The Algerian government has reintroduced visa requirements for all Moroccan passport holders seeking entry.
This decision comes amid accusations that Moroccan nationals have been involved in criminal activities on Algerian soil, including “Zionist espionage” and drug and human trafficking, VisaGuide.World reports.
At the same time, tensions between Algeria and Morocco mainly come from the ongoing dispute over Western Sahara. Morocco primarily controls this territory, but Algeria and the Polisario Front support its independence.
In this regard, the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the country’s decision comes as Morocco has taken advantage of the free movement by carrying out activities that threaten Algeria’s stability, such as organized crime and espionage.
Algeria, which has always adhered to the values of solidarity and the preservation of the human and family ties that unite the Algerian and Moroccan peoples, has avoided, since announcing its decision to sever diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Morocco in August 2021, compromising the free and fluid movement of people.
Several People Arrested for Being Part of an Espionage Ring
As local media reports, individuals with Moroccan passports, including suspected Israeli intelligence agents, have entered Algeria without restriction.
Recently, Algerian authorities arrested seven people, including four Moroccans, suspected of being part of an espionage ring. Diplomatic relations between the two nations were severed in August 2021 following what Algeria deemed “hostile acts” by Morocco, coinciding with Morocco’s normalization of relations with Israel.
The border between Algeria and Morocco has been closed for three decades. Still, Moroccan travelers previously did not need a visa to enter Algeria, nor did Algerians need a visa to Morocco, despite the lack of direct flights between the two countries.
Algeria Expands Visa-Free Access to 55 Countries to Boost Tourism
In contrast to the above-mentioned, in July this year, Algeria introduced visa-free access for citizens of 55 countries, including Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the Maldives. This new policy aims to boost international tourism following a recent increase in visitor numbers. Algeria also plans to enhance its air travel by increasing the number of airlines offering domestic and international flights.
Currently, Algerian citizens can travel visa-free to 26 countries, require an eVisa for 36 countries, and need to apply for a visa for 22 others. As of September 2024, the Algerian passport is ranked 155th on the VisaGuide Passport Index, which assesses the passports of 199 countries and territories.