Algeria, once a hidden gem, is finally opening its doors to foreign visitors. For years, accessing this vast country, the largest in Africa by area, was a challenge. Now, tourists can easily visit the breathtaking Sahara Desert thanks to a new visa on arrival system. This exciting development is grabbing the attention of major international travel publications, boosting Algeria’s image as a tourist destination.
While neighboring countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are known tourist hubs, Algeria offers a unique adventure. Imagine sprawling deserts with prehistoric art, charming Mediterranean towns, Roman ruins, and the picturesque Djurdjura and Atlas mountains.
Since 2023, adventure seekers and Sahara enthusiasts can explore Algeria with ease through the visa on arrival program. Algerian Tourism Minister Mokhtar Didouche highlights that this simplified visa process is geared towards “people who want to discover the grandeur of nature.”
However, Algeria caters more to off-the-beaten-path experiences than luxurious stays. As the Minister says, “To tourists looking for a five-star hotel, I say that in the Sahara, there are a million stars!” While this captures the essence of a unique desert adventure, it also acknowledges the need for improved tourist infrastructure in other parts of the country.
Algeria currently has around 1,600 hotels catering to international travelers, offering roughly 150,000 to 160,000 beds. Minister Didouche admits, “This is not enough to accommodate a significant influx of tourists.” The government is addressing this by making land available for tourism investment, with 58,000 hectares designated nationwide.
The visa on arrival program for southern Algeria has already seen success, granting 10,000 visas in the past year. Though the majority of visitors are Algerian diaspora, the total number of arrivals reached 3.3 million in 2023, a figure the Minister deems “previously unthinkable.” The ambitious goal? 10 million arrivals by 2030.
Visas are typically processed within 10 days and require booking through approved Algerian travel agencies, often with a security escort. While the Sahara is a major draw, some operators offer tours to northern regions as well.
The most exciting news? The visa on arrival program may soon be extended to the entire country, according to the Minister. This would be a game-changer for Algerian tourism, making its diverse beauty accessible to a wider range of international travelers.
