Source: World Bank
Everyone except Moroccan and Tunisian nationals needs a visa to enter Algeria. Nationals of Israel, Malawi and Taiwan are not allowed into the country, and if you have a stamp in your passport from any of these countries your application might be rejected.
If you’re getting an Algerian visa before leaving home, you need a letter from your employer or university to say you’ll be coming back after your holiday and an ‘invitation’ to visit the country from an Algerian contact or tourist agency (the latter is available from several travel agencies in Tamanrasset). Applications lodged in Europe might also require three photos. Getting a visa en route is usually pretty straightforward in Niger, Chad and Mali.
Costs of a 30-day visa are around US$45. Some embassies ask for photocopies of your passport.
Visa extensions
Visa extensions can be obtained from the Department des Estrangers (Blvd Zighout Youssef 19A, Algiers), but are not easy to obtain.
Visas for onward travel
Visas for the following countries are available from embassies in Algiers or consulates in Tamanrasset.
Mali One-month visas cost US$36 and are usually issued in 24 hours. You’ll need two photos.
Niger One-month visas are issued the same day, costing between US$35 and US$0. Three photos and three application forms are required.
The Relationship
The importance of personal relationships can not be underestimated. Always invest in building trust and rapport.
You will notice that Algerians do not leave a great deal of personal space between each other. If someone stands close to you or holds your arm, do not back away.
Preserving honour/reputation is important. Algerians will try to preserve their reputations telling people what they think they want to hear even if it is not the truth.
It is important to bear this in mind when communicating with Algerians, i.e. do not cause them to lose face especially in public.
Within Algeria the "you scratch my back and I scratch yours" mentality works. Try and do favours for people as this will mean they owe you one back.
Business Cards
There is no formal ritual surrounding business cards.
It may be a good idea to have them translated into French or Arabic.
Always use the right hand to give and receive.
Business Meetings
Appointments are necessary and should be made as far in advance as possible and confirmed a day or two before the meeting.
It is best to avoid scheduling meetings during Ramadhan. o Remember Fridays are a Muslim holiday so most companies will be closed.
Try to arrive at meetings on time and be prepared to wait. Algerian businesspeople who are accustomed to dealing with international companies often strive to arrive on time, although it is often difficult for them to do so in such a relationship driven culture.
In general, Algerians have an open-door policy, even during meetings. This means you may experience frequent interruptions. Others may even wander into the room and start a different discussion. You may join in, but do not try to bring the topic back to the original discussion until the new person leaves.
French and Arabic are generally the language of business, although some companies use English.
Most businesses in Algeria keep standard opening hours, but everything closes on Friday for the Islamic weekend.
