

French Authorities Impose Visa Requirement on Algerian Diplomats
France Imposes Immediate Visa Requirement on Algerian Diplomatic Passport Holders Following Diplomatic Fallout
France has officially imposed a visa requirement on Algerian diplomatic and service passport holders, marking a new escalation in the ongoing diplomatic rift between the two nations. According to French sources, the move is part of a “graduated response” strategy promised by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau.
On Saturday, the General Directorate of the National Police issued a directive to all relevant border control authorities. The order states that Algerian nationals holding diplomatic or service passports will be denied entry if they do not possess a valid visa upon arrival at French border crossing points. These individuals will now be subject to non-admission or refoulement procedures.
The directive emphasized that this policy takes immediate effect and applies across all external border management services. Authorities at border posts have been instructed to strictly enforce the measure and report any implementation challenges.
Move Follows Expulsion of French Diplomats by Algeria
This development comes days after Algeria expelled 15 French officials stationed in the country on temporary reinforcement missions in the visa sector. The expulsion was reportedly triggered by France's failure to follow established procedures for assigning staff to its diplomatic and consular missions in Algeria.
On May 11, Algerian authorities demanded the immediate departure of the 15 French officials, citing irregular appointments and administrative non-compliance. The expelled officials had been sent to address staffing shortages caused by earlier diplomatic tensions.
Reacting to Algeria’s move, France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, described the expulsion as “unjustifiable.” In a direct response, France enacted the visa requirement for Algerian diplomats, with Minister Barrot calling the measure “proportionate” under the circumstances.
This latest exchange highlights the deepening diplomatic rift between the two countries, with further retaliatory steps possible in the coming weeks.
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