GNV is opening a new ferry service between Civitavecchia, near Rome, and Annaba in eastern Algeria. The route will allow passengers to travel directly between Italy and Algeria, with or without a vehicle.
According to information provided by GNV, sailings will begin on 8 August 2026 for the summer season, with two departures per week. The service will operate in both directions, from Civitavecchia to Annaba and from Annaba to Civitavecchia.
📌 Key information about the new route
✔ Ferry operator: GNV
✔ Route: Civitavecchia–Annaba
✔ Countries served: Italy and Algeria
✔ First announced departure: 8 August 2026
✔ Announced frequency: two sailings per week
✔ Announced departure days from Civitavecchia: Tuesday and Saturday
✔ Announced vessel: GNV Cristal
✔ Vehicles: accepted subject to availability and GNV conditions
✔ Booking: sailings available on AFerry
Departure days, times, vessels and operating conditions may vary depending on the direction of travel. Always check the information shown when booking and on your AFerry confirmation.
🌍 A new connection between Italy and eastern Algeria
Located close to Rome, the port of Civitavecchia is easily accessible from central Italy. It offers a practical departure point for travellers heading to North Africa with their car, luggage and everything needed for their stay.
On arrival, Annaba provides direct access to eastern Algeria. From the city, travellers can continue towards El Tarf, Guelma, Skikda, Souk Ahras and other destinations across the region.
The new service complements GNV’s existing sailings from Sète to the Algerian ports of Algiers and Béjaïa.
⛴️ Civitavecchia → Annaba
Sailings from Civitavecchia provide a direct connection to Annaba without the need to travel through another European port.
According to the programme announced by GNV, two departures per week are planned for the summer season, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, starting from 8 August 2026.
Passengers can book:
✔ travel without a vehicle;
✔ a crossing with a car or another accepted vehicle;
✔ a seat or cabin, subject to availability.
Times shown when booking may change. Check the details on your ticket and any updates sent before departure.
⛴️ Annaba → Civitavecchia
The route also operates from Annaba to Civitavecchia.
It gives passengers leaving Algeria a direct sea connection to central Italy. From Civitavecchia, Rome and other Italian regions can be reached by road or public transport.
Departure days and times from Annaba may differ from those offered from Civitavecchia. They should be checked in the AFerry search results for your chosen date.
Passengers should arrive at the port early enough to complete:
✔ check-in;
✔ passenger controls;
✔ customs formalities;
✔ vehicle checks, where applicable.
🚗 Travelling with your car
The Civitavecchia–Annaba route accepts cars, subject to availability and GNV conditions.
Travelling with your own vehicle makes it easier to continue your journey after arrival and allows you to carry more luggage. However, all vehicle details entered at the time of booking must match the vehicle presented at the port.
Make sure you enter the following correctly:
✔ vehicle type;
✔ length;
✔ height;
✔ any trailer, roof box or additional equipment.
A difference found at the port may result in an additional charge or, where the vehicle cannot be accepted, refusal of boarding in line with GNV conditions.
📄 Vehicle documents to prepare
Passengers travelling with a vehicle should bring:
✔ Vehicle registration certificate: the original registration document.
✔ Driving licence: a valid licence for the driver.
✔ Insurance: proof of cover valid in the destination country.
✔ Ferry ticket: the vehicle details must be correct.
✔ Passport: a valid passport for the driver.
✔ Authorisation: recommended when the driver is not the vehicle owner.
✔ Hire, lease or company vehicle documents: permission from the hire company, leasing provider or owner where required.
It is advisable to carry the original documents as well as several printed copies.
The documents required may vary according to the country of registration, the vehicle owner and whether the vehicle is being imported temporarily or permanently.
🚘 Vehicles being exported to Algeria
The formalities for permanently exporting a vehicle are different from those for a car used temporarily during a stay.
