New Visa Crisis: French Embassy in Algiers Addresses Citizens Directly, Algerian Foreign Ministry Condemns Action

Algiers – August 26, 2025

French-Algerian relations have faced new tensions after the French Embassy in Algiers issued a press release directly addressing Algerian citizens regarding the visa issue. This move angered Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which swiftly condemned what it described as a “violation of diplomatic norms.”


Background of the Tensions

The French statement indicated that the deterioration of relations between France and Algeria has directly affected the number of visas granted. Paris hinted at an additional reduction in visa issuances starting from September 1st. The embassy attributed this decision to the Algerian authorities’ refusal to grant consular permits for special flights, along with obstacles related to the deportation of Algerian citizens who had been issued expulsion orders from France.


Algeria’s Stance

Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs considered the French move “provocative,” stating that the embassy’s direct address to citizens bypasses the official channels recognized in diplomatic work. The ministry also stressed that the visa issue should be handled through bilateral dialogue between the two governments, not through public statements.


Diplomatic Spat

The French Embassy emphasized in its statement that the decision is a “purely temporary and administrative measure,” but it could affect thousands of visa applicants. It also reiterated its commitment to cooperating with Algerian authorities to address what it called “existing issues.”


Dimensions of the Crisis

Observers believe that these developments reflect the continuation of the diplomatic crisis between Algeria and France, especially given the accumulation of unresolved issues between the two parties, whether related to irregular migration, security and consular cooperation, or even colonial memory issues.

About محمد الفاسي