The Algerian passport, issued by the General Directorate for National Security (DGSN) under the Ministry of Interior, is the official travel document for citizens of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. It serves as proof of Algerian citizenship and identity, and is required for international travel and re-entry into Algeria. Since 2012, Algeria has issued biometric passports that meet ICAO international standards, with embedded chips storing the holder's photograph, fingerprints, and digital signature.
The Algerian passport ranks among the mid tier passports in North Africa, with Algeria gradually expanding bilateral visa agreements particularly across Sub Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. The country's diplomatic strategy has focused on strengthening ties with African Union partners and emerging economies rather than Western nations.
Types of Algerian Passports
Ordinary Passport (green cover): issued to Algerian citizens for personal and business travel.
Diplomatic Passport (red cover): issued to members of the government, ambassadors, and senior diplomats.
Service Passport (blue cover): issued to government officials and military officers on official duty.
Mission Passport: issued to Algerian nationals travelling on temporary official government assignments.
Validity of an Algerian Passport
A standard Algerian biometric passport is valid for 10 years for adults aged 19 and above. For minors under 19, the validity is 5 years. Algerian passports can be renewed through the local daira (district administration) or at any Algerian consulate abroad. Most countries require the passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure.
What Does It Look Like?
The standard Algerian passport has a dark green cover featuring the national emblem of Algeria in gold, depicting the hand of Fatima, a crescent moon, the star of the Algerian flag, and rays of the rising sun. The words "PASSPORT" and "People's Democratic Republic of Algeria" are printed in Arabic, French, and English in gold lettering. The cover displays the inscription "الجمهورية الجزائرية الديمقراطية الشعبية" in Arabic. Newer Algerian biometric passports include a polycarbonate data page, advanced security features, and a biometric chip embedded in the cover.
Inside the Passport
The identity page includes the following details:
Passport holder's photograph
Full legal name in Arabic and French
Passport number
Country Code (DZA)
Nationality (Algerian)
Date and place of birth
Sex
Date of issue and expiration
Issuing authority
Signature of the bearer
National ID Number
Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)
All Algerian passports issued since 2012 contain an embedded biometric chip storing the holder's fingerprints, facial features, and digital signature, enhancing security and facilitating international travel.
Visa-Free Access with an Algerian Passport
As of 2026, Algerian passport holders can access 67 destinations without applying for a visa in advance. This includes 26 fully visa free entries and 41 visa on arrival destinations. Algerian citizens enjoy visa free access to several African and Caribbean nations including Tunisia, Mauritania, Mali, Malaysia, Kenya, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Visa on arrival is available in destinations like Cape Verde, Comoros, Ethiopia, Madagascar, and the Maldives. Major destinations that require advance visas for Algerian citizens include the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and most Gulf Cooperation Council states.
Passport Strength and Ranking
According to the Atlys Passport Index 2026, the Algerian passport ranks 72nd globally with a mobility score of 67. Algeria sits in the mid tier of African passports, with mobility comparable to Egypt and Jordan, but significantly behind Morocco (59th) and the UAE (1st). The Algerian passport has seen modest improvement over the past decade as Algeria has signed new visa waiver agreements with countries in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. Major mobility expansion remains limited by the absence of agreements with the Schengen Area, the UK, and the US, which together account for the majority of high mobility destinations.
The Algerian passport reflects the country's measured diplomatic positioning and its growing relationships with non Western economies. With access to 67 visa free or visa on arrival destinations, biometric security features, and ongoing diplomatic outreach across the Global South, the Algerian passport continues to serve as a reliable travel document for Algerian citizens.