How to apply for a Schengen visa from Algeria

If you are from Algeria, you likely lack visa-free access to the Schengen area, which means you will need to apply for a Schengen visa in order to enter most countries in Europe. A Schengen visa from Algeria will allow you to spend up to 90 days throughout the 26 countries in the Schengen area, which includes France, Italy, and Germany, among other vibrant destinations. Today’s blog will provide an overview of how to apply for a Schengen visa from Algeria. If you are applying for a short-stay Schengen visa from Algeria, you may be wondering, “Where do you apply for Schengen visa in Algeria?” and “How much does a Schengen visa cost from Algeria?” In addition to answering those questions, today’s blog will also examine the various Schengen visa requirements for Algeria citizens and residents, and Schengen visa types for Algeria passport holders. 

Apply for a Schengen visa from Algeria

• 1. Determine when to apply 
  • The Schengen visa for Algerians should be applied for no later than 3 weeks before travel to the Schengen area, and no earlier than 6 months before. 
  • The application process can take a while—especially for first-time applicants, so make sure that you give yourself enough time to gather your required documents and meet the application requirements. 
• 2. Determine where to apply 
  • Applicants for the Schengen visa from Algeria should apply through the Schengen country they intend to spend the most time in while on their trip. 
  • For example, if you are planning on spending 30 days in France and 20 days in Italy, you should apply for a French Schengen visa. 
  • If you are spending an equal amount of time in more than one Schengen country (for example, 30 days in France and 30 days in Italy) you should apply through the country that represents your first entry into the Schengen area. For example, if you are flying directly from Algiers to Paris, you should apply for a French Schengen visa (even if you are spending an equal amount of time in Italy). 
  • Now that you know what country you are applying to, you are likely wondering, “Where do you apply for Schengen visa in Algeria?” When it comes to the specific application location, you should apply through the embassy, consulate, or visa application center in Algeria affiliated with the Schengen country you are applying to. 
  • For example, if you are applying for a short-stay Schengen visa from Algeria via France, you may be asked to apply through the French Embassy in Algiers (most of the application destinations will be in the capital). 
• 3. Determine your visa type 
  • There are a number of different Schengen visa types for Algeria passport holders, each of which reflects a specific purpose for traveling. 
  • Popular Schengen visa types include Tourism, Medical, and Business—for a complete list, click here.
• 4. Determine your entry category 
  • Schengen visas are available in single, double, and multiple entry categories: the kind you select will determine whether or not you can return to the Schengen area after exiting it. 
  • For example, if you have a single entry Schengen visa, and you leave the Schengen area to return to Algeria for whatever reason, and you try to re-enter the Schengen zone, you will not be allowed in—even if you still have time left on your visa. 
  • Alternatively, if you receive a double-entry visa, you will be allowed to re-enter the Schengen area a single time after exiting. 
  • In summary: if you think you will need to exit and re-enter the Schengen area throughout your visa validity period, you should apply for, at minimum, a double-entry Schengen visa. 
• 5. Gather your required materials
  • Schengen visa requirements for Algeria citizens and residents include the submission of the following documents and materials:
    • Passport (with two blank spaces for your Schengen visa) 
    • Photos (2) 
    • Proof of accommodation (information on where you plan on staying)
    • Proof of finances (financial evidence that you can afford the cost of your trip) 
    • Proof of travel medical insurance 
    • Schengen visa application 
    • Biometric information (photos and fingerprints)
    • Schengen visa fee
  • In addition to the above requirements, the Schengen visa for Algerians requires the submission of a number of supplemental materials, depending on what specific type of visa you are applying for. 
  • For example, if you plan on staying at a friend’s house on a Tourist visa, you will likely have to submit a letter from that friend, officially inviting you to stay with her in the Schengen area.  
  • Please be aware that most Schengen countries require applicants to submit materials that are written in that Schengen country’s official language(s) OR which are accompanied by an official translation into that language, English, or another commonly spoken European language). 
  • For example, if you are applying for an Algerian Schengen visa from France, you will likely have to submit documents written in French. If they are not written in French, you will be allowed to submit them, provided you do so alongside official French translations. 
  • Contact us to help you with the requirements for the embassy/consulate of the Schengen country you are applying through in advance of submitting documents in Arabic or another non-European language. 
  • For more information on required documents and materials, click here.
• 6. Access your Schengen visa application
  • Depending on where you are applying from, you may be able to submit the universal Schengen visa form, available here. Applicants who apply this way should download, print out, and fill out the attached form. Eventually, they will submit a physical copy of it in person, along with their completed application. 
  • Certain countries, such as France, prefer that you apply online, through their country-specific visa portal.
  • Germany also prefers that applicants for German Schengen visas apply directly through its country-specific visa portal, called VIDEX, here.
  • The majority of applicants who apply through country-specific visa portals will also be allowed to pay their Schengen visa fee and schedule a Schengen visa appointment through the same online-process. 
  • Please note that online applicants will often be asked to print out and submit a paper copy of their online application, at their Schengen visa appointment.  
• 7. Schedule your Schengen visa appointment 
  • The majority of Schengen visa applicants will formally submit their application in-person at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center of the country they are applying through. In almost all cases, this requires scheduling a Schengen visa appointment, rather than simply dropping off your application during operating hours. 
  • If you applied through an online visa-portal, after you fill out your online form, you may be asked to schedule a visa appointment at your application destination. 
  • If you do not apply online (or do not receive an automated request to schedule your appointment) you can contact us for your application destination to see if you can do so. 
• 8. Attend your Schengen visa appointment
  • Now that you have gathered all of your application materials and filled out your Schengen visa form, it is time to attend your Schengen visa appointment. 
  • In addition to formally submitting your application, your Schengen visa appointment is where you will have your biometric information taken (unless you have submitted it on a previous-Schengen visa form and it remains in the system) pay your Schengen visa fee (unless you already paid it when applying online) and submit to a short interview. 
  • Not everyone is required to attend an interview. If you have previously and frequently applied for a Schengen visa (and already paid your visa fee), you may not need to appear in person to submit your application. 
  • However, even if you have already submitted your biometric information and paid your visa fee, you may still be asked to appear in person to submit your application. 
  • How much does a Schengen visa cost from Algeria? Please note that the Schengen visa fee is 80 EUR for most applicants (around 12,945 Algerian Dinars). 
  • Make sure you know what currency and form of payment your application location will accept, prior to arriving at your Schengen visa appointment. For example, some countries may only let you pay in Euros, while others may accept local currency. Additionally, some countries might accept cash, while others will insist on checks or another form of payment. 
  • For more information on Schengen visa fees (including to find out if you might be exempt from paying, or subject to reduced costs) click here. 
• 9. Await your decision 
  • The majority of Algerian Schengen visa applications are processed with 15 days (although some can take 30-60 days. 
  • If you are approved from a visa, you will receive a notification to pick it up (inside your passport). 
  • If you are rejected for an Algerian Schengen visa, you have the right to appeal. For general information on appealing a rejected Schengen visa, click here.