Turkish embassy bans agencies mediation in granting visa

Turkish embassy in Algiers created a new mechanism to grant visas. Reception centers were established in the capital, Oran and Constantine. A prior appointment is made on a special website.

The embassy Sunday posted a notice on its website, explaining the new system which will come into force on November 2nd.

Applicants will have to make a prior appointment on a website and the request will be submitted to VFS Global which has offices in Algiers, Oran and Constantine.

Service fees are 2,500 DZ in addition to visa fees estimated at 5,000 DZ.

The embassy warned that paid sums will not be reimbursed if the application is rejected.

The old system will be applied on current applications until November 6th. After this date, tour agencies will not be allowed to receive visa applications.

The Turkish embassy modified visa system late last year. Visas used to be granted on the same day in return for 5,000 DZ. Then, priority was given to a limited number of tour agencies which are in charge of receiving applications. They raised the fees to 6,000 DZ.

This situation triggered anger among the other tour agencies which were not selected. They lodged a complaint to the foreign and tourism ministries. 

This new system is also adopted by the French and UK embassies.