According to information provided by GNV, passengers carrying a vehicle intended for export may need to present:
✔ the registration certificate in the owner’s name;
✔ the purchase invoice for a new vehicle;
✔ the sales agreement and proof of ownership for a used vehicle;
✔ the manufacturer’s certificate of conformity;
✔ the vehicle technical data sheet;
✔ the required transport document;
✔ a copy of the passport;
✔ any applicable proof of residence.
The documents must be printed.
This list is provided for guidance only. The rules may depend on the age, type and use of the vehicle, as well as the owner’s circumstances.
Before booking, passengers concerned should confirm the procedure with Algerian customs, the relevant consulate and, where necessary, an approved customs agent.
⚠️ Restrictions affecting some vehicles
Seasonal restrictions may be introduced by the Algerian authorities for certain ports, vehicle types or import operations.
Restrictions published for Algiers or Béjaïa should not automatically be treated as applying to Annaba.
Before booking, it is essential to confirm the unloading conditions at the port of Annaba for:
✔ a commercial van;
✔ a utility vehicle;
✔ a vehicle carrying goods;
✔ a new or recently registered vehicle;
✔ a vehicle intended for permanent import.
Each passenger remains responsible for ensuring that their vehicle and any goods carried comply with the applicable rules.
💳 Vehicle tax on departures from Algeria
According to information provided by GNV for departures from Algeria, a fuel tax must be paid at the port by passengers travelling with a vehicle.
The amounts stated by GNV are:
✔ Passenger car: DZD 1,000
✔ Utility vehicle or truck under 10 tonnes: DZD 5,000
✔ Truck over 10 tonnes or coach: DZD 12,000
This tax applies only to departures from Algeria. It is therefore not payable in Civitavecchia for a sailing to Annaba.
Passengers should bring the exact amount in Algerian dinars and in cash. Check the amount and payment arrangements before travel, as these may change.
🛳️ On board GNV Cristal
According to information provided by GNV, the new route is expected to be operated by GNV Cristal.
Several types of accommodation may be available, subject to availability:
✔ seats;
✔ cabins;
✔ public areas;
✔ food and drink services.
GNV also states that services adapted to passengers travelling to North Africa may include:
✔ food options including halal choices;
✔ a prayer area;
✔ family-friendly spaces.
Available services may vary depending on the vessel actually operating the crossing and the sailing conditions.
🛂 Travel documents for Algeria
All passengers, including children and infants, must have their own valid travel document.
The documents required depend on each passenger’s nationality. A residence permit issued by a European country does not automatically replace a passport or an Algerian visa.
Before departure, check:
✔ passport validity;
✔ whether an Algerian visa is required;
✔ the rules applying to children;
✔ the documents needed to return to the country of residence;
✔ residence permit validity, where applicable.
Passengers are responsible for ensuring that their own documents, as well as those of children and vehicles, are valid.
👨👩👧👦 Travelling with children
Every child and infant must have their own valid travel document.
When a child travels with one parent, without either parent or with another adult, additional documents may be required, such as:
✔ parental authorisation;
✔ permission to leave the country;
✔ copies of the parents’ documents;
✔ proof of family relationship.
The exact rules depend on the child’s nationality, country of residence, departure country and accompanying adults.
🇹🇳 Continuing to Tunisia from Annaba
The Civitavecchia–Annaba route serves Algeria directly. It is not a direct ferry service to Tunisia.
It may, however, provide an alternative route for some passengers who wish to continue to Tunisia by road after arriving in Annaba.
The complete journey is then: Civitavecchia → Annaba by ferry
followed by: Annaba → Algeria–Tunisia border → Tunisia by road
This journey involves entering Algeria, leaving Algeria and then entering Tunisia.
📍 Road distances between Annaba and Tunisia
The closest road border crossing commonly used from Annaba is Oum Teboul in the El Tarf region on the Algerian side. It connects with the Melloula crossing on the Tunisian side.
Annaba → Oum Teboul border crossing
✔ Approximate distance: 90–95 km
✔ Indicative driving time: around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
✔ Border formalities: not included in this estimate
Annaba → Tunis
✔ Approximate distance: 277–280 km
✔ Indicative driving time: around 4 hours
✔ Border formalities: not included in this estimate
Journey summary
Annaba → Oum Teboul: approximately 90–95 km
Oum Teboul → Tunis: approximately 190–195 km
Annaba → Tunis: approximately 277–280 km
Distances may vary depending on the arrival terminal, the chosen route and the border crossing used.
