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Agerian visa stuff;
UK passport holder leaving England in about 4 weeks or so and commencing an approx 2 year trip going who knows where. First port of call is North/West Africa. I don't have a exact clue when I'll be wanting to enter Algeria and I no longer have an employer. What is the best way to get around these visa qualifications for Algeria? Am I supposed to book accommodation for my entire stay before I arrive there or is it OK to just book a couple of nights (just to get the visa) and then do my own thing once I get there? Are there travel agencies in West Africa that can arrange whatever needs arranging? As you can tell, I'm pretty clueless about all of this, any advice is appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Peter |
If you dont have a vehicle your only entry will be Algiers airport - otherwise only Taleb Larbi/Nefta Tunisia with a car. Forget Maroc side.
Employer leter can be easily faked - anything headed will do. Accom is included with Tarahist (see website /algeria or other post) even if you never use it, Essendilene are easier and return an invite Foc by fax as long as you give him full details and he's around. I dont think Alg - esp the north - is a good place to start for an inexperienced traveller on foot... Chris S |
YIKESeeepppooh; inexperienced!?!?!?!?!? Damn, I knew that 87 countries just wasn't enough for this site. "It's gotta be at least 100 I kept telling myself".
Anyhow, thanks for replying. Am I right in assuming that as an independent inexperienced foot wanderer, my ONLY way into Algeria is through Algiers airport. Without going into all the why's and therefore's, does that mean I'm supposed to tell their visa people in advance when I'll be arriving in their country and where I'm staying. Can I just stay a couple of days wherever it is and then just take off and do my own thing? p.s. I've tried their embassies and got the official response. Now, I'm after the actual situation!! Thanks in advance y'all. |
As you said yourself, you are 'pretty clueless'. Just now the radio is saying a bomb killed 30 people just south of Algiers. The north is a dangerous place for a toubab.
As you must have found elsewhere on your travels, the tricky bit is getting in a country - once in you can pretty much go where you like - but like I sau I dont advise visiting the north. The Sahara is different. CS |
Jees Chris, me thinks you've been reading the "Lonely Planet Thorn Tree, Your Choice" branch too much. Any of us can insult each other (diplomatically or otherwise), but not too many of us seem able to be able to actually assist one another. A pity really. Thanks for taking the time to reply, didn't help, but thanks anyway.
Thing is, if Algiers airport is the only entry point for foot wanderers and if it is not allowed/unwise to actually go to the north anyway, then that effectively means that there's no point in me even trying to get ino Algeria anyway. If the south is OK to visit, but I can't actually get a visa to enter through the south anyway, then I might just as well head off somewhere else, n'est-ce pas? Any/all helpful constructive replies appreciated folks. |
Go from Tunis.
Try to hitch a lift into Algeria with an overlander? Plenty of them talking on this forum.... ------------------ CU under the Cu Frank http://www.crossing-africa.com .:. The Ultimate Travel on a Yamaha XT600Z |
It has a price, but you can take a domestic flight to Ghardaia or Ouargla without ever having to leave Algiers airport. If you fly in to Algiers with Air Algerie, a domestic add-on will probably be in the USD 50 range. Once in the south, you can continue to Niger via Tam overland (or leave towards Tunis).
------------------ Happy Travels, Andras FJ Expeditions |
As Andras says, you can fly to the south without leaving Alg airport, but what are you going to do in the Sahara in the middle of summer other than say you were there?
I know it's holiday time in Europe, but this is the Sahara after all. There was another enthusiastic but possibly naive guy discussing this (we all tried to put him off) and you sound similar. After all, would you go go to the North Pole in winter and even if you are a hardcore adventurer would you expect to enjoy it if you did? If you really want to explore and enjoy Algerian Sahara - the best of the Saharan countries in my opinion - try it in winter when there is more transport and less weather. You can come up from the south via Niger but there is no bus service to Alg (maybe flights) and in summer probably very little legitimate surface traffic of any kind - and expensive in Niger I would guess. Have a look at http://www.sahara-overland.com/routes/ if you havent already, and read the Agadez link. It's all there. West Africa will be hard work too in summer, but at least there is the infrastructure to get you around and it is actually part of the fun CS |
Sod it all. What the frig? I'll just figure it all out one way or another. Seems like I should just turn up and see what happens. Couldn't be worse than the time I was in Panama City and the Americans and Panamanians decided to slog it out. Got myself arrested twice that day (no big deal stuff),that was a short while after the Nicaragua police arrested me for some silly thing and that was a few weeks after the Hondurans cops arrested me for mistaken identity! I almost got blown up in Croatia a few years ago (wrong place at the wrong time) and there's been other stuff over the years. Northern Algeria, HERE I COME (maybe not).
