Albania C-Type e-Visa Application Guide for Algeria Citizens (2026)

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Algerian nationals planning to visit Albania encounter specific entry requirements and administrative procedures distinct from other travelers to the Balkans. Unlike the visa-free regimes available to some other nationalities, citizens of Algeria are subject to a strict Digital Pre-Clearance protocol.

It is a common misconception that Albania offers a "Visa on Arrival" or a "Summer Season Exemption" for Algerian passport holders. This is no longer the case. As of 2026, regardless of the season, you cannot board a flight from Houari Boumediene Airport (Algiers) or Oran to Tirana without a digitally approved e-Visa.

This guide specifically addresses the bureaucratic landscape of Algeria—from navigating the non-convertible Algerian Dinar (DZD) regulations and Compte Devises requirements to the critical need for translating documents from French/Arabic into English.

See also: Albania e-Visa Exemptions Guide

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Mandatory Entry Requirements for Algerian Nationals

Do Algerians need a visa? Yes.Every individual holding a biometric passport issued by the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria must secure an e-Visa prior to departure. The Albanian Border and Migration Directorate does not issue visas at the border (Rinas Airport), and airlines including Air Algérie, Lufthansa, or Turkish Airlines will deny boarding without this document.

Exemption Criteria (Who Can Skip the Visa?)

You might be eligible to bypass the Albania visa for Algerian citizens application process if you fall into a specific category. You are exempt only if you hold:

• A valid, multiple-entry Schengen Visa.

• A valid, multiple-entry US or UK Visa.

• A Residence Permit for one of these territories.

Critical Condition: Holding the visa is not enough. You must have previously utilized this visa to enter the issuing country. If your Schengen visa is "unused" (virgin), you will be turned away at the Albanian border.

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Defining the C-Type Visitor Visa

The C-Type Visa acts as a temporary authorization for short visits. It covers purposes such as tourism, private visits to friends/relatives, or attending scientific/cultural conferences.

• Scope: It is strictly for non-immigrant intent. You cannot seek employment or long-term residency.

• The 90-Day Limit: Under the "90/180" regulation, Algerian visitors may spend a maximum of 90 days in Albania within any 180-day timeframe.

• Validity: The visa is usually valid for use within a 6-month window from the date of issue.

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Algeria-Specific Documentation Checklist

Applications originating from North Africa undergo specific risk assessments. To avoid a Visa Processing Delay, your dossier must be tailored to the local administrative standards of Algeria.

✅ Biometric Passport StandardsYour passport must have at least 3 months validity beyond your return date, though 6 months is strongly advised to prevent issues during transit. It must contain two blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

✅ Demonstrating Economic Means (The "Compte Devises" Rule)This is the single most common failure point for Algerian applicants due to currency controls.

• The Requirement: Proof of approx. €50/day for the trip duration.

• The Problem: Bank statements in Algerian Dinar (DZD) are often rejected because the currency is not freely convertible abroad.

• The Solution: You must submit a statement from your Foreign Currency Account (Compte Devises) denominated in Euros (EUR).

• Accepted Banks: Statements from CPA, BADR, BNA, Société Générale Algérie, or BNP Paribas El Djazaïr are standard.

• Warning: A simple receipt from a currency exchange office ("Allocation Touristique") is considered weak evidence. A bank statement showing a transaction history is far superior.

✅ Linguistic Compliance (Translation Protocols)Official documents in Algeria are typically issued in Arabic or French. Albania does not accept either language.

• Mandatory Translation: Your Employment Certificate (Attestation de Travail), Leave Letter (Titre de Congé), and Family Book (Fiche Familiale) must be translated into English.

• Certification: The translation must be performed by a Sworn Translator (Traducteur Assermenté) and notarized. Submitting documents in French will lead to an "Action Required" status or refusal.

✅ Accommodation & Ties to Algeria

• Lodging: A confirmed booking (https://www.google.com/search?q=Booking.com/Airbnb) or a Notarized Invitation Letter from a host in Albania.

