Crossing from Spain to Oran Algeria

[michaelo]

I'm hoping to take a ferry from Spain to Oran and the drive my bike to Algiers, as anyone had any experience with ferries and this route? I have friends (Algerians) living in Oran and Algiers. Maybe this is a stupid question do I actually have to have an via for Algeria in hand before I take a ferry to Algeria? Thanks Mike b.t.w just ordered Chris Scott's Sahara Overland book.

[Yves]

HI,
>do I actually have to have an visa for Algeria in hand before I take a ferry to Algeria?

Yes, you have to. Probably your friends need to provide a "Certificat de Herbergement" for you. You will need it to apply for the visa.

[Chris Scott]

Actually when it is someone you know rather than an agency, I understand a Letter of Introduction is required to get the visa, saying you are staying there. Same thing as a CdH but maybe different.
Remember that they may be responsible for where you go.

Ch
http://www.sahara-overland.com/country/algeria.htm

[michaelo]

Originally Posted by Chris Scott

Actually when it is someone you know rather than an agency, I understand a Letter of Introduction is required to get the visa, saying you are staying there. Same thing as a CdH but maybe different.
Remember that they may be responsible for where you go.

Ch
Sahara Overland ~ Algeria travel information

Thanks Chris and Yves, I'll contact my friend in Oran and get a letter of introduction form him. I should be able to apply for the Algerian visa in somewhere in Spain? i would like to do this because I'm not 100% sure what dates I'll be in Algeria as I'll be comming down from Ireland via France. Visa apps seem to require a letter from your employer? I'm Irish but work in the U.S (have U.S passport also) I'll be travling under my Irish passport I have quit my job in the states to go traveling on the bike in Africa, should I obtain a letter of employment for one of my Irish buddies here for the visa application? Thanks

[Chris Scott]

... should I obtain a letter of employment for one of my Irish buddies.

Yes, anything official-looking will do. I always DIY, although best the check the regs for Spain. They may insist you do it at the 'nearest consulate to your passport nationality' or something. Be warned Algie visas are never a forgone conclusion as some have found to their cost.

Ch

[Yves]

Hi,

you will have to apply in the country were you have your residence.

[michaelo]

Chris, I have just received your book "Sahara Overland" - excellent book, I have also read your other books “Desert Travels”,”Adv Motorcycling. Currently my friend in Oran is getting the letter of introduction for me so I can apply for the visa. I plan to drive unguided from Oran to Algiers and then to Ghardaia and then Tam to visit with friends there, can I do this without a guide? I know I’ll have to get a guide to visit the Hoggar mountains and further south towards Niger, can I just show up in Tam and see if I can get a guide there or should I book this in advance?

[Chris Scott]

In El Meniaa (El Golea) you will be stopped to get a desert permit of some sort. We were this time last year, even with a guide. I doubt very much you will get past there or the checkpoint after; if it was possible we'd all be doing it!
There is a slim chance they will make you become attached to a convoy if they still run but I doubt it.
Like I said before, remember that your friend in Oran is you sponsor in Algeria. If you get in trouble with officials he may do too. Compared to south of the Sahara the Algies are better organised than you might think.

good luck

Ch

[darren_m]

Originally Posted by michaelo

Chris, I have just received your book "Sahara Overland" - excellent book,

Ive just been into my local waterstones today looking for your book Chris, They didnt have any copies. Havent had any since 05.

Can i buy one directly from you?

[Chris Scott]

Havent had any since 05

Well they're missing out! They could order it in for you in a few days I imagine or you can buy it off Matt who sells my stuff:
http://www.mattsavage.com/acatalog/c...cott_shop.html

Ch

[michaelo]

Originally Posted by Chris Scott

In El Meniaa (El Golea) you will be stopped to get a desert permit of some sort. We were this time last year, even with a guide. I doubt very much you will get past there or the checkpoint after; if it was possible we'd all be doing it!
There is a slim chance they will make you become attached to a convoy if they still run but I doubt it.
Like I said before, remember that your friend in Oran is you sponsor in Algeria. If you get in trouble with officials he may do too. Compared to south of the Sahara the Algies are better organised than you might think.

good luck

Ch

Thks Chris, I have made conatct with Yves at Tanezrouft travel in Algeria regarding a guide for Algeria, its a bit expensive but I might go for this, have you any opinion of Tanezrouft Agency? Also, my plan is to do the western route in Africa, what do you think of this plan (is it possible) Algeria->Niger->Mali->Senegal->Guinnea->Cote D'Ivory->Ghana->Togo.....? Thanks

[monkii]

Originally Posted by Chris Scott

Be warned Algie visas are never a forgone conclusion as some have found to their cost.

This is true. The Algerian embassy in the USA especially is extremely difficult to deal with. It is impossible to get someone on the phone, the desk guy is extremely rude, and they will take your money and then find a reason to never issue the visa.