UK visa from Algeria
Last verified: July 2026 (gov.uk source)
Do you need a visa for the UK from Algeria?
Yes. Algerian nationals need a UK visa — the UK ETA does not apply to Algerians (it is for non-visa nationals only). The UK is not in the Schengen area: this is a national visa. For a stay of ≤ 6 months (tourism, business, visit, medical, short study), it is the Standard Visitor visa, £135. You apply online on gov.uk then give biometrics at VFS Global (Algiers, Oran). For studies over 6 months, it is the Student visa.
Official source: gov.uk
At a glance
- Main type
- Standard Visitor visa
- System
- UK national visa (non-Schengen)
- Length (visitor)
- ≤ 6 months per visit
- Fee (6 months)
- £135
- Long-term
- 2yr £506 / 5yr £903 / 10yr £1,128
- Submission in Algeria
- Online gov.uk + biometrics VFS Global (Algiers, Oran)
- Decision
- UKVI (United Kingdom)
- Study > 6 months
- Student visa (CAS + IHS + TB test)
Choose your purpose of travel
Required documents (Standard Visitor)
- Passport (valid for the whole stay, 1 blank page)
- Completed online application form (gov.uk)
- UK-standard photo (captured digitally at the centre)
- Proof of funds (recent bank statements covering the stay)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel or host letter)
- Round-trip flight booking
- Proof of employment or business registration
- Proof of ties to Algeria (assured return)
- Biometrics appointment at the VFS Global centre (Algiers or Oran)
How to apply, step by step
- 1Complete the online application
On gov.uk: the form, purpose of the visit, fee payment (£135 for 6 months).
- 2Book an appointment at VFS Global (Algiers or Oran)
VFS Global is the official gov.uk partner in Algeria.
- 3Submit your documents + biometrics
Fingerprints and photo at the centre; documents are forwarded to the British Embassy.
- 4UKVI (United Kingdom) decides
A standard decision within ~3 weeks (a priority service may be available).
- 5Collect your passport
At the VFS Global centre / per instructions.
By purpose of travel
UK tourist visa from Algeria
Which visa do you need to visit the UK as a tourist from Algeria?
For tourism in the UK, Algerians apply for a Standard Visitor visa — stay ≤ 6 months. Apply online on gov.uk then give biometrics at VFS Global (Algiers/Oran). Proof of funds and ties to Algeria. Fee £135 (2/5/10-year options for frequent travellers).
Extra documents for this purpose
- Hotel reservation / proof of accommodation
- Travel itinerary (London, Edinburgh…)
Questions about this purpose
Can I extend in-country?
The visitor visa cannot be extended beyond 6 months; the long-term versions allow repeated visits.
UK business visa from Algeria
Which visa do you need for a business trip to the UK from Algeria?
For meetings, trade shows or conferences in the UK, Algerians apply for a Standard Visitor visa for business — stay ≤ 6 months, no paid work for a UK company. An invitation letter from the UK company strengthens the file. Apply online gov.uk + VFS Global. Fee £135.
Extra documents for this purpose
- Invitation letter from the UK host company
- Letter from your employer / company
- Meeting agenda / trade-show registration
Questions about this purpose
Can I work on this visa?
No. The Standard Visitor covers meetings, trade shows and negotiations, not paid work for a UK company (which needs a work visa — outside OuiVisa's scope).
Is the invitation letter mandatory?
Strongly recommended: an invitation from the UK company strengthens the file.
UK family visit visa from Algeria
Which visa do you need to visit a relative in the UK from Algeria?
To visit family or friends in the UK, Algerians apply for a Standard Visitor visa — ≤ 6 months. The host provides an invitation letter with proof of their status (citizen/resident) and accommodation. Apply online gov.uk + VFS Global. Fee £135.
Extra documents for this purpose
- Host invitation letter (status + address)
- Proof of the family relationship
- Proof of accommodation (with host or hotel)
Questions about this purpose
What invitation does the UK need?
A letter from the UK host stating their status (citizen/resident), address and any cover of the stay; attached to your proof of funds.
Who can pay for the stay?
You or your host; provide the matching proof of funds.
UK medical treatment visa from Algeria
Which visa do you need for medical treatment in the UK from Algeria?
For private treatment in the UK, Algerians apply for a Standard Visitor visa for a medical purpose (up to 6 months; an 11-month medical extension exists). You need a letter from the UK clinic/doctor (appointment + estimate) and proof of funds to pay for the care. Apply online gov.uk + VFS Global. Fee £135.
