Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Getting or renewing an Algerian passport can quickly feel like a complex administrative maze, especially since the introduction of biometric passports. Between the forms, the 12S birth certificate, the standardized photos, and the fees that vary depending on whether you live in Algeria or abroad, it’s easy to get lost. This guide aims to compile, in a clear and structured way, the essential information from official texts and consulate instructions to explain, step by step, how to obtain a country passport in Algeria and from abroad.
Understanding the Algerian Biometric Passport
The passport currently issued is an individual biometric document. It is no longer possible to include children on a parent’s passport, even for infants. Every citizen, including a newborn, is entitled to their own passport.
The validity period depends on age. An adult, aged 19 and over, receives a document valid for ten years. For a minor under 19, the validity is five years. This passport is produced in Algeria, even when the application is submitted at a consulate abroad, which explains the processing time of a few weeks between submission and delivery.
Renewing the document involves creating a completely new booklet, with a new number, and the old one is canceled.
Validity Period and Renewal Options
The holder can apply for a passport renewal up to six months before the expiration date. It is also possible to reapply for a passport before this deadline if all pages are filled with visas and stamps. In this case, the decision to accept or reject the early application rests entirely with the daïra or consulate services, which may refuse if the pages are not deemed truly full.
The desire to obtain a long-term visa, such as a multi-year Schengen visa, does not constitute a valid reason to demand an early renewal of a passport that is still valid and has blank pages.
Destruction of Uncollected Passports
Algerian law on travel documents (Law No. 14-03) imposes a little-known but significant rule. Once the passport is produced and made available at the consulate or daïra, the holder is invited to come and pick it up. If they do not appear within six months of the notification of availability, the document is simply destroyed.
In this situation, any new application comes at a higher cost: the amount of the required revenue stamp for the new passport is doubled compared to the normal rate, except in cases of force majeure recognized by the administration.
Where and How to Submit Your Application
The procedure varies depending on whether you reside in Algeria or abroad, but one principle remains: the application is submitted to the competent authority of the place of residence, and the applicant’s presence is almost always mandatory.
In Algeria, you apply to the municipality, the daïra, or the administrative branch in the same wilaya. Abroad, you submit the application at the consulate or embassy of Algeria under your jurisdiction, after consular registration.
Steps in Algeria
For a resident in Algeria, the first step is to obtain and fill out the biometric passport application form. This form must be signed by the person concerned, or by the legal representative in the case of a minor.
The application is submitted at the town hall or daïra. Standard processing takes one to two weeks, with an expedited option available for a higher stamp fee. The passport is collected on the scheduled date, after verifying the data and receiving the NIN reported on the 12S extract.
Steps from Abroad
For an Algerian living abroad, it all starts with consular registration. Without a valid consular registration card, a consulate will generally refuse to process a first passport application. For a first application, this registration and the passport application can often be handled together, but this lengthens the procedure.
Each consular post has an online appointment system, with each family member needing to book a separate slot. Applications by regular mail are often refused, and at some posts like in the United Kingdom, the final passport is handed over in person only.
Conversely, other consulates (such as New York or Washington) allow sending the passport by secure mail, provided you have provided a pre-paid envelope and a notarized affidavit. In all cases, even if the application is submitted abroad, the booklet is physically produced in Algeria, resulting in a minimum wait of six weeks between the biometric enrollment (photo, signature, fingerprints) and receipt of the document.
File for a First Passport in Algeria
To submit a first application in Algeria, you need to present a set of specific supporting documents. The special 12S birth certificate is the key document: it is different from a regular extract and is issued on a secure form.
Summary of the main documents to provide
Valid national ID card or passport
Recent electricity, water, or gas bill, or residency certificate
Numbered birth certificate extract dated less than three months
Two recent photos that comply with current standards
Fully completed and signed form, available from the competent authorities
Revenue stamp of an amount varying according to the type of application
| File Item | Required Details |
|---|---|
| Application form | Filled and signed by the applicant or legal guardian for a minor |
| Birth certificate 12 (12S) | Original on special form, with up-to-date marginal annotations |
| Certificate of nationality | Mandatory for a first application, unless a CNIBE has already been issued based on a nationality certificate |
| Residency certificate | Dated less than 6 months, except for minors under 19, who are exempt in some cases |
| Employment or inactivity certificate | Employer’s attestation or proof of non-activity |
| School attendance certificate | Mandatory for pupils and students |
| Passport photos | 4 recent identical color photos, white background, biometric format |
| Blood type proof | Copy of blood type card |
| Revenue stamp / receipt | Amount corresponding to the type of passport and, if applicable, expedited service |
| Previous passport | Only in case of renewal, accompanied by a parent’s birth certificate or the death certificate of one of the parents for a first biometric application |
For a renewal, the certificate of nationality is no longer required if a biometric document (passport or ID card) has already been issued, but most other documents are still needed: expired passport, recent residency, photos, blood type proof, etc.
