Newbie0

Hello all. I called and got my answer, but I decided to reply once more in case anyone has this problem in the future.

The New York number is 212-486-6930
The Washington number is 202-265-2800 extension 164

Visa Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday from 9:00am to 11:00am and from 3pm to 4:30 pm

— Must apply for a Tourist visa
— You can extend visa from inside Algeria, you don't need to leave to reapply.
— No vaccines or travel insurance needed for americans, but recommended for safety.

Envelope must contain:

— Passport valid for at least the next 6 months.
— A prepaid self-addressed envelope with an express US postal service, including an air bill naming them as the sender and receiver of the mail. (To get passport mailed back to you).
— Two copies of completed visa application. They must be filled out electronically (not by hand), then signed by hand on each page.
— Two passport-size photographs, with first and last names written on the back, stapled to the applications.
— An invitation letter from family, notarized in an Algerian City Hall; in English, French or Arabic.
— Copy of flight booking. You don't need to buy it yet, just book the ticket and send a copy of the itinerary.
— Money Order for $160 USD for a tourist visa (as of today, 2013), made payable to the order of the Embassy of Algeria.

Hello, I'm a US citizen engaged to an Algerian. We plan to marry in Algeria. I have been confused on which visas to apply for, 'tourist' or 'family visit'.

I will not be living in a hotel, but in an apartment until the marriage investigation is finished and the papers are approved.

Would I still need a copy of my itinerary and tickets if I had a notarized letter from his family inviting me? I can't get an itinerary if I don't plan on staying in a hotel or taking any tours. I also don't want to buy a ticket before I even know if my visa application has been approved or not.

The embassy also mentions "Letter of Employment or evidence of activity". I am not employed, I take care of my extended family; so how do I get around that?

Thank you for any information.