Extra documents for this purpose
- Letter from the UK clinic / doctor (appointment + estimate)
- Medical records + letter from your doctor in Algeria
- Proof of funds to pay for care and stay
- Proof of coverage / deposit (if applicable)
Questions about this purpose
What medical documents are required?
A letter from the UK clinic or doctor (appointment + cost estimate) and your medical records with your Algerian doctor's recommendation.
Can the treatment stay exceed 6 months?
Yes, an 11-month medical extension exists (specific rules).
Is the care free (NHS)?
No: it is private care at your expense; prove sufficient funds.
Short study in the UK (< 6 months) from Algeria
Which visa do you need for a course under 6 months in the UK?
For a course under 6 months (short English course, training), the Standard Visitor visa is enough — no Student visa. You need an enrolment letter from an accredited institution and proof of funds. Apply online gov.uk + VFS Global. Fee £135. For a 6–11 month English course a Short-term study visa exists; beyond that, see the Student visa.
Extra documents for this purpose
- Enrolment / admission letter for the course (< 6 months)
- Proof of funds (fees + stay)
Questions about this purpose
Do I need a Student visa?
No for a course under 6 months. A Standard Visitor visa is enough.
What about a 6–11 month English course?
A separate Short-term study visa covers English courses of 6–11 months.
What if the course is longer?
Then you need a Student visa (CAS, IHS, TB test) — see the dedicated page.
UK airport transit visa from Algeria
Do you need an airport transit visa for the UK?
Yes — note: Algeria is among the nationalities that need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) for the UK, even without crossing the border. The DATV costs £41.50 (airside, up to 24h). If you go through border control and leave within 48h, it is a Visitor in Transit visa (£74.50). Exemptions: holders of a valid Australia/Canada/New Zealand/USA visa, or a UK Standard Visitor visa, do not need the DATV.
Extra documents for this purpose
- Valid passport
- Onward ticket (connecting flight)
- Visa of the final destination (if required)
- Evidence of a reasonable journey
Questions about this purpose
Do Algerians need a transit visa for the UK?
Yes. Algeria is among the nationalities subject to the DATV, even for an airside-only transit.
When do I need a Visitor in Transit visa?
If you cross UK border control and leave the UK within 48 hours.
What are the DATV exemptions?
A valid Australia/Canada/New-Zealand/USA visa, or a UK Standard Visitor visa, exempt you from the DATV.
Fees (Standard Visitor)
| Standard Visitor (6 months) | £135 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor | 2yr £506 / 5yr £903 / 10yr £1,128 |
| VFS Global service fee | confirm at appointment |
Official fees (gov.uk): Standard Visitor £135 (6 months); long-term £506 (2yr) / £903 (5yr) / £1,128 (10yr, 6-month max per visit, from 8 April 2026), + VFS Global service fee (to confirm). Visitors do NOT pay the health surcharge (IHS). The UK is not in the Schengen area: this is a national visa; you apply online on gov.uk then give biometrics at VFS Global (Algiers, Oran). Confirm on gov.uk before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I submit a UK visa from Algeria?
Online on gov.uk, then biometrics at the VFS Global centre (Algiers or Oran); UKVI decides.
Where do I submit my application?
You apply online on gov.uk (form + payment), then give your biometrics at the VFS Global centre (Algiers or Oran), the official partner that forwards the file to the British Embassy. The decision rests with UKVI (United Kingdom).
Does the UK visa cover the Schengen area or Ireland?
No. The UK is not in the Schengen area — this visa is for the UK only. It also does not cover Ireland: Algeria is not eligible for the British-Irish Visa Scheme, so a separate Irish visa is needed.
How much is the visitor visa?
£135 for 6 months; £506 (2yr), £903 (5yr) or £1,128 (10yr) long-term, + VFS Global service fee.
How long can I stay?
Up to 6 months per visit with a Standard Visitor visa (the 2/5/10-year versions allow repeated visits of up to 6 months).
What timeline should I expect?
A standard decision within ~3 weeks; a paid priority service may be faster. Book the VFS Global appointment early.
Is visa approval guaranteed?
No. Issuance is at UKVI's discretion; a OuiVisa partner agency prepares and tracks the file, but approval is not guaranteed.
Ready to submit your UK visa application?
A OuiVisa partner agency near you prepares and tracks your file (gov.uk form + VFS Global appointment).
Find a partner agencyVisa application assistance — short and long stay, including study. OuiVisa does not provide immigration advice, residency, family reunification, work-permit or settlement services; for these we refer you to a licensed adviser. Visa issuance is at the consular authority's discretion; approval is not guaranteed.