Shucks, anyway I still can't figure for sure out if foot travellers can cross the Algeria/Tunisia border legally, anyone please? |
Just checked out the link provided by Chris 2 posts above. For some reason, I somehow missed that before. That should answer a few questions.
Does anyone know if this accomodation visa requirement stuff can be sorted out at a travel agency/whatever somewhere in West/North Africa or can it only be sorted out way ahead of time using faxes etc. I'm trying to avoid committing myself to anything more than an hour ahead of time!!! |
Let’s go through this one more time.
Northern Algeria is a “no go” area for foreigners. The few outsiders that do work there are met at Algiers airport by a car full of armed guards, are whisked off to their secure compound, work non stop for three weeks, get driven back in the same fashion, and then recuperate in Europe for a week. There is little to see and absolutely no tourist infrastructure. Southern Algeria is relatively safe. The scenery is fantastic. Its part of the Sahara desert, so in the Summer it is very hot. Which is why we don’t go there in the Summer. So you won’t find any fellow travellers. The average temperature (day and night) in Djanet at this time of year is around 32ºC. If you just sit in the shade all the time and don’t move you need to drink five litres of water per day just to stay alive. On the move you need an awful lot more. How are you going to carry this? Who will you travel with? In the Winter you could fly into Algiers, and then South to Djanet or Tamanrasset with Khalifa Airways. Connecting flights only operate about three times a week, so you would have to get your reservations set up in advance because you don’t want to go outside Algiers airport. There is some tourist infrastructure still operating in Djanet and Tamanrasset, but as you would be on your own, to organize a tour you would have to pay for an entire vehicle. Typically one Toyota Land Cruiser plus two guides (yes two guides). The people who contribute to this forum like Chris Scott and András Zboray have extensive knowledge and experience in this very specialist area of travel. We’ve all had difficult situations with the local police and military in various third world countries. I’ve looked down the barrel of an AK47 and had no idea whether the soldier on the other end was going to pull the trigger or not - I don’t think he did either. In Algeria these are the good guys. Northern Algeria is no place for any independent foot wanderer, particularly an inexperienced one. I appreciate that this is not the advice that you wanted to hear, but when all the experts say “Don’t do it this way - try doing it that way” - maybe you should listen and quietly change your plans. |
Jjjjeeessus people, I'm just trying to get some factual answers to some smart questions. It gets confusing when different people on different travel sites say different things.
Believe you me, I have had far more than my fair share of "incidents" in far off lands. If the US Govt had been good enough to warn me in advance that they were going to attack the Panamanians, I wouldn't have gone there. If the damn Serbians hadn't broken a ceasefire, if that frigging bus driver in India hadn't fallen asleep at the wheel, etc etc. Shit happens and no amount of listening to Auntie Beeb can prepare one for everything. I am not suicidal and actually quite smart (street smart also). I'm just trying to get some factual information from folks that have first hand knowledge and not people reading from a guidebook that's years old. I have to assume that most of you don't know the answers to my questions and it appears that all I have done is given some of you the opportunity to spout off on some (well-meaning perhaps) condescending, slightly righteous, pulpit posing (I just made that one up), lecture. It occurs to me that if most people reading this travel by vehicle, then perhaps they do not have the first hand knowledge that I am trying to tap. To hell with it, I'm off to the boozer. Anyone coming?? |
Too late for the boozer so might as well head back here for further slagging!!
I think some of you may have made some wrong assumptions. In my initial post, I said that I was leaving in 4 weeks. Now I realise that quite a few of you head off from home and head directly for Algeria/wherever and perhaps you think that I am doing the same thing. Wrong assumption. I do not intend arriving in North Africa until about January. After leaving the UK, I am heading for Eastern Europe and will sort of head south and west from there (more or less). I also decided many weeks ago to avoid Northern Algeria. I am more than happy to enter from the South, in fact, I would even prefer it as I visited the north a few years ago. The questions that I raised are in step with my plans (I think) but some first hand knowledge would assist. As this may not be the right travel site for me, anybody know one that might be? (please don't say Lonely Planet). I have also sent e-mails to the Algerian Embassies in London and Washington, no replies yet. I have also sent e-mails to the two Algerian travel agents mentioned somewhere else on this website, no replies yet from them also. Due to my present location (on a sailboat heading west across the Atlantic), I am unable to communicate in other fashions, hence this present situation. If anyone prefers, e-mail me direct at ontheroadfinally@otmail.com p.s. I was just kidding about the boozer, it gets kinda boring staying up half the night on watch. Just fantasising about the "Anchor Inn" just off the A38 in Bristol actually!! |
I also worded part of the original post a little mis-leading. I meant to say that my first port of call in Africa is west Africa. I think I should've proof read a bit better.
