Do Canada passport holders need a visa to visit DZ?

Yes, Canadian passport holders need a visa to visit Algeria. You must obtain a tourist visa in advance from the Embassy or a Consulate of Algeria in Canada before you travel. There is no general eVisa or visa-on-arrival channel for Canadian tourists. A Canadian citizen holding an ordinary passport requires a visa to enter Algeria for tourism. Both the Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca) and the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirm that the visa must be obtained from the Embassy of Algeria in Ottawa or a Consulate (Montreal) before departure. Algeria is not part of the Schengen Area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. Algeria announced an eVisa system in 2020, but as of mid-2026 it has not been rolled out as a routine option for Canadian tourists, so applicants must still file a paper/embassy application. A narrow visa-on-arrival exception exists only for organized tourists flying into the southern desert regions (Tamanrasset, Djanet, Ghardaia, Illizi, Timimoun) who hold a pre-issued boarding/entry authorization arranged through a licensed Algerian tour operator and confirmed hotel bookings; this is not available to independent travelers visiting Algiers or northern Algeria. The standard tourist visa is typically valid for entry within 90 days of issue and allows a stay of up to 90 days. Required documents include the passport (6 months validity, blank pages), application forms, photos, a hotel accommodation certificate or authenticated invitation, travel medical insurance, proof of funds, and a return ticket. Travelers should apply 4-6 weeks ahead and confirm the current fee and process directly with the Algerian Embassy in Ottawa, as fees and procedures change.