US to reduce visa processing locations in Africa, impacting Algerian applicants
via Algérie3603 min read
The United States is set to significantly reduce the number of embassies and consulates in Africa that process visas, from nearly 50 to just 20. This restructuring, revealed by the Associated Press through an internal memo and anonymous US officials, means that Algerian visa applicants will soon need to travel to another country at their own expense to apply, as Algiers is not among the 20 designated hubs. This decision reflects the Trump administration's strict immigration policy, aiming to restrict access to the US and curb temporary visa overstays, alongside a global reduction in US diplomatic staff. A directive approved by Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicates that the State Department will scale back consular operations in all African countries except for 20 "important centers." Access to US visas in Africa was already challenging due to travel bans, high bond requirements, and health restrictions. The new rules will impose significant logistical and financial burdens on citizens from excluded countries who must travel to one of the 20 approved sites. While excluded consulates will not fully close, their services will be limited to emergency assistance, passport renewals for US citizens, and exceptional processing of diplomatic visas or cases of national interest. The State Department stated it "constantly evaluates its overseas operations" to ensure taxpayer money efficiently serves US priorities, emphasizing a visa system with maximum security requirements. The 20 m
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Air Algérie has launched new promotional offers for summer travel to five destinations in Europe, Canada, and Tunisia, with round-trip tickets starting from 27,692 DA. These promotions are available for bookings made between June 1 and June 30, 2026, for travel until October 24, 2026. The airline's CEO, Hamza Benhamouda, recently announced an increase of 560 additional weekly flights for the summer 2026 program. The promotional fares target strategic routes including Algiers to Rome, Oran to Toulouse, Algiers to London, Algiers to Montreal, and routes to Tunisia. Specific round-trip prices include 29,964 DA for Algiers-Rome, 27,692 DA for Oran-Toulouse, and 45,165 DA for Algiers-London. These European routes are offered under a "zero baggage" condition, allowing only a 10 kg cabin bag. For Tunisia, round-trip tickets start from 36,270 DA and include a 10 kg cabin bag and a 23 kg checked bag. The long-haul Algiers-Montreal route is priced from 119,188 DA for a round trip, including a cabin bag and two checked bags. All promotional tickets are for economy class, non-refundable, but modifiable with additional fees. Travelers can choose between "zero baggage" options for minimal travel or "full fare" options that include checked luggage, which is more cost-effective for those needing to transport more items. Adding a checked bag later to a "zero baggage" ticket can incur significant additional costs, up to 24,000 DA for Europe and 20,000 DA per trip for Canada.
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