As the official representation of Switzerland, the Embassy covers all matters concerning diplomatic relations between the two countries. It represents Swiss interests in the areas of political, economic, financial and legal affairs, as well as science, education and culture.
The Swiss Embassy in Algeria informs that due to the current situation linked to the coronavirus (COVID-19), no new visa appointment will be given until further notice. All appointments that have already been scheduled (except national visas) are canceled. Algeria has furthermore closed its airspace to commercial flights since March 17, 2020.
Consular services (legalization, civil status and citizenship) are open again upon prior appointment.
The counters remain open to Swiss nationals, for emergencies and with appointment.
The Embassy remains reachable by email:
alger@eda.admin.ch (Swiss citizens, consular matters)
alger.visa@eda.admin.ch (Urgent visa requests)
The Embassy remains at your disposal for any other questions and counts on your understanding.
Since 8 February 2021, there are new special provisions for entry into Switzerland: Ordinance COVID-19 Measures in the field of international passenger transport (Status 22.02.2021). The FOPH's list of states presenting a risk regulates persons who must be quarantined on entering Switzerland.
For entry into Switzerland by air, the following provisions apply:
For entry into Switzerland from a country on the FOPH's list of countries presenting a risk, the following provisions apply:
*Negative COVID test before flight departure in Switzerland:
Either a PCR test (molecular biology analysis for SARS-CoV-2, carried out a maximum of 72 hours before departure) or a rapid SARS-CoV-2 test (carried out a maximum of 24 hours before departure).
*Negative COVID test upon entry into Switzerland:
If the negative COVID test has been carried out more than 72 hours before entry into Switzerland, persons entering Switzerland must undergo a new test on arrival in Switzerland at their own expense.
Exemptions to the testing and quarantine obligation are listed in Article 8 of the Ordinance COVID-19 Measures in the field of international passenger transport. According to the FAQs of the Federal Office of Public Health FOPH, exceptions also include persons of Swiss nationality or holders of a residence permit issued by Switzerland who do not have the opportunity to be tested in good time or without disproportionate effort. The self-declaration "No possibility of being tested" can be found on the FOPH's web site under the "Documents" tab, available in German and English.
Swiss representations abroad do not provide any information on the provisions for exemption from the testing and quarantine obligation. The persons concerned contact the Federal Office of Public Health FOPH directly.
Further information can be found on the FOPH's web site and in its FAQ.
INFORMATION FOR CITIZENS OF SWISS NATIONALITY AND PERSONS RESIDING IN SWITZERLAND AND HOLDERS OF B AND C PERMITS OR VISAS D ISSUED BY THE SWISS EMBASSY WHO ARE STILL BLOCKED IN ALGERIA
This embassy was able to carry out two repatriation flights. For the moment, no other repatriation flight to Switzerland is planned. This embassy works in close collaboration with the local authorities and the European embassies on the spot in order to assess the possibilities of repatriation. It will publish all related information on this website and its Facebook page or directly inform all those registered in its waiting list by e-mail and telephone.
Swiss tourists: The Federal Council calls on Swiss travelers to return home quickly. In order to allow the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) to provide them with better support, people still stranded in Algeria are requested to register quickly on the "Travel Admin" application.
To the attention of any person of the categories indicated above who are still blocked in Algeria because of the pandemic (Swiss citizens or residents in Switzerland), the Embassy of Switzerland in Algiers would like to inform that the airline company Lufthansa continues to organize repatriation flights during the next months. These flights will be operated once a week with a stopover in Frankfurt and connection flights either to Zurich or Geneva (flight dates might be subject to changes).
These flights are intended for Swiss citizens and persons residing in Switzerland and holding B and C permits as well as holders of a D visa, issued by the Swiss Embassy in Algeria.
As the number of seats is limited, we kindly ask you to send us an email as soon as possible on: alger@eda.admin.ch. Please provide all necessary information to complete our list (first and last name according to passport, date of birth, passport number, number and validity of Algerian visa / B/C residence permit in Switzerland, valid telephone number, special needs etc.). This information will be sent to Lufthansa who will contact you for any booking and payment formalities (by credit card). As these flights are organized by a private company, please note that this embassy has no means of intervening or supporting your request to Lufthansa, but will only act as an intermediary between you and this company to facilitate the procedures.
Useful numbers
Civil ambulance : 16 ou 021.61.00.17.
Ambulance 16 (Alger) : 0 21 23-50-50
Ambulance CHU Mustapha-Pacha : 3016.
Ambulance 25 (Constantine) : 0 31 64-12-12/ 64-13-13/ 64-14-14
Ambulance 09 (Blida) : 0 25 41-09-09
Ambulance 19 (Sétif) : 0 36 91-60-60/ 036448585
Ambulance 23 (Annaba) : 0 38 86-23-23
Ambulance 26 (Médéa) : Tel : 025.58.88.88 /025793939
Ambulance 31 (Oran) : 0 41 40-31-31
Poison Control Center (Alger) : 0 21 97-98-98
SOS Ambulance Alger : 021 50 77 77
Telephone medical assistance: 115 (Numéro Vert toute wilaya)
Youth assistance and distress: 116 (Numéro Vert toute wilaya).
Ministry of Health and Population: 0 21 27-97-93
We hope you find this information useful.
Detailed information can be found on the French page.
