Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Algeria - Visa, North/South travel, etc. Algeria - Visa, North/South travel, etc.
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Trans Sahara Routes.

Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 May 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 3
Algeria - Visa, North/South travel, etc.
Hello, I have a question about traveling in Algeria. In particular, I am interested in working with a tour agency in the South to arrange a visa. I'd like to take a desert tour (likely from Djanet), but would also like to travel the North independently. Has anyone on here been able to do that? In other words, have you been able to obtain a visa invitation from an agency in the South with whom you planned a desert tour, while still being able to travel the North independently? The plan is to visit Algiers, M'Zab, Oran (etc) on my own, then fly to Djanet for a desert trip.

Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 May 2012
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,989
If I were to do this I'd try it the other way round: fly to Djanet, do your agency tour and then fly back north to try and do your own thing.

That way your entry date matches more or less with the agency but you still get the month's visa. Last few times we've arrived at Algiers airport immigration asked who or where our agency is - and were satisfied with a name and that they are down south where we flew later that day.

I would also be up front with the agency because if you're not and you get caught, it's they who get in trouble. What you're doing up north doesn't seem to be completely proscribed the way unescorted driving down south is, but is very unusual. The people of course will be normal; it's the men in hats who may get nervous, so you would do well to behave discretely and not to look too much like a happy-clappy backpacker.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 May 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portugal
Posts: 13
Hi!

We just crossed Algeria last week, but they only gave us the visa - In túnis - after we wrote them a letter with the compromisse we wouldn t travel south. With an agency I have no idea.

in the north we traveled independently with no problems at all!

And then we took a boat to Spain after 11 months round Africa on our reanault 4L!

cheers from Portugal

Carlos

Not 2 late trip
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 May 2012
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,989
Congratulations on completing your big circuit Carlos, and managing to drive across Alg without an escort and even getting a visa in Tunis. Not sure I've heard that before.
Which border did you use, Nefta or further north?

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 May 2012
gregor's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: rzeszow, poland
Posts: 39
visa alg
hi.

I just ask algerian embassy in Poland about visa to south alg.

They answered me that, if I take my own car or motorbike I don't get a visa.
Only travel agency car can be used.

in other embassies are the same?
__________________
GZ
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 May 2012
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,989
Fly-ins only? Sounds a bit extreme - I've never heard of that before (though even then, 3 out of 10 fly-ins from various countries failed to get a visa/the right visa for my camel group last Dec).

Each consulate seems to have its own rules.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Tallinn
Posts: 404
Quote:
Originally Posted by gregor View Post
They answered me that, if I take my own car or motorbike I don't get a visa.
Only travel agency car can be used.
The vibes I'm getting on the grapevine is that due to the repeated misconduct of a couple of irresponsible idiots on the Bamako rally, it is practically impossible for anyone with an Eastern European passport to get a drive-in visa.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 May 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2
Travelling to Algeria - COST!!!
Hi everyone,

Basically I didn't know how to write a thread so I'm going to have to write my question here. I'm planning to move over to Algeria and I want to take a car from London. I literally need to know the CHEAPEST way of doing this. As I'm a student I don't have a lot of money to spare, not taking a car is not an option as I'm in sheer desperation for a car in Algeria, it's vital in order for me to function normally on a day to day basis. What are the rules of shipping over a car in a container? Is it cheaper than driving it over myself? What would be the cheapest route to go by if I did drive, through Spain or France? I really need answers as I'm pitching my idea to my father when I see him this summer so I need to sound like I actually know what I'm doing (haha?). Thanks so much to anyone that replies. For the information I'm thinking of buying a freelander 2002 reg I think.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
Hi,
make sure that you understand the customs rules applicable before buying a car. For a temporary import (max 3 months) any car will do. But for "permanent" importation cars older than 3 years are banned! (law since 2005)
Also I feel that considering repairs (which a 10 year old car may require from time to time) a model frequently encountered in Algeria were parts are cheap to obtain and mechanics used to work on will be of advantage - a Freelander is not one of thees.
I would expect that taking the ferry from France or Spain is the cheapest way to get a car over to Algeria, and less hassle than by cargo (container).
__________________
Yves
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 20 May 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2
Thanks so much for that I thought there was that type of ruling about how old it should be. I think I could go over and take it out every 3 months, I could drive over to Tunisia, me and my dad could alternate. What car do you think would be best then? This will be my first personal car that's actually mine. I'd like to spend around £1,500 on it as I said before my costs have to be low as I'm in need of taking money over there to live. How much do you think everything will from (including fuel) From England to Algeria, through france or spain. Thanks for your speedy reply!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2 Jul 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 42
Motor tours in Algeria
This is hopefully a easier question that posted here recently..
A solo Yank living in Italy with a GS bike and just got Chris's new Sahara overland book! Planning a 6 month africa tour and would like to start it off with a bang.

are motorcycle 'tours' available in southern algeria for those with a bike, coming thru Tunisia (via ferry from Genoa). I'm not after slipping thru the cracks, but want to see it before me and my bike ship home. Or is it so rare it is always independently organized?

And if this doesn't pan out, is south western Libya off limits for independent travel? i've read that its perhaps not so hard to drive west to east along the coast road (tourist visa available i think) but that's not that interesting except for Leptus magnus

Jim
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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
Adventure Travel Film Festival Australia - Bright Vic 24-26 Feb 2012 Adventure Travel Film Festival Australia HU Travellers Meetings - Australia 23 28 Nov 2012 06:04
West Africa visas - 2011 experience africano sub-Saharan Africa 12 7 Apr 2012 13:39
Algeria Travel Agent Recom. nick13 North Africa 2 26 Feb 2012 09:31
Morocco travel info-- visa, green card. jimmyboris Morocco 7 14 Jan 2012 19:16
Latest updates from Algeria TurboCharger North Africa 2 6 Dec 2011 14:26

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 04:20.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top