Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By yyz100
  • 2 Post By Chris Scott

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 64
Algeria: any change in obtaining Visa on the road? 6 embassies contacted, zero reply

Still on road (18 months consecutive this trip; 1800+ days since 2007). I did read 1.5 yrs ago someone got the Algeria visa in Tunisia after 14 day wait, and someone mentioned Brussels as an international body where the Visa would be possible.

Anyone get the Algerian visa outside their country of residence?


I've emailed 6 Algerian embassies in "Europe" and Tunisia (emails that went through; couple of other address bounced back) but zero responses.

Reason for writing is I explained my situation and give it in writing so they can read at their own pace and provide advice in writing so i have proof. On phone they will likely just be parrots repeating the Visa "policy".

Algeria policy "get visa in country of residence" but
-- impossible as no Algerian embassy in my country (yes could try a country near to "residence country" but i'm on the road)
-- cannot get all visas for world trip before starting or trip would never start, and many have 1-3 months validity for entry so would expire and need to restart the process
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Mar 2014
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
I always thought that Tunisia visa 1.5 yrs ago was a fluke; I have never heard of it before or since.

Algeria tourist visas must rank as among the most difficult in the world. Now more than ever they don't want the hassle of tourists unless closely controlled by an accredited tour agency. Though it may have happened on occasion, I would never expect to get any useful email response from a consulate like Algeria. Unless you have a 24-carat contact, no one will have the slightest interest in bending the rules for you and risk getting reassigned to Murmansk.

Just because you're on the road it doesn't mean you may not have to return home or fly somewhere else if you want to get an onward visa. That's just the way it is, as some have found on the African west coast route.

Fyi, I understand the southern border with Niger is closed or is only opened briefly for locals (all others long time closed for tourists, except Tunisia).

I assume though, that you are hoping to travel in the north of the country without an escort. That has been done once or twice in recent years but I think things have tightened up since. I believe one Iberian guy here managed to pull off a very short transit of the north in the last year.

I would suggest contacting a visa agency in your home country or close to it, instead of an embassy. They have more of an incentive ($$$) to respond, may have the ear of a given embassy, and will know the requirements by heart.

Chances are they will include an invite from the right sort of local (for the north + an itinerary?) or an agency with an itinerary for the south.

Quote:
-- cannot get all visas for world trip before starting or trip would never start, and many have 1-3 months validity for entry so would expire and need to restart the process
In Africa that has long been the problem that has limited or imposed itineraries, and is one of the reasons why most overlanders stick to a couple of routes. It's just the way it is but is where a spare passport can be handy.

good luck
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Apr 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 64
Thanks Chris.

Re your comment that my travels may take me back to my home country ...as mentioned there is no Algerian embassy in the country where i'm resident.... and i may relocate to another country but it , too, has no Algerian embassy.
So, there could be an ALgerian embassy near to my country of residence, so why not use any of the ALgerian embassies.

In today's technology advanced world, perhaps any Algerian (or other country) embassy can verify me ... as compared to an embassy (1) in my country of residence (2) a country near to my country of residence

I just do not understand embassies with that policy of "get the Visa in your country of residence" ... they don;t really want tourists but business delegations ... as the Guinea-Bissau embassy in Gambia stated last year.

Just FYI, re those Visas for those West Africa top to bottom/vice verse trips, i got them all ... on the road ...in Africa ... no agencies (and many of those agencies VisaHQ, EmbassyFinder, etc have WRONG contact info for the embassies! ... hardly gives potential customer any confidence in them!)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Apr 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Dumaguete, Philippines
Posts: 21
Visa for Algeria

What you need to do is get on the web site for your country of residence and fill out the form, print it and send it along with the required photo''s and money by DHL along with your passport and in around 2 weeks you should be in business..It would also help lots if you can get a letter of invitation from someone in Algeria
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
London to Cape Town, November 2012 Tfoy97603 Travellers Seeking Travellers 56 4 Sep 2012 16:51
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 02:15
West Africa visas - 2011 experience africano sub-Saharan Africa 12 7 Apr 2012 13:39
New N-S road Algeria to Kiffa. Persistence North Africa 2 7 Feb 2012 14:14

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:04.