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

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For citizens of the Republic of Benin, traveling from the vibrant coast of Cotonou to the Balkan Peninsula requires careful preparation. Albania enforces a strict Digital Pre-Clearance system for Beninese nationals. Unlike traveling within the ECOWAS region where movement is free, entry into Albania is strictly regulated.

Whether you are departing from Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO) via Istanbul, Brussels, or Addis Ababa, you must possess a pre-approved e-Visa. Airlines operating in Benin (such as Air France, Turkish Airlines, or Ethiopian Airlines) will deny boarding if this document is missing.

This guide is uniquely tailored for Beninese applicants. It addresses the specific advantages of the XOF (West African CFA Franc) peg to the Euro, the critical requirement to translate documents from French to English, and how to overcome online payment hurdles using prepaid solutions like the UBA Africard.

See also: Albania e-Visa Exemptions Guide

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Visa Requirements for Beninese Nationals

Do Beninese citizens need a visa? Yes.All holders of a standard Beninese passport (Passeport Ordinaire) must obtain a C-Type e-Visa before travel. There is no "Visa on Arrival" for Beninese citizens at Albanian borders.

Exemption Criteria (The Schengen Route)

You may be exempt from the Albania visa for Benin citizens requirement only if you meet strict criteria. You do not need to apply if you hold a valid, multiple-entry visa for:

• The Schengen Area (e.g., issued by France or Belgium).

• The United States.

• The United Kingdom.

Important Condition: You must have previously used this visa. For example, if you obtained a Schengen visa from the French Consulate in Cotonou and have already traveled to Paris with it, you can then use it to enter Albania visa-free. If it is brand new and unused, you must apply for the Albanian e-Visa.

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Understanding the C-Type Short-Stay Visa

The C-Type Visa is a short-term entry permit.

• Purpose: Tourism, business meetings, or visiting friends/family.

• Duration: Maximum stay of 90 days within a rolling 180-day period.

• Work Restriction: It does not allow you to work for an Albanian employer or settle permanently.

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Benin-Specific Documentation Checklist

Beninese applicants must pay close attention to the language of their documents and financial proofs.

✅ Passport ValidityYour passport must be valid for at least 3 months (preferably 6 months) beyond your return date.

✅ Financial Proof (The CFA Franc Advantage)

• Currency: Benin uses the XOF (CFA Franc), which has a fixed exchange rate with the Euro. This makes proving financial value easier compared to volatile currencies.

• The Document: You must submit a Bank Statement (Relevé Bancaire) for the last 12 months.

• Banks: Statements from Ecobank Benin, BOA (Bank of Africa), NSIA Banque, or Orabank are standard.

• Requirement: The statement must show regular activity. A simple "Attestation de Capacité Financière" (Solvency Certificate) without the transaction history is often rejected. Ensure the bank stamps the document.

✅ Language & Translation (French to English)Official documents in Benin are issued in French. Albania requires English.

• Mandatory Translations: Your Birth Certificate (Acte de Naissance), Employment Certificate (Attestation de Travail), and Police Record (Casier Judiciaire) must be translated into English.

• Certification: The translation must be done by a Sworn Translator (Traducteur Assermenté) and notarized. Do not upload raw French documents.

✅ Professional Proof

• Employees: A letter from your employer stating your role, salary, and authorized leave (Congés payés).

• Entrepreneurs: You must upload your Registre de Commerce (RCCM) and your IFU (Identifiant Fiscal Unique) number proof, translated into English.

✅ Travel InsuranceA policy covering medical emergencies (min. €30,000). Insurers like Sunu Assurances, NSIA, or Sanlam offer suitable travel policies. Ensure the certificate is in English.

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Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The process is 100% online.

Step 1: Account Creation

Visit the Apply for Albania e-Visa portal. Register with your personal email.

Step 2: Form Completion

Select "Visa Type C".

• Name Accuracy: Enter your surnames and given names exactly as they appear in the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of your passport. Beninese names can be long; ensure the full spelling is correct.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans. Ensure the notary stamps on your translated documents are clearly visible.

Step 4: Payment (The UBA Africard Solution)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Benin:Many Beninese applicants face issues because standard bank cards may not be enabled for international web payments.

• Recommended Method: The UBA Africard (Prepaid Visa) is widely used in Benin and is highly reliable for this portal. Ensure it is loaded with sufficient funds (XOF converted to EUR).

• Mobile Money: You cannot pay directly with MTN Mobile Money or Moov Money. However, if your mobile wallet is linked to a virtual Visa card, that card details can be used.

• Traditional Cards: Visa/Mastercards from Ecobank or BOA work if "International Transactions" are activated.

• Troubleshooting: Albania e-Visa Payment Issues.

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Processing Timelines for Benin

Benin is in a region that undergoes standard security vetting.

• Standard Timeline: 9-15 Business Days.

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

• Advice: Apply at least 6 weeks before your trip.

"Action Required" Status

If you see this status, check your email. The consul usually needs:

• A missing translation (e.g., you uploaded the French Attestation without the English version).

• A clearer scan of the passport bio-page. You have about 7 days to fix this.

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Border Protocols at Tirana

Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport (TIA):

Documents to Present:

1. Printed e-Visa: Digital copies are not accepted.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to Cotonou or elsewhere.

3. Accommodation: Hotel booking or invitation.

4. Yellow Fever Card: While Albania doesn't require it, if you are transiting through other African or specific South American zones, airlines might check your Carnet de Vaccination (Yellow Card).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit my documents in French?

No. Even though French is the official language of Benin, Albanian authorities generally do not accept it. You must translate your Attestation de Travail, Acte de Naissance, and Casier Judiciaire into English via a sworn translator.

Is the "Attestation de Solvabilité" enough?

No. The consulate wants to see a Relevé Bancaire (Bank Statement) showing the history of transactions for the last 12 months. A simple letter stating "Mr. X has funds" is considered insufficient evidence.

Can I pay using Moov Money or MTN Momo?

Not directly. The portal accepts Visa and Mastercard. You must use a bank card or a prepaid card like the UBA Africard.

What if my visa is refused?

Common reasons include lack of translations or insufficient ties to Benin (no proof of job or business). The fee is non-refundable. Check Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for more details.

Do I need a transit visa for Europe?

Most flights from Cotonou to Tirana connect via Brussels (Brussels Airlines) or Paris (Air France). As a Beninese citizen, you likely need a Schengen Airport Transit Visa to change planes in these airports, even if you don't leave the terminal. Check this carefully.