Book at least your first night's accommodation in Algeria with a hotel, guest house or other provider. Get confirmation of your booking in writing, and make several copies of this document. You will take this proof of accommodation to the Algerian border as it will be required for your visa to be issued. Keep different copies of the paperwork in different places in your personal luggage -- that way, if a bag gets lost, your only copy of the paperwork doesn't get lost with it.
Consider booking the services of a local guide for your travels through Algeria. Using a guide is recommended by the authorities in all areas of the country, and particularly recommended in the southern parts of Algeria, which are relatively more dangerous for the unescorted traveler. If you book a guide, again obtain written confirmation of this booking, and take copies with you to the border.
Select your mode of transportation and route into Algeria. For land border crossings, entering Algeria by motor vehicle at the Tunisian border is considered to be the most reliable and safe method. There are some security issues with the Mauritanian and Malian borders, and the border between Algeria and Morocco is currently closed. Entering Algeria from Niger or southern Tunisia will require you to contract an official Algerian guide.
Present your documentation, visa fee and passport --- with at least 6 months still to run --- to the Algerian immigration officials at the border. Be courteous and respectful to these officials. Depending on your citizenship, they are in no way obligated to issue a tourist visa to travelers crossing at the land borders.
