certified mail with a tracking number.

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

Visa Supply can help you complete your visa application and answer your questions about visiting Algeria.  We can also provide courier service to deliver the application to the New York consulate and pick up your visa after issuance.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the government of Algeria.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans. 

If you live in Salt Lake City or anywhere in the state of Utah and have difficulty applying for an Algeria visa, or require assistance with any part of the visa process, please give our office a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment with our company.  We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Algeria visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents. 

We provide the following Algeria visa services for our customers in Salt Lake City:

  • Algeria Tourist Visa
  • Algeria Business Visa
  • Algeria Official Visa
  • Algeria Visitor Visa
  • Algeria Work Visa
  • Algeria Hotel Accommodations