France visa from Algeria
Last verified: June 2026 (France-Visas / Campus France sources)
Do you need a visa for France from Algeria?
Yes. Algerian nationals need a visa for France (Schengen area). For a stay of ≤ 90 days (tourism, business, visit, medical) it is a Schengen short-stay visa (type C), valid in 29 countries. For studies over 90 days, a long-stay visa (VLS) via the Études en France (Campus France) procedure. The application is submitted at Capago (Algiers, Oran, Annaba, Constantine), the only French-state-certified operator in Algeria. Short-stay fee €90 + insurance ≥ €30,000.
Official source: france-visas.gouv.fr
At a glance
- Main type
- Schengen short stay (type C)
- Length (short stay)
- ≤ 90 days / 180 days
- Area
- 29 Schengen states
- Fees (short stay)
- €90 + insurance ≥ €30,000
- Biometrics
- Yes (fingerprints + photo)
- Submission in Algeria
- Capago (Algiers, Oran, Annaba, Constantine)
- Processing
- ≈ 15 days (book early)
- Study > 90 days
- Long-stay visa via Campus France
Choose your purpose of travel
Required documents (short stay)
- Passport (issued within 10 years, valid 3 months beyond return, 2 blank pages)
- Completed and signed France-Visas form
- ICAO-standard photo (35 × 45 mm)
- Schengen travel insurance ≥ €30,000 (care + repatriation)
- Proof of accommodation (booking or attestation d'accueil)
- Proof of funds (≈ €65/day)
- Round-trip flight booking
- Proof of employment or business registration
- Proof of ties to Algeria (assured return)
How to apply, step by step
- 1Create your application on France-Visas
Fill in and sign the form online.
- 2Book an appointment at Capago
Algiers, Oran, Annaba or Constantine.
- 3Gather the documents
Insurance ≥ €30,000, accommodation, funds, purpose documents.
- 4Submit the file + biometrics + €90
Fingerprints and photo at the Capago centre.
- 5Track and collect your passport
Processing ≈ 15 days.
By purpose of travel
France tourist visa from Algeria
Which visa do you need to visit France as a tourist from Algeria?
For tourism in France, Algerians apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (type C) — stay ≤ 90 days per 180, valid in the 29 Schengen states. You need travel insurance ≥ €30,000, proof of accommodation and funds. Submitted at Capago (Algiers, Oran, Annaba, Constantine). Fee €90. Processing ≈ 15 days.
Extra documents for this purpose
- Hotel reservation / proof of accommodation
- Detailed travel itinerary
Questions about this purpose
How much funding must I prove?
About €65/day for France.
Can I visit other Schengen countries?
Yes, the visa lets you travel across the 29 Schengen states.
France business visa from Algeria
Which visa do you need for a business trip to France from Algeria?
For meetings, trade shows or conferences in France, Algerians apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (type C) for business — stay ≤ 90 days, no paid work. An invitation letter from the French company strengthens the file. Insurance ≥ €30,000. Submitted at Capago. Fee €90.
Extra documents for this purpose
- Invitation letter from the French host company
- Letter from your employer / company
- Meeting agenda / trade-show registration
Questions about this purpose
Can I work on this visa?
No. It covers meetings, trade shows and negotiations, not paid employment (which needs another permit — outside OuiVisa's scope).
Is the invitation letter mandatory?
Strongly recommended: an invitation from the French company strengthens the file.
What fees?
€90 + service fee + insurance ≥ €30,000.
Can I also do tourism?
Yes, the Schengen short-stay visa covers several purposes.
France family visit visa from Algeria
Which visa do you need to visit a relative in France from Algeria?
To visit family or friends in France, Algerians apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (type C) — ≤ 90 days. The host usually provides an attestation d'accueil (validated by their town hall). Insurance ≥ €30,000. Submitted at Capago. Fee €90.
Extra documents for this purpose
- Attestation d'accueil validated by the town hall (host's)
- Proof of relationship (family or friend) and host's ID
Questions about this purpose
What is the attestation d'accueil?
A document filled in by your host in France and validated by their town hall, certifying they are hosting you.
Is it mandatory?
Usually required when staying with a private individual; otherwise a hotel booking.
Who can pay for the stay?
You or your host; provide the matching proof of funds.