During the summer, waiting times at the border can significantly increase the total journey time. Allow plenty of time and avoid arranging a tight connection after disembarkation.
🛂 Formalities for continuing to Tunisia
Passengers wishing to travel on to Tunisia must be permitted to enter both countries.
They should check separately:
- the conditions for entering Algeria;
- the conditions for leaving Algeria;
- the conditions for entering Tunisia;
- the documents needed to return to Europe or their country of residence.
A passenger who requires a visa for Algeria must obtain it before departure, even when Tunisia is the final destination.
A visa, residence permit or right of entry for Tunisia does not automatically provide a right of entry to Algeria.
🇫🇷 Passengers travelling with a French passport only
A passenger travelling only with a French passport is generally required to obtain a visa before entering Algeria.
The route via Annaba should therefore not be considered an automatic alternative to a direct ferry to Tunis.
Without an Algerian visa or another authorisation applicable to their situation, the passenger may be refused boarding or entry into Algeria.
They should also check Tunisia’s entry requirements and the minimum passport validity required.
🇹🇳 Tunisian passport holders
Tunisian nationals can generally enter Algeria without a visa for a short stay, provided they hold a valid Tunisian passport and meet the entry conditions in force.
They should also keep the documents needed to enter Tunisia and, where applicable, return to their European country of residence.
🇫🇷🇹🇳 French–Tunisian dual nationals
Passengers holding both French and Tunisian nationality should carry both valid passports.
The Tunisian passport may be used for formalities in Algeria and Tunisia. The French passport or another valid French document should also be kept available to prove the right to return to France.
The documents to present should be confirmed with the relevant consulates and authorities before departure.
🚗 Crossing the border with a vehicle
Algerian and Tunisian customs procedures are separate.
A foreign vehicle must first be temporarily admitted into Algeria. This admission must then be closed or regularised when leaving the country.
On entering Tunisia, a new temporary admission procedure must be completed with Tunisian customs.
The journey generally includes:
- passenger controls on arrival in Annaba;
- the Algerian customs check for the vehicle;
- issue of an Algerian temporary admission document;
- the drive between Annaba and Oum Teboul;
- regularisation of the vehicle on leaving Algeria;
- passenger controls on entering Tunisia;
- temporary admission of the vehicle by Tunisian customs.
The document issued in Algeria does not replace the authorisation required by the Tunisian authorities.
🛡️ Vehicle insurance in Algeria and Tunisia
European motor insurance does not necessarily cover Algeria and Tunisia.
Before departure, the driver should ask their insurer for written confirmation of the countries in which the vehicle is covered.
To continue to Tunisia from Annaba, insurance must be valid in both countries.
Border insurance may sometimes be available where a country is not covered, but its availability, price and level of cover cannot be guaranteed in advance.
🔄 A possible alternative to the Civitavecchia–Tunis route
The Civitavecchia–Annaba service may be offered to some passengers whose direct sailing between Civitavecchia and Tunis has been cancelled or changed.
This option is not an identical replacement.
A direct sailing to Tunis mainly requires entry formalities for Tunisia. A journey via Annaba also involves:
✔ entering Algeria;
✔ driving to the border;
✔ leaving Algeria;
✔ entering Tunisia;
✔ two separate customs procedures for the vehicle.
Before accepting a rebooking via Annaba, passengers should check that everyone travelling is allowed to enter both Algeria and Tunisia and that their vehicle can be used in both countries.
Customers affected will receive information directly about the options available for their booking. Depending on the conditions communicated by AFerry, they may accept the new itinerary or refuse it and request the applicable refund.
✅ Before accepting travel to Tunisia via Annaba
Check the following:
✔ Can every passenger enter Algeria?
✔ Is an Algerian visa required?
✔ Can every passenger enter Tunisia?
