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

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For citizens of the Kingdom of Bhutan, traveling beyond the Himalayas to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that requires meticulous planning. While the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" enjoys unique diplomatic relations in Asia, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated through a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" option for Bhutanese passport holders. Whether you are departing from Paro International Airport (PBH) connecting via Bangkok, Delhi, or Kathmandu to reach Tirana, airlines will strictly verify your travel documents before boarding. Without a printed, pre-approved e-Visa, your journey will be halted at the check-in counter.

This manual is specifically designed for Bhutanese applicants. It addresses the unique financial landscape of Bhutan—specifically the Ngultrum (BTN) currency peg to the Indian Rupee, the strict international payment restrictions imposed by the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA), and the distinct advantage Bhutanese citizens have regarding document language.

See also: Albania e-Visa Exemptions Guide

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Is a Visa Required for Bhutanese Nationals?

Yes, it is mandatory.All holders of an ordinary passport issued by the Kingdom of Bhutan must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not grant automatic entry waivers to Bhutanese citizens.

The "Used Visa" Exemption Rule

You may be exempt from the Albania visa for Bhutan citizens requirement only if you meet a specific condition involving third-country visas. You do not need an Albanian visa if:

1. You possess a valid, multiple-entry visa for the US, UK, or Schengen Area.

2. Critical Condition: You have previously used this visa to enter the respective country.

• Example: If you traveled to New York last year on a B1/B2 visa that is still valid, you can enter Albania visa-free. If you just received the visa in Kathmandu or Delhi and haven't used it, you must apply for the Albanian e-Visa.

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The C-Type Short-Stay Visa: An Overview

The C-Type Visa allows for temporary visits for non-immigrant intent.

• Permitted Uses: Tourism, pilgrimage, business meetings, or cultural exchanges.

• Stay Limits: Maximum 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Restrictions: It does not permit long-term study at Albanian universities or employment.

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Bhutan-Specific Application Checklist

Bhutanese applicants have distinct advantages and challenges compared to other regions.

✅ Passport ValidityYour Bhutanese passport must be valid for at least 3 months (6 months recommended) beyond your intended departure from Albania.

✅ Financial Proof (The BTN/INR Factor)Albanian authorities require proof of approx. €50/day.

• Currency: The Ngultrum (BTN) is pegged 1:1 to the Indian Rupee (INR). While stable regionally, it is not widely traded globally.

• The Document: Submit a Bank Statement for the last 12 months. Statements from Bank of Bhutan (BoB), Bhutan National Bank (BNB), T-Bank, or Druk PNB are accepted.

• Crucial Detail: Since BTN/INR is restricted, ask your bank manager to stamp the statement and attach a simple letter confirming the account balance equivalent in USD or Euro. This prevents confusion during the consular review.

✅ Language Advantage (English vs. Dzongkha)Bhutanese applicants have a significant advantage:

• Official Documents: Since English is the language of instruction and administration in Bhutan, many documents (Bank Statements, Academic Transcripts, Employment Letters) are already in English.

• Action: If your documents are in English, no translation is needed. However, if you submit documents in Dzongkha (e.g., certain land deeds or older family records), they must be translated into English and notarized.

✅ NOC (Employer Clearance)It is standard practice for Bhutanese travelers to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or Leave Sanction Order from their employer (government or private) before international travel. Uploading this strengthens your application significantly as it proves intent to return.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Policies from Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan (RICB) or Bhutan Insurance Limited (BIL) are acceptable if they explicitly state "Global" or "Worldwide" coverage.

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Step-by-Step Application Protocol

The process is entirely digital via the e-Visa portal.

Step 1: Secure Registration

Visit the Apply for Albania e-Visa portal. Create an account using your personal email.

Step 2: Accurate Form Filling

Select "Visa Type C".

• Data Entry: Enter your name exactly as it appears in the passport. If you do not have a surname (common in Bhutan), enter your single name in the "Surname" field and repeat it or leave the "Given Name" field as per the portal's specific instruction for mononyms.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Ensure all scans are clear PDFs.

• Photo: Upload a recent passport-sized photo (white background, national dress Gho/Kira is acceptable if it matches the passport photo standards, but western attire is also fine).

Step 4: Payment (The RMA Restriction)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

The Payment Challenge:The Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) restricts international payments on standard domestic cards.

• Domestic Cards: Standard ATM cards from BoB or BNB usually work only in Bhutan and India. They will not work for the Albanian portal.

• Solution 1 (International Cards): Use a BoB Visa International Credit Card or a BNB prepaid international card if you have been allotted a USD quota.

• Solution 2 (Friends/Family): It is common and permitted to use a card belonging to a relative studying or living in Australia, Europe, or the USA.

• More info: Albania e-Visa Payment Issues.

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Processing Timeframe

• Standard Timeline: 9-15 Business Days.

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

• Bhutan Specifics: Applications are generally processed efficiently, typically within 15 to 20 days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 1 month before your planned departure from Paro.

"Action Required" Status

If you see this status, check your email immediately. It usually means a document scan was blurry or the financial proof (USD equivalent) was unclear. You have 7 days to rectify this.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Bhutan to Albania is a multi-leg journey.

Documents for Tirana Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed booking back to Paro (PBH) or Bagdogra.

3. Accommodation Proof.

Critical Transit Warning:Most Bhutanese fly via Bangkok (BKK), Delhi (DEL), or Kathmandu (KTM).

• India Transit: If you are transiting through Delhi and need to change terminals or re-check bags (self-transfer), ensure you have the correct Indian Visa, as the "transit without visa" rules are strict.

• Thailand: Check Thai transit visa rules if your layover exceeds 12 hours or requires exiting the transit area.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use my BoB domestic ATM card to pay?

No. Domestic cards are restricted to Bhutan and India. You must use a card authorized for global (USD/EUR) transactions or ask a friend abroad to make the payment for you.

Do I need to translate my documents from Dzongkha?

Yes, if the original document is only in Dzongkha. However, most Bhutanese bank statements and employment letters are issued in English by default. English documents are accepted as-is.

Is the e-Visa valid for the Schengen zone?

No. An Albanian visa allows entry only to Albania. It does not grant access to France, Germany, or Switzerland.

What if I have a single name (Mononym)?

If your passport lists only one name (e.g., "Pema" or "Dorji"), enter it in the "Surname" field. Check the specific tooltip on the application form, as systems vary, but generally, the surname field is mandatory.

Why was my visa refused?

Refusals are often due to unclear financial means (BTN statements without conversion context) or lack of confirmed accommodation. The fee is non-refundable. Review Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons before applying.