Medical repatriation from Algeria to France
A relative has fallen ill or been injured in Algeria during a family visit, a work assignment or a trip, or needs care in France. We organise the transfer from the hospital in Algeria to the receiving hospital in France.
The route between Algeria and France
[Route to be confirmed by the company]
The main departure airports are Algiers Houari Boumediene, east of the capital, Oran Ahmed Ben Bella in the west and Constantine Mohamed Boudiaf in the east. Other cities, such as Annaba, Béjaïa, Sétif or Tlemcen, also have flights to France. On arrival, Marseille, Lyon and Paris are the most common destinations.
Algeria is the closest of the three Maghreb countries to France. As the crow flies, Algiers is about 770 km from Marseille, 1,020 km from Lyon and 1,340 km from Paris-Orly. Marseille Provence airport gives a flight time of about 1 hr 35 min to Algiers, and Lyon airport about 1 hr 50 min to Algiers and 2 hr to Oran.
For an air ambulance, the flight time depends on the aircraft, the winds and any technical stop. As an indication only, it is of the same order as a scheduled flight, sometimes more. The authorisations needed for a non-scheduled medical flight are part of the planning.
Three ways to travel
Air ambulance
A dedicated medical aircraft with a medical team on board, from Algiers, Oran, Constantine or a regional airport to the French airport nearest the receiving hospital. Air ambulance
Stretcher on a scheduled flight
According to Lyon airport, Air Algérie, Transavia, ASL Airlines France and Volotea fly direct from Lyon to several Algerian cities. A stretcher depends on the airline, the aircraft and the approval of its medical service. Stretcher on a scheduled flight
Seat with a medical escort
For a patient who can sit, a doctor or nurse travels alongside on a short direct flight and handles care and formalities. Medical escort
The choice depends on the patient’s condition: see our guide air ambulance or stretcher.
Formalities: visas in both directions
- French relatives who want to fly out to the patient need a visa to enter Algeria, issued by the Algerian consulate for their place of residence. Allow time for it before booking.
- Algerian nationals, whether the patient or a relative, need a Schengen short-stay visa for France unless they hold a French residence permit. France-Visas has a purpose called stay for medical care; consulates may ask for a document from the receiving hospital and proof that the care can be paid for.
- Safety: the French foreign ministry’s travel advice for Algeria (in French) places Algiers and Oran in normal-vigilance zones and advises against travel to several border areas. Check it before travelling.
- The file: a recent medical report, passport copies and any insurance or assistance details. See documents for a medical repatriation.
Timescale and cost
Once the medical plan, the receiving hospital and the payment are agreed, our usual time from agreement to take-off is [usual time from agreement to take-off]. The flights are short, but visas for anyone travelling and the authorisations for an air ambulance must fit into the schedule.
If the patient has travel insurance, call its assistance number first. See what a repatriation costs and our other routes.
Questions about repatriation from Algeria
Does an Algerian patient need a visa to be treated in France?
Yes, unless they hold a French residence permit. The application is made on France-Visas for a stay for medical care, with the medical and financial documents the consulate asks for.
Can a relative travel with the patient?
Often, depending on the transport and the space on board. An Algerian relative needs a Schengen visa; a French relative joining the patient first needs an Algerian visa.
Who decides whether the patient can fly?
The treating doctor and the medical team organising the transfer, and on a scheduled flight the airline’s medical service. This page gives general information only and does not replace medical advice. In an emergency, call the local emergency number.
A relative needs to come home from Algeria?
Send us the details of the hospital in Algeria and the treating doctor’s contact. Our medical team reviews the file and we reply with the options and a written quote.