Passport Renewal: Appointment Platforms for Algerian Consulates Unavailable

Accessing consular services for Algerians living abroad, especially in France, has become a real struggle for those seeking passport renewals. To renew a passport, an appointment must first be booked through the online platforms. However, these platforms are currently inaccessible due to technical issues.

According to Abdelouahab Yagoubi, a member of parliament representing Algerian expatriates, “the appointment booking platforms for our consulates are plagued by frequent bugs.” He explains that these glitches complicate “essential procedures for users.” Yagoubi adds that the issues reflect “a lack of effective management and investment, penalizing our fellow citizens abroad.”

Since May 2024, authorities have allowed Algerians with dual nationality to travel to Algeria even with expired passports. This measure was introduced to ease the load on Algerian consular services abroad. For travel to Algeria, they were required to present only their valid foreign passport along with an Algerian ID card or another document, even if expired.

However, this temporary arrangement ended on October 31, 2024. From now on, Algerian travelers must present a valid Algerian passport to return to their homeland. Otherwise, they will be required to apply for a visa.

As noted above, booking an appointment on the platforms for some consulates is currently impossible. According to Yagoubi, who claims to have screenshots from certain consular offices, no appointment slots will be available until “June 2025.”

To address this issue, Yagoubi has urged consular officials and Algerian authorities to improve the situation. He calls on them to ensure “fundamental standards and a minimum level of quality service.”