Baby steps!

We had planned to take some bikes to the Djanet area this Christmas, but (for reasons unrelated) are now hoping to go at the end of 2023...

Not overland, but I'm living in Alicante and there is a ferry to Algeria... And I have two weeks off in December. Has anyone taken their own vehicle into Algeria post-covid? I saw someone had on Facebook, but he isn't answering my messages......I would love any information!

I have a visa and have bought a ticket. Leaving on the 18th. I'll let you know how it goes. And if you find any info, please share.

Thanks and bon voyage!

Hi all,

I returned from Djanet and the area of Tassili/Tadrat three weeks ago. It was a truly great experience, especially after a ten year break in my Sahara travels. I was there on a trip organised by Andras of FJ Expeditions for an international group of rock art enthusiasts.

As part of an improvised, tailor-made five day programme of exploration of Djanet and the area north of the oasis I had a chance to visit some truly amazing places and experience things that are not normally part of a standard itinerary. Kudos for that to Abdou Borgi who runs L'Agence Essendilène Voyages in Djanet, and to the other guys in the Agency, particularly Salah and Aissa. They went out of their way to let me use their accommodation in Azelouaz and put together a last minute trip, which apart from the landmarks along the tourist track (Essendilène Guelta, Oued Iherir, Tin-Taghirt or Tikoubaouine), included some local flavours, such as an overnight stay with Aissa’s family in the nomadic camp at the bottom of the Essendilène Canyon. I have spent three weeks with these guys and may say they are very professional, honest and dependable. This is my personal recommendation, based on my own experience.

Now that the Algerian government has decided to revive tourism, visiting the south is a good idea again. Applying for the Algerian visa was very straightforward for all members of the group (in Asia, Australia, N. America and Europe). Reaching Djanet by air is quite easy, too, but contrary to road travel, gives you very little time to acclimatise. The upside is it will reduce the time to drive there from the north by up to four days with the mandatory police escort.

__________________
Roman (UK)

Just called the customs at Almeria (Spanish port) and asked what papers I need to board the ship.

They told me that I don't need any thing special just:

- Ticket for the boat
- Passport with visa
- Motorcycle papers

They said everything will be fine as long as I stay under 6 months.

Made it into Algeria! No problems taking the ferry as long as you have all the correct paperwork and you do not intend to visit Sahara.

Will do a longer writeup in the future, but right now I am exhausted.

First foreigners group on motorcycles in Algeria (They are french)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLIcKnYrsyM

This must be new. Back in January getting a visa in the US was near impossible, as lead times were months long.

Big news:
https://www.visa-algerie.com/visas-p...tes-etrangers/
Visa on arrival for tourists visiting the algerian desert.

this makes me really sad because more tourists = more pollution and less fauna

I'm happy for the Algerians! They are very isolated from the world and tourism will bring more money to the ordinary people!

FWIW
You can obtain a visa de regularisation on arrival onto algerian soil.
It is still mandatory that you have booked an organised tour and be accompanied throughout.
Better than nothing but not exactly 'open borders and ride/drive/power slide your camel where you want'.

I am in Algeria right now driving around without a guide. Im staying in the north part of the country tho, not enough time to go to the Sahara.

I am only going on what is published on official sites.
As you say you are there now would you be kind enough to elaborate?
As in where you entered the country (on 2 or 4 wheels)
Aside from passport and vehicle docs, what was asked of you at the border?
Such info would be priceless.
Thank you

I will do a longer writeup with everything next week when my vacation times are over.

But you need a visa, and the normal papers. I am here with my own motorbike registered in Finland. Took the ship from Spain Almeria to ghazaouet.