Algeria is beckoning tourists to its stunning Sahara desert with open arms, introducing convenient visa policies and new flight connections. In a bid to boost visitor numbers, Air Algerie has initiated direct routes from France to southern Algeria, making it more accessible than ever before.
Just last week, Algeria eased entry conditions for foreign travelers by offering visas upon arrival. This significant change is part of the country’s strategy to promote Sahara tourism, particularly during the peak season from October to March.
Starting in late October, Air Algerie will commence air routes from Paris to two southern Algerian cities: Djanet and Tamanrasset. These flights have already generated considerable interest, with the first two Paris-to-Tamanrasset flights fully booked, as confirmed by a travel operator partnering with Air Algerie. In addition to these routes, two more connections, Marseille-Tamanrasset and Marseille-Djanet, are set to open at the end of December, aligning with the desert’s appeal during end-of-year festivities.
In the past, the situation in Algeria’s south was marred by Tuareg rebellions in neighboring Mali. However, last year, Algeria reinstated the Paris-Djanet link, which had been disrupted for 12 years. Despite the improved conditions, the French foreign ministry still designates Djanet as an “orange zone,” advising against travel unless necessary, while Tamanrasset is classified as “yellow,” indicating the need for heightened vigilance.
Under the new, traveler-friendly regulations announced by Algeria’s interior ministry, tourists can purchase flights directly from Air Algerie or work with approved tourist operators. These operators are required to provide authorities with information about tourists and their planned itineraries.
Travelers can find enticing packages, such as nine-day stays in Djanet starting at €800 per person, complete with desert excursions, or opt for 15-day experiences in Tassili N’Ajjer, a vast plateau in southeast Algeria, for up to €1,800 per person. Tassili N’Ajjer’s rocky landscapes have received UNESCO world heritage status, thanks to its exceptional collection of prehistoric cave art.
Khadidja Benmessaoud, a trailblazer in Sahara adventure tourism and the founder of the Itinerance travel agency, expressed excitement about the new developments. She recently opened a guest house in Tamanrasset and believes that the decision to grant tourist visas on arrival is a game-changer for the sector. Algeria’s Tourism Minister Yacine Hammadi also sees a promising future for the tourism industry, citing the region’s unique natural and cultural assets, along with its world-classified sites in the Algerian Sahara.
Algeria is undoubtedly becoming a more enticing destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable Sahara adventure, and these recent changes are poised to make it more accessible and appealing than ever before.