File for Residents Abroad
Consulates and embassies require a common set of documents, with additional specifics depending on the host country and each post’s internal rules. Nevertheless, certain documents are universally required:
List of documents to provide for applying for or renewing a biometric passport
Completed and signed biometric passport form, along with a valid consular registration card (original + copy).
Original special 12S birth certificate, and proof of legal stay (residence permit, visa, resident card, or foreign passport for dual nationals).
Recent proof of address and biometric passport photos complying with standards.
Employment certificate, school attendance certificate, or student ID proving your activity.
Blood type card or equivalent attestation, and previous passport in case of renewal.
Example of a Typical File for a European Consulate
At a consulate in France, for example, the applicant must provide civil status documents, proof of residence, and professional or school documents. The consular card must be less than five years old. The proof of address must be very recent (maximum three months), and private accommodation certificates are often excluded, except when they come from the applicant’s parents.
The following table shows a typical file in Europe (France/Germany).
| Requested Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Special form + appendix | To download or pick up at the consulate, to be filled out in Arabic and French, including blood type and phone number |
| Consular card | Original valid (< 5 years) + photocopy |
| 12S birth certificate | Original + copy; to be requested via the ministry website for births in Algeria or from the consular civil status office for births abroad |
| Residence permit or local ID card | Residence permit, French/European ID card, blue card, etc. (original + copy) |
| Proof of address | Electricity or gas bill less than 3 months old, tax notice, rent receipt, notarial deed, CAF certificate, etc. |
| Proof of situation | Employment certificate, employment contract, business registration, unemployment certificate, retirement certificate, or school attendance certificate |
| Biometric photos | 2 recent digital photos complying with ICAO standards, completely white background, no frame |
| Previous passport | Biometric or old model, original + copy of the identity page |
| Civil status documents for married or divorced women | Marriage certificate extract or divorce judgment, if not already noted on the 12S |
Minor children follow the same logic, with adjustments to account for parental authority and schooling.
The Special Case of Minors
Minors are now required to have their own passport, regardless of age. Processing their file follows stricter rules regarding parental authorization and presence, especially from age 12.
Child’s Presence or Not at the Consulate
A child under 12 is not required to appear at the consulate either for filing the application or for collecting the passport, provided the submitted photographs comply and accurately reflect their current appearance. In this case, the procedures are carried out by the person(s) holding parental authority.
From age 12, the minor must be present for biometric enrollment, particularly fingerprinting. They must be accompanied by their father, mother in some cases (foreign father, sole custody, paternal authorization), or a duly authorized legal guardian.
Parental Authorization and Family Situations
For those under 19, the issuance of a passport is conditional upon written authorization from the father or legal representative. This authorization is provided through a specific signed form and, depending on the case, notarized.
Special family situations are clearly governed by a specific framework.
– if the father is deceased, the mother can submit and collect the passport upon presentation of the death certificate or family booklet mentioning the death;
– if the father is not of Algerian nationality, the mother is considered the representative for the procedures, provided she produces proof of the father’s identity;
– if the parents are divorced and the mother has custody, she must provide the full divorce judgment indicating custody and, sometimes, a decision from an Algerian court when the judgment is foreign;
– if the father is absent or untraceable, an authorization legalized by a competent Algerian authority or by an Algerian consulate is required for another representative (often the mother) to act.
When collecting a child’s passport, the mother may need to provide paternal authorization if no exception applies. In the case of Kafala, the legal guardian must present the judicial placement decision and fill out a specific appendix form.