Ah well, it's nice to know that people care!?!?!? Can you tell I'm bored? What else can I write about? |
I think this guy is a troll.
In Usenet usage, a "troll" is not a grumpy monster that lives beneath a bridge accosting passers-by, but rather a provocative posting to a newsgroup intended to produce a large volume of frivolous responses. The content of a "troll" posting generally falls into several areas. It may consist of an apparently foolish contradiction of common knowledge, a deliberately offensive insult to the readers of a newsgroup, or a broad request for trivial follow-up postings. |
Ive never been asked for any invitation or proof of accomodation when applying for an Algerian visa, so I cant help you on that one. If you go from Tunisia to Algeria via Nefta/El Oued it is no problem without a vehicle. Take a taxi to the border, do the formalities and the next car that passes will (have to) take you to the Algerian border. I also have no idea why people try to put you off travelling in summer. I think its the best time because there are no tourists around, but this is a personal opinion. I also think that its possible to get around on less than five litres of water a day, if you try wearing a cheche it is definitly possible.
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Terry,
I think you are being way too polite! Peter, Enjoy your next watch, I'm not sure how many more dawns you are going to see if you really run your life as you appear to. I suggest you wait until you are in Europe before continuing your 'research'. Sam. |
well well, kind of interesting conversation guys you have. :)
In spite of I am considered naive by some of you, I'm go for algeria with 1 Aug. so it is not true that it is impossible to find a fellow travellers for hikink in mountains in summer. There was also ohter person who wanted to go in summer (by car) - the "traveler" I quess, and anotherone I met without giving much care for seeking. So perhaps even if this is not a high season for visiting sahara it doesn't mean nobody will go. Peter if you're sailing a boat - why don't you just sail to Algier. Bart. |
I met a couple of Algerian girls in Assekrem at Christmas. They were from the North and played down the troubles. "Come and see us" they said. Not on your nelly! I have friends in the security side of the oil industry out there and know how hard they are. I respect their advice which is to stay clear of the North. Since the new year, I had a couple of emails from the girls ... "sorry I haven't written for a while, but there's been a lot of trouble and getting to the internet cafe was out of the question".
As for going in the summer ... I admire it in a "mad dogs and englishmen way". I love minus 25 in the mountains, but I'm not built for +40. As Chris started out, the paperwork is do-able. The heat is bearable for some people. Getting knifed in the North is probably 50:50 and, I gather from the girls, not really worth it. Me? I'll be going back in December. To the South. Richard |
Isn't this getting to be quite the topic?
Anyway Mr. Terry Davies: If you would be so kind as to get on the M4 and head to Bristol Docks for about 20/07/2002, look out for the blue hulled 52' ketch rigged (aren't they all) Swan and I'll be very glad to buy you a pint at whatever boozer is around there and will gladly accept your apologies for another wrong assumption. This is far from a troll. I regret it if you are unable to answer my questions, c'est la frigging vie. Mr. Kevin: Thank you kindly for your reply. Alas, it contradicts what others have said, but perhaps you have a non-UK passport and the visa requirements don't apply to you. Others have said that there are proof-of-accomodation requirements for the visa. Also, someone in a previous reply said that the ONLY way into Algeria was through Algiers airport. You say that the Tunis border crossing is no problem. Logically, you both can't be right but again, perhaps you have a non-UK passport and your situation is different. Please report to the Bristol docks about 20/07/2002, find the above mentioned vessel, I'll find the boozer and we'll get legless together. Mr.Sam: See the problem? Different folks say different things about the same question. It's confusing. Also, last night's watch sucked (that's why I couldn't go online). All three of us stayed up all lousy night. Damn main needed reefing and got stuck and wouldn't come down. We rolled a dice and yours truly lost and ended up going up the 55' mast. The whole process took me 25 minutes and wasn't fun. See, I'm not suicidal, shit just happens. Mr. Bart: It was a little tempting to sail to Algeria. However, the old fella (my Dad) thinks it's time the yacht needs to get taken out of the water and cleaned up. They've spent most of the winter in the Caribbean just goofing off, I just hitched a ride back with them as I was in Florida anyway and they wanted to visit there anyway so what the hell? I just thought I'd go back with them. So, I don't have much of a say where this yacht goes. Mr. Richless: We're on the same wavelength dude. Despite what others have wrote, I have no intentions of dying just yet. I don't mind pushing the envelope here and there (I went spinnaker flying a few days ago, now there's a rush), but for the most part, I'm quite smart about this stuff. However, shit happens and when it does, I just have to deal with it. Anyhow all, keep the replies coming. I'd love to get this sorted out before we hit land, but it doesn't look likely right now. |
