The decision was published Tuesday in the Official Journal of the French Republic
A deepening crisis between France and its former colony
France officially suspends bilateral deal with Algeria on diplomatic visas
The French government’s decision is a reciprocal move in a sign of a deepening diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria.
Thursday 21/08/2025
A deepening crisis between France and its former colony
LONDON – France has officially suspended the bilateral agreement signed in 2013 on the exemption of short-stay visas for holders of diplomatic or service passports between France and Algeria in a sign of a deepening diplomatic crisis between the two countries.
The decision was published Tuesday in the Official Journal of the French Republic in a tit-for-tat move following the termination of the application of this agreement by Algeria on May 11.
In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, France, in turn, ceased to apply its provisions as of May 16.
Diplomatic ties between Paris and Algiers started worsening in the summer of 2024, notably after France recognized Morocco’s autonomy plan over Western Sahara, which dealt a huge blow to Algeria.
Tensions escalated after Algerian activist Amir Boukhors, aka "Amir DZ," was abducted near his home in Paris in April 2024 by men posing as police. He was detained for 27 hours in a shipping container, drugged, and guarded by masked individuals, with strong suspicions Algeria's government ordered it.
France issued an international arrest warrant for a former Algerian diplomat involved in the case, sparking a major diplomatic crisis and worsening ties between the two countries.
Macron’s government took a hardline stance in 2025, suspending visa exemptions and demanding more cooperation on migration, while Algeria promised harsh retaliation.