✔ Are all passports valid for long enough?
✔ Are the residence documents needed to return to Europe valid?
✔ Can the vehicle be temporarily admitted into both countries?
✔ Does the driver have all the vehicle documents?
✔ Is an authorisation from the owner required?
✔ Does the insurance cover Algeria and Tunisia?
✔ Is enough time allowed for the border crossing?
✔ Can the driver complete the approximately 280 km journey between Annaba and Tunis?
🧭 Discovering Annaba and eastern Algeria
Facing the Mediterranean, Annaba is one of the main port cities in eastern Algeria.
The region offers opportunities to discover:
✔ Annaba’s historic centre;
✔ the Basilica of Saint Augustine;
✔ the ruins of Hippo Regius;
✔ the eastern Algerian coastline;
✔ El Kala National Park.
Annaba is also a practical starting point for El Tarf and other destinations across eastern Algeria.
🎟️ Booking the Civitavecchia–Annaba ferry
To view available sailings on AFerry, choose one of the following routes:
Civitavecchia → Annaba
or:
Annaba → Civitavecchia
Then enter:
✔ your travel date;
✔ the number of passengers;
✔ the ages of any children;
✔ the type and dimensions of the vehicle;
✔ your preferred onboard accommodation.
Availability, times, accommodation and fares for your journey will be displayed in the search results.
❓ Frequently asked questions about the Civitavecchia–Annaba route
Does the route operate in both directions?
Yes. The new service connects Civitavecchia with Annaba and Annaba with Civitavecchia. Departure days and times may differ by direction.
When do sailings begin?
According to information provided by GNV, the first departure is scheduled for 8 August 2026.
How many sailings are planned each week?
GNV has announced two sailings per week during the summer season. Check the exact timetable on AFerry.
Can I travel with a car?
Yes, subject to availability and GNV conditions. The type and dimensions of the vehicle must be entered correctly when booking.
Does the ferry arrive directly in Tunisia?
No. The ferry arrives in Annaba, Algeria. Passengers travelling to Tunisia must continue by road.
How far is Annaba from the Tunisian border?
The Oum Teboul border crossing is approximately 90–95 km from Annaba by road.
How far is Annaba from Tunis?
The road distance between Annaba and Tunis is approximately 277–280 km.
Is an Algerian visa required to reach Tunisia via Annaba?
This depends on the traveller’s nationality and documents. Anyone who requires a visa to enter Algeria must obtain it before departure, even when continuing to Tunisia.
Are vehicle formalities the same in Algeria and Tunisia?
No. The vehicle must go through a separate customs procedure in each country.
Is a tax payable when departing from Annaba?
According to information provided by GNV, a fuel tax applies to vehicles departing from Algeria. The amount depends on the vehicle category.
ℹ️ Important information about travel formalities
Information about passports, visas, residence permits, children, vehicles, insurance, customs and border crossings is provided for guidance only.
The formalities that apply depend in particular on:
✔ each passenger’s nationality;
✔ the passport or passports used;
✔ the country of residence;
✔ the residence permit held;
✔ the age of the passengers;
✔ the countries of departure, arrival and transit;
✔ the registration and ownership of the vehicle;
✔ whether the vehicle is being imported temporarily or permanently.
Before departure, every traveller should check the requirements that apply to their circumstances with the relevant embassies, consulates, border police, customs authorities and other competent administrations in Italy, Algeria and, when continuing by road, Tunisia.
Terms and Conditions
Departure dates, times, frequencies, vessels, onboard facilities and operating conditions may change; travel, visa, customs, insurance and vehicle admission requirements depend in particular on each passenger’s nationality, the documents used, the country of residence, the chosen itinerary and the vehicle’s circumstances; road distances and driving times are approximate and do not necessarily include traffic or waiting times at borders; the information provided is for guidance only and every traveller must check the requirements applying to their situation with the relevant embassies, consulates, border police, customs authorities and other competent administrations in the countries of departure, arrival and transit; AFerry and the ferry operator may modify these details at any time.