Algeria is stepping up efforts to strengthen its tourism sector after its visa-on-arrival programme attracted nearly 39,000 foreign tourists from 120 countries since its introduction in 2023, prompting the government to review and enhance the scheme.
According to Algeria Radio, the country’s Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Houria Meddahi, chaired a high-level coordination meeting to evaluate the implementation of the visa-on-arrival mechanism and identify ways to improve Algeria’s appeal as a premier destination, particularly for desert tourism in the southern regions.
According to the Ministry, the visa-on-arrival initiative was approved by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in 2023 for foreign tourists travelling to Algeria’s southern wilayas. Since its launch, the policy has delivered encouraging results by simplifying entry procedures and expanding the country’s reach to visitors from around the world. Meddahi said the initiative aligns with Algeria’s national strategy to develop sustainable tourism and position the sector as a key driver of local economic development.
She noted that the next phase should focus on greater coordination among stakeholders, further simplifying procedures, improving service quality and building confidence among tourism operators.
To strengthen implementation, the minister directed that monthly evaluation reports be prepared in collaboration with tourism and travel agencies. These reports will track visa issuance, identify operational challenges and recommend practical measures to improve the system. Provincial tourism directorates have also been instructed to maintain close coordination with accredited travel agencies engaged in inbound tourism. Each agency will designate an official representative, while updated lists of accredited tour guides will be submitted regularly to the ministry’s central departments.
Recognising the importance of service quality, the government plans to organise specialised training programmes for travel agencies, tour guides and hospitality workers. The courses will cover first aid, foreign languages, tourism regulations and best practices for welcoming international visitors, with the aim of raising service standards across the tourism value chain. The ministry also announced plans to convene a national evaluation meeting bringing together inbound tourism operators to review the visa-on-arrival programme, share successful experiences and develop a practical roadmap for attracting more international visitors to Algeria’s vast Sahara region.
The latest review underscores Algeria’s ambition to diversify its economy through tourism by leveraging its rich cultural heritage, archaeological sites and expansive desert landscapes while making travel to the country easier and more attractive for international visitors.
