France Enforces Visa Requirement on Algerian Diplomatic Passport Holders Amid Diplomatic Dispute

France has officially imposed visa requirements on Algerian diplomatic and service passport holders, a move seen as part of a “graduated response” to escalating tensions between the two countries. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau had earlier promised a firm reaction, and the new directive was communicated by the General Directorate of the National Police to border authorities over the weekend.

The directive mandates that any Algerian national holding a diplomatic or service passport who arrives at the border without a visa will be denied entry and subject to a non-admission or refoulement procedure. The order took immediate effect and applies across all French external border services.

Authorities at border crossings have been instructed to strictly enforce the measure and report any operational challenges.

This decision follows Algeria’s recent expulsion of 15 French officials who had been deployed to provide temporary support in the visa processing sector. Algerian authorities claimed the appointments were irregular and made without proper bilateral coordination, prompting their immediate removal on May 11.

France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, condemned Algeria’s move as “unjustifiable” and characterized France’s visa requirement for Algerian diplomats as a “proportionate” response.