School Documents
Minors must prove their status as pupils or students to benefit from the reduced fee applicable to those under 19 and students. A school attendance certificate or student ID for the current academic year is required for each application. This also allows the consulate to verify the address and the reality of the residence within its jurisdiction.
Biometric Photos: A Point Not to Overlook
A significant proportion of applications are delayed due to non-compliant photos. The Algerian authorities apply the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Requirements may vary slightly from one consulate to another (35 x 45 mm or 2 x 2 inch format), but the basic rules are the same.
The face must be facing forward, centered, on a uniform white background, with no shadows or borders. Neutral expression, mouth closed, no pronounced smile. Glasses prohibited except for transparent medical lenses. Head coverings only for religious reasons, without covering the face.
The table below summarizes the main criteria.
| Criteria | Standard Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format (Europe) | 35 x 45 mm, 4 photos for Algeria, 2 for most consulates |
| Format (United States) | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), 2 photos |
| Background | Completely white, solid, no border or pattern |
| Face | Forward, centered, occupying about 75% of the area (32 to 36 mm height) |
| Accessories | No glasses except medical glasses, no audio headset or objects on the head (except religious exceptions) |
| Timeliness | Recent photos (less than 6 months) and not retouched |
| Identification | First and last name written in pencil on the back |
If the photo is deemed “non-compliant” during processing in Algiers, the online tracking will display a corresponding notice. You will then need to provide a new compliant photo via the Ministry of the Interior portal, which will cause additional delays.
Passport Fees: Comparing Algeria and the Diaspora
The cost of the passport varies depending on the country where the application is submitted, the number of pages, and the applicant’s age. The authorities have recently revised the amounts for residents in Algeria and for the diaspora, sometimes with an expedited processing option.
Fees in Algeria (in Algerian Dinars)
For a passport applied for within the national territory, the stamp duties are set in Algerian dinars. There is a 28-page passport and a 48-page model, with different adult/minor and standard/express rates.
| Passport Type | Adult (DZD) – Standard Service | Adult (DZD) – Expedited Service | Minor (DZD) – Standard Service | Minor (DZD) – Expedited Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 pages | 6,000 | 25,000 | 3,000 | 12,000 |
| 48 pages | 9,000 (reduced rate, formerly 12,000) | 45,000 (formerly 60,000) | 4,500 (formerly 6,000) | 22,500 (formerly 30,000) |
In case of loss of the passport within Algerian territory, a penalty of 10,000 dinars applies for an adult and 5,000 dinars for a minor, in addition to the cost of the new document.
Fees at Consulates in Europe (in Euros)
The diaspora in Europe is subject to fees expressed in euros, which take into account the number of pages and age. The amounts below are based on fee schedules published by several consulates.
| Type / Age Group | 28 Pages | 48 Pages | Penalty for Loss/Theft/Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (≥ 19 years) | €55 to €60 depending on the post | €90 to €110 | €100 extra |
| Minor / Student (< 19 years) | €27.5 to €30 | €45 to €55 | €50 extra |
Some documents mention, for certain posts, a rate of €60 for a 28-page adult passport and €90 for a 48-page one, with €30 or €45 for minors and students. The differences stem from conversion rates and updates. Note that a reform plans to reduce the price of the passport stamp for the diaspora to approximately €40, set each year based on the official dinar exchange rate.
Additional fees may apply in case of a lost or damaged passport, as well as a specific stamp for the biometric ID card in some countries.
Fees at Consulates in Dollars (USA, Canada, Australia, etc.)
At Algerian consulates in North America or Oceania, the fees are expressed in dollars, often with payment limited to money order or bank transfer to a specific embassy account.
| Type / Age Group | 28 Pages | 48 Pages | Penalty for Loss/Theft/Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (≥ 19 years) | 75 USD | 112.5 USD | 125 USD extra |
| Minor / Student | 37.5 USD | 56.25 USD | 62.5 USD in some schedules |
In some countries, these amounts are also expressed in local currency according to the daily rate (e.g., in South Korean won or South African rand). The most common rule remains payment in cash or by money order; personal checks, credit cards, or transfer services like Western Union are generally refused, except in some cases (France, where card payment is mandatory at certain consulates).
Procedures in Case of Loss, Theft, or Damage
Losing your passport, having it stolen, or seriously damaging it automatically triggers a dual process: a report with the local police and a declaration with the competent consulate or daïra.
