Like a traditional passport, the diplomatic passport allows its holder to travel abroad in order to prove their status and identity to the authorities of the host country. In Algeria, this document is issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to authorized persons. What are the special features and what advantages does the diplomatic passport offer? Who has the right to hold this travel document?
THE diplomatic passport is issued in the context of international travel to facilitate the holder’s travel abroad. The latter is tasked with carrying out official missions on behalf of his country. The temporary diplomatic passport is also granted to the family members of the eligible official in certain cases.
What are the advantages of a diplomatic passport?
Holding a diplomatic passport has certain advantages. It has a convenient feature to make travel easier. As a rule, international airports provide places and services reserved for persons holding such a passport. This makes it possible to shorten the waiting time without, however, deviating from the usual checks or even from the prescribed searches of the luggage.
Also, it allows the beneficiary to travel visa-free to several countries that have signed agreements with the country issuing the diplomatic passport. With the diplomatic passport, you also enjoy diplomatic immunity throughout your stay abroad. And of course, like a traditional title, the diplomatic passport allows for certification of the status of the person presenting it.
Who can apply for a diplomatic passport in Algeria?
In Algeria, the conditions for issuing official travel permits apply – the diplomatic passport and the service pass – issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were approved by Presidential Decree n. 23-201 of June 1, 2023, published in the latest Official Journal n. 37. The diplomatic passport, according to the Presidential Decree, is an identity and travel document related to the exercise of diplomatic activity in accordance with international conventions and customs is connected.
1. Diplomatic and consular representatives
The diplomatic passport is issued to diplomatic and consular representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the basis of their status, as well as their spouses, minor children and unmarried daughters living under their roof and, where appropriate, upon their posting abroad , to the direct ancestors for whom they are issued in accordance with the regulations in force Article 4 of the text are responsible.
2. National Defense Attachés
This travel document is also issued to “State Defense Attachés, Military Airborne and Naval Attachés of Algerian diplomatic missions abroad and their assistants for the duration of their mission, as well as their spouses, minor children and daughters living under their roof and, where applicable, to the direct ancestors for whom they are entitled under the applicable Regulations are responsible,” says Article 5 of the decree.
3. Officials of State, Government and Other Bodies
According to the same text, the following personalities, their spouses, minor children and unmarried daughters living under their roof benefit from diplomatic passports based on their function and for the duration of their validity:
To. As President of the Republic
B. Under the government
vs. Regarding constituted bodies and other institutions
From the Ministry of Defense:
4. Honorary titles and previous high offices
Pursuant to Article 7 of Presidential Decree No. 23-201 of June 1, 2023: “Provided that they ensure respect for their rank, are domiciled in Algeria and do not behave in a manner prejudicial to the interests of their superiors and of …. “ Dignity of the state, the following personalities and their spouses, minor children and unmarried daughters living under their roof benefit from the diplomatic passport:
To. In a voluntary capacity
B. Considering the high positions they held
5. Spouses of diplomatic passport recipients
According to Article 8 of the same decree, the diplomatic passport is also issued to all the wives of the beneficiaries concerned in the event of their increase. “With the loss of this property, this right is lost.” “The widows of former heads of state are exempt from this measure,” it says.
The diplomatic passport is issued and renewed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs or his authorized representative. According to Article 9 of the Presidential Decree, the period of validity is a maximum of 5 years. “Subject to the provisions of Article 7 above, the diplomatic passport shall be returned by its holder to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon termination of the functions or missions that justified its issuance,” reads Article 10.
“A special register for issuing, extending or renewing diplomatic passports is kept by the Central Administration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The diplomatic missions keep a similar register of the renewals of diplomatic passports issued in accordance with the provisions of Article 9 mentioned above,” the decree reads.
What you need to know about the service pass
According to Article 11 of the same Presidential Decree, the service pass is defined as “an identity and travel document issued for the performance of a mission or a trip abroad”. Can benefit from the service pass for the duration of their assignment:
- Civil and military officials assigned to diplomatic or consular posts whose rank or position does not result in the issuance of a diplomatic passport;
- The spouses, minor children and unmarried daughters of the above-mentioned officials, as well as their dependents in the lineal line according to the regulations in force;
- Senior officials of state administrations with at least the rank of director on presentation of an official order issued by the relevant ministry;
- Heads of certain national institutions upon presentation of an order of service issued by the head of the institution concerned;
- Persons entrusted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs with a specific mission abroad.
The period of validity of the service passport is 4 years for civil servants who take on diplomatic or consular missions; Depending on the duration of the assignment, which may not exceed one year for the people who benefit from it in the context of a foreign assignment, the decree specifies in its article 14: “On returning from the assignment, the beneficiary of the service pass hands it over to the air. “ and the border police, who forward it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs”, adds article 16 of the same decree.