Is insurance mandatory?
Yes, ≥ €30,000 for the whole Schengen area.
France medical treatment visa from Algeria
Which visa do you need for medical treatment in France from Algeria?
For treatment in France (≤ 90 days), Algerians apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (type C) for a medical purpose. You need a letter from the French health facility (appointment + cost estimate) and proof of funds covering care and stay. Insurance ≥ €30,000. Submitted at Capago. Fee €90.
Extra documents for this purpose
- Letter from the French health facility (appointment + treatment estimate)
- Medical records + letter from your doctor in Algeria
- Proof of funds covering care and stay
- Proof of coverage / deposit (if applicable)
Questions about this purpose
What medical documents are required?
A letter from the French health facility (appointment + estimate) and your medical records with your Algerian doctor's recommendation.
Can the treatment stay exceed 90 days?
Beyond 90 days, a long-stay visa for medical reasons may be needed (different rules).
How do I fund the care?
At your expense: prove sufficient funds; care is not covered without insurance/agreement.
Is insurance mandatory?
Yes, ≥ €30,000 (Schengen area).
Short study in France (< 90 days) from Algeria
Which visa do you need for a study program under 90 days in France?
For a program under 90 days (course, short internship, training), a Schengen short-stay visa (type C) is enough — no long-stay visa or Campus France procedure. You need an enrolment letter, insurance ≥ €30,000 and proof of funds. Submitted at Capago. Fee €90. For > 90 days, see long-stay study (VLS).
Extra documents for this purpose
- Enrolment / admission letter for the program (< 90 days)
- Proof of funds (fees + stay)
Questions about this purpose
Do I need a long-stay visa?
No for a program under 90 days. A Schengen short-stay visa is enough.
Is the Campus France procedure required?
No for short study (< 90 days); it is required for long study.
What if the program exceeds 90 days?
Then you need a long-stay study visa (VLS) — see the dedicated page.
Can I work?
Short stay does not allow work.
France airport transit visa from Algeria
Do you need an airport transit visa (ATV) for France from Algeria?
Generally, no. Algerian nationals are not on Annex IV of the Visa Code, nor on France's national list (arrêté of 10 May 2010) of nationalities subject to an ATV: no airport transit visa (type A) is required to stay in the international transit zone of a French airport. However, if you must enter the territory (leave the airport, move outside the international zone), you need a Schengen short-stay visa.
Extra documents for this purpose
- Valid passport (3 months beyond transit)
- Connecting-flight ticket (final destination)
- Final-destination country visa (if required)
- Full itinerary
Questions about this purpose
Do Algerians need an ATV for France?
Generally no. Algeria is not on Annex IV of the Visa Code, nor on France's national list (arrêté of 10 May 2010); so transit in the international zone does not require an ATV.
Many sites say otherwise — why?
Some commercial sites claim it, but the French law in force does not include Algeria. Among Schengen states, only the Czech Republic requires an ATV from Algerians.
What if I want to leave the airport?
Then you need a Schengen short-stay visa, not an ATV.
Should I check anything else?
Yes: your airline's and the final-destination country's rules, and your passport validity (3 months beyond transit).
How much does it cost?
No ATV fee, since it is not required. A short-stay visa, if needed to enter, costs €90.
Where do I get information?
On france-visas.gouv.fr and from your airline.
Fees (short stay)
| Schengen visa fee | €90 |
| Capago service fee | ≈ €30–40 |
| Travel insurance (≥ €30,000) | varies |
Official fees: Schengen visa €90 (since 11/06/2024) + Capago service fee + insurance ≥ €30,000. Confirm on france-visas.gouv.fr before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Which visa do I need for France from Algeria?
A Schengen short-stay visa (type C) for ≤ 90 days; a long-stay visa (VLS) via Campus France for studies over 90 days.
Where do I submit my application?
At Capago (Algiers, Oran, Annaba, Constantine), the only French-state-certified operator in Algeria.
How much is the Schengen visa?
€90 + Capago service fee + insurance ≥ €30,000.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes, ≥ €30,000 (care + repatriation), valid across the Schengen area.
How long can I stay?
≤ 90 days in any 180-day period (short stay).
What timeline should I expect?
Processing ≈ 15 days, but Capago appointments must be booked early (6 to 8 weeks).
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