• Intent to Return: Strong evidence that you will return to Algeria is vital. This includes property deeds, a letter from your employer granting leave, or proof of family ties in Algeria.

✅ Insurance CoverageA valid travel insurance certificate covering medical repatriation and emergency care (min. €30,000). Policies from CAAT, SAA, or Macir Vie are acceptable if the certificate is in English.

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Phase-by-Phase Application Workflow

The procedure is entirely web-based. There is no physical submission at an Embassy.

Phase 1: Creating Your Applicant Profile

Visit the official Apply for Albania e-Visa platform. Register with a secure email address. Do not use a disposable email, as your visa decision will be communicated there.

Phase 2: Filling the Application

Choose "Visa Type C". When entering personal data, ensure every character matches the Visual Inspection Zone of your passport.

• Algerian Name Note: Be careful with transliteration. If your passport says "Mohammed", do not write "Mohamed" on the form.

Phase 3: Uploading Evidence

Convert all your documents (Bank statement, Translations, Booking) into clear PDF files. The system has a size limit (usually 5MB). Ensure stamps on your Compte Devises statement are legible.

Phase 4: Settling the Consular Fee

The fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

The Payment Challenge for Algerians:Most domestic CIB (Interbank Cards) and Dahabia cards do not function on international payment gateways.

• Workaround 1 (Paysera/Wise): Many Algerian travelers successfully use Paysera Visa cards or Wise accounts funded via the parallel market.

• Workaround 2 (Family Abroad): It is permissible to use a credit card belonging to a relative in France or elsewhere in Europe to pay the fee.

• Workaround 3: Use a third-party visa service if you lack international payment methods.

• More details on Albania e-Visa Payment Issues.

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Processing Timeframe for North African Applicants

Applications from Algeria are handled with caution to verify the intent of the traveler.

• Standard Timeline: 9-15 Business Days.

• Express Timeline: 24 Business Hours. ( 3 Business Day )

• Strategic Advice: Submit your request at least 8 weeks before your intended travel date. Avoid purchasing non-refundable flight tickets until the visa is in your inbox.

Dealing with "Action Required"

If your dashboard shows "Action Required", the officer likely needs a better scan or a translation. You typically have 7 days to rectify this. Check your email spam folder daily.

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Border Control at Rinas (Tirana)

Possessing an e-Visa grants permission to travel, but entry is granted by the Border Police. Algerian nationals should be prepared for a brief interview upon arrival.

Essential Documents to Carry:

1. Hard Copy of e-Visa: Print it out; do not rely on your phone.

2. Return Ticket (Billet Retour): Proof of exit transport is non-negotiable.

3. Proof of Funds: Carry some Cash Euros to demonstrate immediate solvency.

4. Hotel Voucher: Know the address of your stay.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit my documents in French since it is widely used in Algeria?

No. Albanian consular staff do not process documents in French. You must translate your Employment Certificates and Bank Statements into English via a sworn translator.

Is the "Allocation Touristique" receipt enough for financial proof?

It is supporting evidence but insufficient on its own. The consulate prefers to see a Compte Devises bank statement showing a history of funds, proving stability rather than a one-time exchange.

What if I have a valid Schengen visa I haven't used yet?

As mentioned in the exemptions section, you cannot use it to enter Albania visa-free. The rule is strict: the Schengen visa must be "used" (you must have entered the Schengen zone) before it grants exemption for Albania.

Why was my visa refused?

Common reasons for Algerian applicants include: lack of clear financial means (Dinar statements instead of Euro), failure to translate documents, or unproven intent to return. The fee is non-refundable. Review the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons before re-applying.

Can I travel to Montenegro or Kosovo with this visa?

No. This visa is valid strictly for the Republic of Albania. If you plan to visit neighboring Balkan countries, check their specific visa requirements for Algerian citizens.