FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about the ferry to Algeria - from routes and the timetable to vehicles, visas, customs and travelling with a dog.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ferry to Algeria
Whether by car, motorhome or as a foot passenger: here you'll find answers about routes and ports, the timetable and booking, life on board, vehicles and customs, visas, and travelling with a dog.
Routes & Ports
Where do ferries to Algeria depart from?+
Ferries to Algeria depart from France and Spain. From France they leave from Marseille and from Sète; from Spain from Barcelona, Valencia and Almería. There is no direct ferry connection to Algeria from ports outside France and Spain.
What routes are there to Algeria?+
Bookable routes include Marseille - Algiers, Sète - Algiers and Sète - Béjaïa from France, and Barcelona - Algiers and Valencia - Mostaganem from Spain. From Almería, Naviera Armas sails to Ghazaouet and Oran. The map on the homepage shows all connections at a glance.
Which port is right for my destination in Algeria?+
For Algiers and the central region, Marseille, Sète or Barcelona are good options. For Béjaïa in the east, sail from Sète; for Mostaganem and Oran in the west, sail from Valencia, Barcelona or Almería. Ghazaouet, in the far west, is quickest to reach from Almería.
How long does the crossing to Algeria take?+
It depends heavily on the route. The Spanish connections from Almería are the shortest; the overnight ferries from France via Marseille and Sète take considerably longer and run overnight. The exact times for your date are shown in the timetable.
Timetable & Booking
How much does the ferry to Algeria cost?+
Travelling as a foot passenger via the Spanish ports is the cheapest option; taking a vehicle on the long overnight ferries from France costs the most. Price depends on route, season, vehicle and cabin category. Compare all connections, with starting prices and money-saving tips, on the Prices & Costs page.
Where can I find the ferry timetable to Algeria?+
All departures with date, ship and arrival time are in the timetable. Select your departure and destination port and your date there to see the next connections.
Which operators sail to Algeria?+
The bookable connections are operated by Corsica Linea (from Marseille), GNV (from Sète), Balearia (from Barcelona and Valencia) and Naviera Armas (from Almería). The state-owned Algérie Ferries (ENTMV) also serves these ports, but you book its sailings through its own channels.
When should I book?+
As early as possible, especially for the summer months. During the peak travel season from June to September, cabins and vehicle spaces sell out first, as many families living in Europe travel to Algeria at that time. The booking window shows the price for your date and vehicle; an overview of all fares is on the Prices & Costs page.
How early should I be at the port for check-in?+
For crossings to Algeria, which include border and customs control, you should arrive at the terminal considerably earlier than for an EU ferry; operators require several hours' lead time, especially with a vehicle. The exact check-in time is on your booking confirmation. Keep passports and visas ready for everyone travelling.
On Board & Vehicles
Do I need a cabin?+
For the long overnight ferries from France, a cabin is strongly recommended; inside and outside cabins of various categories are available. On the shorter crossings from Spain, a seat is often enough. Cabins sell out early in peak season, so book yours in advance.
Is the car deck accessible during the crossing?+
No. For safety reasons the car deck remains closed during the crossing. Take everything you'll need on board out of the vehicle before boarding: ID, passport and booking confirmation, medication, chargers and valuables.
Can I take my car or motorhome?+
Yes, all connections to Algeria are car ferries and carry cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorcycles and bicycles. Because Algeria is outside the EU, customs, the temporary vehicle import and insurance valid for Algeria also apply. Everything on this is in our guide Taking a motorhome to Algeria.
How do I pay on board?+
Major credit cards are accepted on board, usually charged in euros. Since exporting Algerian dinars is prohibited and cards don't work everywhere in Algeria, budget some cash for your time on the ground and exchange money once you've arrived.
Entry, Customs & Dogs
Do I need a visa for Algeria?+
Yes. Most travellers need a visa for Algeria, applied for in person at your nearest Algerian embassy or consulate before travelling, ideally at least four weeks in advance. Your passport must be valid for at least six months on entry; a national ID card is not sufficient.
Do I need to declare my vehicle to customs for Algeria?+
Yes. You bring your vehicle in temporarily and must be able to prove you re-export it within three months. You may not leave the country without the vehicle you entered with, and selling it without customs authorisation carries heavy penalties. Insurance valid for Algeria is compulsory. Details are in our guide Taking a motorhome to Algeria.
What items am I not allowed to bring in?+
Strictly prohibited or subject to authorisation are, among others, drones (an Algerian government licence is required), satellite phones, GPS devices, binoculars and laser pointers. Declare valuable electronics on entry. Exporting Algerian dinars is prohibited.
Can I take my dog on the ferry to Algeria?+
Yes, but it takes preparation. For entry, Algeria requires an official, French-language health certificate confirming a valid rabies vaccination. The real bottleneck is the return to the EU: because Algeria is not listed as rabies-free, your dog needs a rabies antibody (titre) test. Everything on paperwork, the titre test and onboard accommodation is in our guide Taking a dog to Algeria.