Morocco has instructed airlines to prevent Algerian nationals without a valid Moroccan residence permit from boarding flights to the country, according to a document obtained by TSA and cited by El Hayet. The measure reportedly took effect on Wednesday, September 16, and Air France has begun enforcing the directive for passengers departing from Algiers and Oran.
According to the document seen by TSA, Air France has instructed its teams at the two Algerian airports to “urgently” apply the Moroccan authorities’ directive. Algerian passengers traveling to Morocco must therefore demonstrate that they hold a valid Moroccan residence card before being allowed to board.
Air France activates ALTEA alert for Algeria-Morocco travel
Air France has reportedly activated an “ALTEA alert” covering passengers traveling from Algiers and Oran to Morocco.
ALTEA is a passenger management and reservation system developed by Amadeus and used by airlines to manage check-in and passenger processing. Under the alert, Air France staff are instructed to flag Algerian passengers traveling to Morocco and verify their residency status.
Passengers who hold a valid Moroccan residence card can proceed with boarding. Those who do not have one are to be denied boarding, with airline staff instructed to explain that the restriction is “dictated by the Moroccan border authorities,” according to the TSA-obtained document.
Air France has also emphasized strict compliance with the measure, reportedly to avoid costs associated with passengers being refused entry after arrival. These include INAD fees linked to the repatriation of travelers who are denied admission by foreign border authorities.
Algerian travelers face indirect routes to Morocco
The reported measure comes amid already restricted travel between Algeria and Morocco.
Direct flights between the two countries have been suspended since Algeria closed its airspace to Moroccan airlines following the deterioration of bilateral relations. Algerian nationals seeking to travel to Morocco therefore generally need to use indirect routes through third countries, including France and Tunisia.
The latest directive could consequently affect Algerian travelers who do not hold Moroccan residency but were planning to enter the country through a connecting flight.
Neither the supplied reports provide a public explanation from Moroccan authorities for why the measure was introduced on September 16. The restriction, as described in the airline instructions, specifically concerns Algerian nationals who do not possess a Moroccan residence permit.
The development adds another restriction to movement between the two neighboring countries, whose diplomatic relations have been severed since 2021.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.