Umrah from Algiers
What pilgrims leaving from Algiers need to know: the flight, the visa route for Algerians, the season and a realistic budget.
Flying from Algiers
Algiers is Algeria's main international gateway and a well-established Umrah departure point, with Houari Boumediene Airport running nonstop flights to Jeddah and Madinah on Air Algérie and Saudia, with additional capacity during Ramadan and Hajj season. Algeria's Umrah travel trade is large, given the country's substantial Muslim population, and is coordinated in part through the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Wakfs for official Hajj arrangements, with private operators handling most Umrah bookings, so check an agency's licensing before paying. The Algerian dinar is used locally, and currency exchange can be more restricted than in some neighbouring countries, so plan ahead. Algiers' Mediterranean climate is mild for much of the year, a moderate contrast with Saudi Arabia's more intense heat. Given Algeria's large diaspora in France in particular, some pilgrims also compare Algiers departures against flying from a French city where they or family are based. Book several months ahead of Ramadan for the best fares.
Umrah visa for Algerians
Algeria is not on Saudi Arabia's eVisa list, so Algerians normally cannot self-apply online for Umrah. The route is a licensed Umrah company, or an external agent contracted through Nusuk Masar, which books the visa with an approved hotel and transport package as one file, not a visa alone. It must be used within 30 days of issue, so confirm dates with the operator first. Holders of a valid, used US, UK or Schengen visa, or GCC residents, may instead qualify for the eVisa or visa-on-arrival route, so ask the operator to check. For the 1448 AH Umrah season (31 May 2026 to 7 Apr 2027), start several weeks ahead, since checks move faster the earlier you begin.
Full visa guide for Algerians →
When to go
Ramadan carries the greatest reward and the greatest crowds and prices; the weeks after Hajj (late Dhul Hijjah into Muharram) and the winter months (November to February) are cooler and quieter. The 1448 AH season runs from 31 May 2026 to 7 April 2027 for arrivals and departures. See the best time to perform Umrah.
What it costs from Algiers
Your biggest variables are the flight from ALG, the hotel's distance from the Haram, and the season. Use the cost calculator for a range in DZD, then compare operator quotes line by line: visa, flights, hotel nights and category, transfers, and Makkah, Madinah transport.
Before you book
- Check that the operator is contracted through Nusuk Masar (ask for their Saudi partner's name).
- Confirm the hotel name and distance, not just "near Haram".
- Read how to avoid Umrah scams and how to choose an operator.
- Install the offline companion before you fly.