The first step is to go to the police station to obtain a police report or a “lost property form” detailing the circumstances of the loss or damage. This document must be attached to the application for a new passport.
For a loss or damage to a document, you must complete an affidavit. Some consulates, such as Washington, require a notarized and legalized signature. A letter detailing the circumstances is sometimes required.
In addition to these documents, a financial penalty applies, which varies depending on the country and the holder’s age. In Europe, it is around €100 for an adult and €50 for a minor or student. In the United States, the penalty is set at 125 USD, payable only by USPS money order. In Algeria, the announced fiscal penalty is 10,000 dinars for an adult and 5,000 for a minor.
Once the new application is accepted, the old passport is formally canceled in the systems, even if it is subsequently found. Processing times may be extended, especially if an investigation is opened into the circumstances of the loss.
Online Application Tracking
An important advantage of the modern Algerian procedure is the ability to track the progress of the application via the Ministry of the Interior website. One week after the photo and fingerprint capture, the applicant can log into the dedicated biometric passport portal using the number on the receipt given at the time of submission.
The website shows several statuses, including:
Track the different processing stages of your passport application
Your file is being reviewed by the competent services.
The passport has been shipped to the consulate or daïra for finalization.
Your passport is available for collection at the indicated location.
The submitted photos are invalid; please send new photos.
Some consulates also have a page “Is my passport ready?” that lists the file numbers or names of people whose passport has just arrived. This double check helps avoid unnecessary trips and schedule the collection appointment.
Collecting the Passport and Verifying Data
At the time of collection, the presence of the holder is almost always required for people aged 12 and over, particularly to verify the recorded fingerprints and ensure there are no errors in the printed data (name, date of birth, place, photo, etc.). The holder signs an acknowledgment of receipt and, if applicable, retrieves their 12S birth certificate with the national identification number written on it.
The documents to present are generally as follows:
– the submission receipt,
– the old passport (even if expired),
– the original 12S extract for some consulates,
– for minors, the original 12S and documents proving representation (paternal authorization, custody judgment, etc.).
For children under 12, presence at collection is not required, except in special cases where the consulate wishes to verify identity. The legal representative appears alone with the necessary documents.
At some consulates, it is possible to request re-shipment of the passport by registered or express mail. This requires, in addition to the standard documents, a pre-paid envelope addressed to the applicant and a notarized affidavit acknowledging the risks associated with postal delivery.
Connections with the Biometric ID Card
Having a biometric passport opens up another online service: applying for the National Electronic Biometric ID Card (CNIBE). For Algerians, both in Algeria and abroad, this card uses the data already recorded when the passport was issued.
The procedure is simplified: the application is made on the Ministry of the Interior website, entering your national identification number and biometric passport number. The data (name, first name, date of birth, photo) are taken as is. The applicant only needs to specify their current address and mobile phone number, to receive an SMS when the card is ready and be informed of the collection location.
The validity of this card is ten years, and its renewal is possible upon expiration, or in case of loss, theft, or damage, sometimes subject to separate fees depending on the diplomatic post.
Practical Tips for a Successful Application
Even though the legal framework is strict, a few habits can help avoid roadblocks and unnecessary back-and-forth.
First, it is crucial to plan ahead: starting the process several months before a planned trip reduces stress related to postal delays, limited appointment slots, and possible rejections of photos or incomplete documents. Consulates clearly state that they do not have an “express service” and strongly advise against buying a plane ticket before having the new passport in hand.
Check the validity of the consular card and residence permit, ensure that utility bills are recent, and make copies of all originals, as consular services generally do not photocopy documents.
Families with children will benefit from gathering birth certificates, divorce judgments, death certificates, and necessary authorizations in advance, especially when family situations are complex (father living abroad, dual nationality, Kafala, etc.).
Strictly adhering to photo specifications avoids the main cause of technical rejection. When in doubt, have the photos taken at a studio familiar with the “Algerian passport” and ICAO standards.
In summary, obtaining the country’s passport in Algeria is based on a set of stable requirements: an up-to-date 12S extract, consular registration for the diaspora, rigorously compliant photos, a complete file, and fees paid according to the current schedule. By relying on official information and carefully preparing each document, citizens can turn a reputedly complex process into a largely manageable procedure.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
