Does Algeria issue e-visa? If yes, where / how can one apply for one?

There was that quote from a government official but as far as i know that was �aspirational.� We are in Algiers now and have the paper visas from our consulate in NY. Seems its still a way off in the future.

So while you are there have you been scouting around for any interesting airfare deals, like you used to in Colombo in the good old days?

The BA R fares are probably the best deal around. US$1800 or so for ALG-LGW/LHR-LAX and vv. The 2.5 hrs in euro biz from ALG-LGW isnt bad but (1) the passport and security checks at ALG were brutally slow and (2) the LGW to LHR transfer is a drag.

The R fare credits well to the AS mileage plan and has a relatively low cancellation fee and no advance purchase requirements. No stopover in LHR though on this fare. Not a good deal if you dont get a multi entry Algeria visa and amortize that cost over a number of tickets/visits. The Hyatt Regency is brand new and comfortable, and a 5 minute walk on a skybridge from the new terminal in ALG.

My understanding is that if you're travelling with an organised tour operator in the Sahara region, there is the possibility to obtain a visa upon arrival. Essentially, your tour operator would do all the paperwork prior for this.

Don't want to take over this thread but I'm interested in visiting Algeria at the end of April for less than 7 days. Is there any advantage to applying for a Tourist vs Transit Visa? Same price. I live in NJ near philadelphia and might drive up to the NYC like the other poaster. Is there any advantage to dropping off/picking up in person vs by mail? The actual cost of driving up (gas/tolls/parking) is more than postage. Not to mention the time. If I am just dropping off and/or picking up, is it pretty quick? or do I have to wait in a long line for a long time? My biggest concern is that I'm nervous about giving over my passport. I absolutely would like to travel somewhere end of April. I'll go elsewhere if I can't get the visa but I don't want my passport held hostage in a stack in their office. Is there a latest date where I'd be "guaranteed" to be able to get my passport back?

We're also visiting Algeria at the end of April. The website from the Algerian Consulate in New York states that you should apply 60 days out, and not before. Personally, I would not schlep up to NYC until you are in that window. At least that's the way I read it, but I could be wrong.

The processing time is like a day, include a priority mailer and you'll have your passport back in 7-10 days max.

No news or update on this?

Algeria doesn't have a VOA process in the traditional sense:

You can obtain an Algeria visa on arrival (VOA) at Algiers Houari Boumediene International Airport (ALG) only if you intend to spend the majority of your time on an organized tour of the South of the country, and you have booked with an approved Algerian travel agency. The agency will ask you for a load of documentation, then provide you with a required boarding authorization (airlines will ask for this if you cannot show a visa in your passport on departure).

Some agencies will allow you to travel around the north of Algeria too with the VOA, after your tour of the south, but note that this is completely at their discretion and isn't what the VOA is intended for.

Also note that "the South" is an objectively defined area in Algeria, as set by the Algerian authorities, and includes the wilayas of Tamanrasset, Illizi, Tindouf, Adrar, Bechar, Adrar, Timimoune, Djanet, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, B�ni Abb�s, Ain Salah and Touggourt.

More information here.