Collo & El Kala Border Crossing

Important Clarification: A Non-Existent Crossing

There is no official international border crossing at the Algerian city of Collo. Collo is a beautiful coastal city in the Skikda province of Algeria, but it is located over 200 kilometers to the west of the Tunisian border. The main coastal crossing between Algeria and Tunisia is at Oum Teboul, which is located near the Algerian border town of El Kala. This guide will provide information on the main Oum Teboul-Melloula crossing, as this is the gateway that serves the El Kala region. It is crucial for any traveler to understand that it is not possible to cross the border at Collo. All overland travel between the coastal regions of the two countries must be routed through the official post at Oum Teboul.

The Oum Teboul-Melloula Crossing: The Coastal Gateway to the El Kala Region

The border crossing at Oum Teboul in Algeria, which connects to the Tunisian post of Melloula, is the main and most beautiful coastal gateway between the two nations. This is the primary border on the highway that runs along the stunning North African Mediterranean coast, linking the Algerian city of Annaba and the El Kala region with the Tunisian capital of Tunis, via the beautiful resort town of Tabarka. This is a major, busy international crossing, a vital artery for trade and tourism. The crossing is located in a spectacular setting, where the lush, green, cork oak forests of the Kroumirie mountains meet the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The atmosphere is that of a professional, efficient, and very scenic border, a constant flow of cars, buses, and trucks. For the traveler, this is the most popular and pleasant route for journeying overland between the two Maghreb neighbors.

Before Crossing

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A History on a Numidian and Roman Frontier

The history of this border is the history of the ancient kingdom of Numidia and the Roman province of Africa. The region is rich in archaeological sites, including the magnificent Roman ruins at Bulla Regia and Chemtou in Tunisia, and Hippo Regius (the home of St. Augustine) in Annaba, Algeria. The border is a legacy of the Ottoman and French colonial periods, a line drawn through a region with a shared Berber and Arab heritage. In the post-independence era, the relationship between Algeria and Tunisia has been generally stable and cooperative. The Oum Teboul-Melloula crossing has been a symbol of this friendship, a key point of connection for the millions of Algerians who travel to Tunisia for their summer holidays, making them the largest single group of tourists in the country. The border facilities have been modernized to handle this huge seasonal influx of traffic.

The Border Crossing Procedure: A Formal and Organized Process

The border is open 24 hours a day. The process is formal and well-organized, but it can be very slow and crowded, especially during the summer holiday season (June to August) when there are massive queues of Algerian holidaymakers. You must have the correct visas if your nationality requires them.

Exiting Algeria (Oum Teboul): You will arrive at the large Algerian border post. You will first go to the police post to get your passport stamped for exit. If you are in a vehicle, you will then need to go to the customs office to have your vehicle’s temporary import permit processed for exit. This can be a slow, bureaucratic process.

The No-Man’s-Land: After clearing the Algerian side, you will drive a short distance through a scenic, forested no-man’s-land to the Tunisian side.

Entering Tunisia (Melloula): You will arrive at the large and modern Tunisian border post. You will go to the immigration hall. For most nationalities, Tunisia offers visa-free entry. The officer will check your passport and provide an entry stamp. After immigration, you will proceed to the customs office. If you are in a vehicle, you will need to get a temporary import permit. The customs check for luggage is usually a brief formality for tourists. The Tunisian officials are known for being professional and efficient.

Route, Onward Travel, and The El Kala National Park

This crossing is on the main coastal highway. On the Algerian side, the road connects to the town of El Kala and the major port city of Annaba. The El Kala National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is located right at the border and is a paradise for birdwatchers, with its beautiful lakes and forests. On the Tunisian side, the road from the border leads directly to the beautiful coastal town of Tabarka. Tabarka is a major resort town, famous for its Genoese fort, its unique, needle-like rock formations (“Les Aiguilles”), and its annual jazz festival. From Tabarka, the main highway continues east along the beautiful “Coral Coast” to the cities of Bizerte and the capital, Tunis. For those without a car, there are shared taxis (louages) and bus services that run to the border from both sides.

Final Planning Advice for the Coastal Route

The Oum Teboul-Melloula crossing is a modern, busy, and stunningly beautiful border. It is the main and best gateway for overland travel between Algeria and Tunisia. The key to a successful crossing is to be prepared for long queues, especially during the summer. Have all your documents in order, especially your vehicle papers if you are driving. The journey it enables, along the magnificent Mediterranean coast, is a highlight of any North African trip. It is a border that offers a smooth and easy passage between two fascinating and historically rich countries. It is a journey through a landscape of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and lush forests, a perfect introduction to the friendly and welcoming culture of Tunisia.