Taking a Motorhome to Algeria

Taking a motorhome to Algeria is only possible by ferry across the western Mediterranean, from southern France or the Spanish coast. The crossing itself is straightforward; the more demanding part is crossing the border from the EU into a non-EU country: visa, temporary vehicle import and suitable insurance. On this page you'll find the camper routes compared, the visa, customs and insurance rules, and tips on vehicle dimensions and travel timing. If a dog is travelling with you, its entry and return rules also apply - covered in our guide Taking a Dog to Algeria.

The Routes for Motorhomes

Two countries serve as starting points:

• From France: Marseille - Algiers with Corsica Linea, and from Sète Sète - Algiers and Sète - Béjaïa with GNV. Mostly overnight ferries with a cabin, but a long drive through France first.
• From Spain: Barcelona - Algiers and Valencia - Mostaganem with Balearia. From Almería, Naviera Armas runs the shortest crossings to Ghazaouet and Oran in the west.

Visa and Papers for the Driver

For entry, most travellers need a visa. Apply for it in person at your nearest Algerian embassy or consulate before travelling, ideally at least four weeks before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least six months on entry; a national ID card is not sufficient.

For the vehicle, carry your vehicle registration document. Keep your driving licence and vehicle papers within reach; an international driving permit is worth carrying alongside your national licence.

Temporary Import of the Vehicle

You bring your motorhome into Algeria temporarily. It's recorded by customs on entry, and you must be able to prove you re-export it within three months.

Insurance: Green Card or Border Insurance

Vehicle insurance valid for Algeria is compulsory. Before departure, check your green insurance card for the country code DZ. Many standard policies don't include Algeria. If yours doesn't, you take out border insurance on entry. Sort out your cover early so you don't lose time at the port.

Getting Vehicle Dimensions Right

Motorhomes are placed into price categories by length. To avoid surprises at check-in:

• Total length including attachments: bike racks, rear boxes and tow hitches all count.
• Total height: measure including roof fittings, air conditioning and satellite dishes.
• Combinations and oversized vehicles: often bookable only by phone with the operator.

Incorrect measurements can lead to surcharges at check-in or the vehicle not being loaded at all. Better to measure too carefully than not carefully enough.

Gas Bottles and Prohibited Items

If you're travelling with gas bottles on board, safety rules apply: bottles must generally be turned off and labelled. Since requirements vary by operator, check with your ferry company before booking.

Important for customs: operating drones in Algeria requires authorisation and is prohibited without a government licence. Satellite phones, GPS devices, binoculars and laser pointers are also prohibited or subject to authorisation. Declare valuable electronics on entry. Exporting Algerian dinars is prohibited, and cash import is regulated; on departure you may be asked to show proof of how it was used or exchanged.

Best Time to Travel

Ferry services run year-round. Sailings are densest in summer, as many families living in Europe travel to Algeria at that time; cabins and vehicle spaces sell out first. If you're flexible, spring and autumn bring quieter crossings and easier availability of vehicle spaces. The timetable shows which departures run on your travel date.