Flights from Marseille to Algeria

Flights to Algeria from Marseille

From Marseille, Vueling flies direct to Algiers and Oran. Flights take between an hour and a half and 2 hours depending on the destination, so crossing the Mediterranean is a short hop.

Each city opens up a different trip. Algiers is the capital, with the Casbah and the seafront promenade, and serves as the gateway to the east of the country. Oran, Algeria’s second city, is more coastal and has a history shaped by Spanish, Ottoman and French influence.

What documents you need to travel to Algeria

Algeria is outside the European Union and the Schengen Area and, unlike most destinations, European citizens need a visa to enter. It is the reverse of the usual situation, and worth being clear about from the outset.

What EU citizens are asked for:

• A consular visa, obtained before the trip from the Algerian consulate in the country of residence. There is no visa on arrival, so without one you cannot board.
• A valid passport, with enough validity left to cover the whole stay.
• Proof of accommodation or a letter of invitation, depending on the purpose of the trip.

Processing times vary, and they determine how far ahead you need to start planning. Check the current requirements on the travel documents page and with the relevant consulate before booking.

As this is a flight outside the Schengen Area, you will go through passport control before boarding. Allow for that extra time at the airport.

What to know when you land in Algeria

Cash is essential. The currency is the Algerian dinar, and international cards are accepted in very few places: most shops, markets and transport take banknotes only. Money can only be changed at banks and official bureaux de change, so sort it out when you arrive and carry enough cash for everyday spending.

From the airport into town. In Algiers, Houari Boumédiène Airport lies south-east of the city and is served by taxi and bus. In Oran, Ahmed Ben Bella Airport is on the outskirts. In both cities, agree the taxi fare before you get in.

Languages. Arabic is the official language, and Tamazight also has official status. French is widely used in cities, government and business, which makes everyday life a good deal easier for anyone arriving from Marseille.

Climate by region. The Mediterranean north coast has hot summers and mild winters. The desert south sees extreme heat in summer and cold nights in winter. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for getting around.

Algeria uses round two-pin plugs, types C and F, at 230V.

What to do in Algeria

Algiers and the Casbah

In Algiers, the Casbah is a World Heritage Site: a maze of narrow lanes, Ottoman palaces and historic mosques that deserves time and a slow pace. Around it, the seafront promenade and the colonial-era neighbourhoods round out a city with a character all its own, while the Great Mosque towers over the bay.

Oran and the west coast

Oran has a different energy from the capital. Santa Cruz Fort looks down on the city from Mount Murdjajo, and the centre keeps its French and Spanish colonial architecture. The beaches of the west coast are close by, and this is where raï was born.

The Roman ruins of the north

Timgad, near Batna, is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world and another World Heritage Site. Djémila and Tipasa complete an archaeological ensemble that sees very few tourists, which makes for a very different kind of visit.

The Sahara

Southern Algeria is home to one of the most spectacular deserts on the planet. For many travellers, the rock formations and rock art of Tassili n’Ajjer, a World Heritage Site, and nights in the Hoggar around Tamanrasset are the whole reason for the trip. It takes planning and, in some areas, prior authorisation.

Luggage for your flight to Algeria

What you can take depends on the fare you choose when booking. The simplest fare includes a personal item that fits under the seat in front, and from there you can add cabin or checked luggage.

If you are visiting family or bringing gifts, your bags fill up quickly. Sorting out your luggage when you book avoids surprises at the check-in desk. Check the current conditions in Vueling’s luggage policy.