Schengen new procedure: Algerian passengers are confused

Air Algerie started forbidding booking tickets to Europe for those who have Schengen visa and want to go to a country which did not issue that visa for them. This procedure will touch the first travel while Algerians can go to anywhere in the other trips. The airliner will have to pay a 5,000 euros fine if it does not respect the new measure about the obligation to go to the country which issues visa in the first trip.

Press attaché at Air Algerie Karima Menouar Tuesday told Echorouk the measure which came into force on Monday is not something new. Civil aviation department gave instructions to apply the European directive No 810/2009 which determines Schengen visa conditions. 

She added that he procedure is applied on the first trip only and it does not concern Algerians only but all the citizens in other countries. 

She also said there is exception for journalists and businessmen.

Air Algerie issued a release, saying many passengers on sea lines heading for Spain and France Tuesday cancelled their trips fearing of fines.

General Director of the National Enterprise for Sea Transport Lahcene Guouraya told Echorouk many passengers did not understand the Schengen visa new procedure.

He added that his enterprise did not receive any instruction about the visa but it has to deal with the same procedure.