JUST TO CLARIFY: (if I read this right),
Chris Scott wrote that the only way for folks without a vehicle to enter Algeria is through Algiers airport. Kevin wrote that's it's no problem for carless folks to enter via the Nefta/El Qued border. Logically, one of these two statements has to be incorrect (unless I'm missing something here). As Kevin appears to have actually crossd that border on his lonesome, I'm more inclined to believe his statement. Although, I do know that what is official Govt policy is not always carried out. So perhaps the border is officially closed to carless folks, but the officials think the laws are a crock of shit and let everyone through anyway. Any Algerian/Tunisian border guards logged on right now who can sort this out for us please? Why is this important to me? Because I don't want to get myself to Tunisia, then try and cross the border only to be turned back. As Libya is the only other country that borders Tunisia, I sure as hell don't want to have to ferry/fly off somewhere else. |
Hi Peter,
I'll propose the following based on the idea that one shouldn't relly upon something that could not be granted: - When its time (about 6-8 weeks in advance) request your visa. You will need the invitation almost 100%. - To make sure (almost ;-)) to enter DZ without a car take the route via Algier. DZ national flights are cheap. - avoid the area north of Ghardaia - Leaving DZ for Tunisia without a car should not be a problem. Good luck, Yves http://www.sahara-info.ch [This message has been edited by Yves (edited 10 July 2002).] [This message has been edited by Yves (edited 17 July 2002).] |
Hi Peter,
for somebdoy who is off for a two-year trip with open end and open route you seem quite tense. Go to the border, and check it out there. kevin |
Since April last year I took the Italy-Tunisia-Algeria route five times, the most recent in May. I took the visa three times in bamako, once in Berlin and once in Paris. I am not a resident of any of those countries, and have an EU passport.
Nobody asked me for info on accomodation or for invitations. I have not heard on any of the German or French websites of anybody being asked for proof of this, so Im interested in finding out if this is only yhe case in the London embassy for UK nationals or for everybody. Does anyone have full info on this and not just rumors or guesswork. The situation at Nefta-El Oued is that you cannot WALK from one border to the next. The Tunisians will make sure that the first car passing will take you to the Algerian side to do all formalities there. I took hitchhikers on four ocassions, both Arab and European and nobody had any problems. This is only my experience, maybe the Algerian embassy say something else. If anyone is unsure then I think the above suggestionm to take a domestic flight is excellent. |
Hi,
I crossed Algeria in June 2000 on my bike.I had no problem getting a transit visa in Bamako.It was a great experience,but it was beyond hot...any hotter would have been truly miserable.I only met one our european on the trip.enjoy it,it is unreal |
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My friend from NZ just applied for a Algerian visa in London (with NZ passport) and was told to get the tourist permit thing though the agents (100 euro minimum, accom etc) Still, it was a better response than that recieved from the Sudanese - go to Tokyo as thats the nearest embassy to NZ and apply there ;-) Anyone have the details of the algerian emb in Paris? |
Hey gang
how's the world out there? As I read other posts out there, it seems that there are many questions that have different answers depending on whatever. A lot of it seems to depend on the applying passport and other determining factors seem to be WHICH embassy/consulate and the mood of the clerk on duty. One would think that some of these countries would want more visitors and would make their visa applying process a lot easier, but perhaps not. Re my own situation, it seems that the general concensus is that it is possible for travellers without vehicles to enter Algeria from Tunisia (although some people here say not). The jury is still out on the various requirements re pre-arranged accommodation. If anyone has any FIRST-HAND knowledge on this topic, please post here. But please tell us what the applying passport is and which emassy/consulate you applied at. Plus whatever else you think we should know. |
Hello Peter...
<<FIRST-HAND knowledge on this topic>> YOU NEVER KNOW!!! |
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------------------ Roman (UK) www.polandrover.com |
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