Algeria - Clearance

Notes:

• Legally an advance visa is required of most Nationals before entering Algerian waters. This implies that any boat within 12NM of the coast may be boarded and asked for its intentions. However, a recent report indicates that a visa is not required by visiting cruisers who do not intend to leave the port.
• Always be sure to have an Algerian courtesy flag on board ready to use.  It is not possible to get a flag on arrival in country and if you are not flying one on arrival, you will be fined.

Call the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 on entering Algerian waters.  Most ports monitor VHF Channels 12 or 14, but apart from Arabic, only French is usually understood. Yachts must clear in and out of each harbor. Sidi Fredj, which has a marina, is the best port of entry as the officials there are used to yachts. It is necessary to clear with Customs, police and the military as well.

If you have AIS, ensure it is on. You are likely to be checked at least daily while in Algerian waters. Always call the Harbour Master before entering any port.

Customs may search the yacht and will require an inventory. Foreign currency and main dutiable items should be declared. If not the owner of the boat, the captain must have a written authorisation from the owner.

Do not expect any helpful officials who take your lines, know what to do with them!

Always advise the police of any plans to leave to port and explore the town. They will probably assign a plain-clothed policeman to accompany you.

Fishing ports are more relaxed regarding paperwork than in official ports. However, it is still likely to take several hours to deal with it all, so friendliness and patience are required. Be prepared with many copies of all documents and have a boat stamp too.

Last updated:  February 2018.