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

✧

For citizens of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, traveling from the high Andes to the Balkan coast requires precise logistical preparation. Unlike traveling within the MERCOSUR or Andean Community regions where ID cards often suffice, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" for Bolivian passport holders at Albanian borders. Whether you are departing from Viru Viru (VVI) or El Alto (LPB), typically connecting via Madrid, São Paulo, or Panama, airlines will deny boarding without a printed e-Visa.

This guide is exclusively tailored for Bolivian applicants. It addresses the specific bureaucratic realities of Bolivia: converting Boliviano (BOB) financial proofs to Euros, the mandatory requirement to translate documents from Spanish (Español) to English, and overcoming online payment limits often imposed by Bolivian banks.

For a broader overview of eligibility, you can also review the specific criteria for Bolivia Citizens regarding Albania e-Tourist Visas.

✧

Is a Visa Mandatory for Bolivian Nationals?

Yes.Holders of a standard Bolivian passport must obtain a C-Type e-Visa before travel. Albania does not currently grant automatic visa-free entry to Bolivian nationals based solely on citizenship.

The "Schengen/US" Exemption Route

Many Bolivian travelers already hold visas for other Western nations. You may be EXEMPT from the Albanian e-Visa application if:

1. You possess a valid, multiple-entry Schengen Visa.

2. You possess a valid, multiple-entry US Visa (B1/B2) or UK Visa.

3. You hold a Residence Permit for these territories (e.g., residency in Spain).

Vital Condition: You must have previously used this visa.

• Scenario: If you have a valid Schengen visa issued by the Spanish Consulate in La Paz and have already used it to travel to Madrid, you can enter Albania visa-free. If it is unused, you must apply for the Albanian e-Visa.

• More details: Albania e-Visa Exemptions Guide.

✧

Understanding the C-Type Short-Stay Visa

The C-Type Visa is a temporary entry permit for non-immigrant purposes.

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

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

• Restrictions: It does not authorize employment or long-term residency.

✧

Bolivia-Specific Documentation Checklist

Bolivian documents require specific handling due to language and currency differences.

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

✅ Proof of Funds (BOB vs. Hard Currency)

• The Requirement: Proof of approx. €50/day.

• The Challenge: Most Bolivian accounts are in Bolivianos (BOB).

• The Solution: Submit your Bank Statement (Extracto Bancario) for the last 12 months. Statements from Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz, Banco Bisa, BNB, or Banco Unión are accepted.

• Crucial Step: Since the statement is in Spanish and BOB, it is highly advisable to attach a cover letter or ask the bank for a certificate stating the balance in USD equivalent. This prevents confusion during the review.

✅ Translation Requirements (Spanish to English)Albanian authorities do not accept documents in Spanish.

• Mandatory Translations: Your Police Record (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales - REJAP), Employment Certificate (Certificado de Trabajo), and Bank Statements (if headers are complex) must be translated into English.

• Legalization: The translation must be performed by a certified translator and notarized (Notariado). Submitting raw Spanish documents is a primary cause for "Action Required" delays.

✅ Social & Professional Ties

• Employees: A letter from your employer confirming salary, seniority, and vacation dates (Permiso de Vacaciones).

• Business Owners: Your NIT (Número de Identificación Tributaria) registration and company incorporation documents, translated.

• Family Ties: Birth certificates of children or property deeds (Folio Real) can bolster your application by proving intent to return.

✅ Travel InsuranceA policy covering medical emergencies (min. €30,000). Insurers like Alianza or Bisa Seguros offer international policies. Ensure the certificate is issued in English or has a translated summary.

✧

Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The process is 100% digital.

Step 1: Secure Registration

Access the Apply for Albania e-Visa portal. Use a personal email address.

Step 2: Form Accuracy

Select "Visa Type C".

• Naming Convention: Bolivian names often include two surnames (Father's + Mother's). Enter both surnames exactly as they appear in the visual zone of your passport to match the MRZ data.

Step 3: Digital Uploads

Upload clear PDF scans.

• Photo: White background, recent.

• REJAP: Ensure the QR code on your digital police record is legible in the scan.

Step 4: Payment (Bolivian Banking Hurdles)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Bolivia:Bolivian banks often have strict daily limits for online international purchases to preserve foreign reserves.

• Enable Purchases: Before applying, call your bank (e.g., Banco Unión, BMSC) to enable international online purchases (Habilitar compras por internet) and increase your daily limit.

• Card Type: Use a Visa or Mastercard. Debit cards often work, but credit cards are more reliable.

• Troubleshooting: If payment fails repeatedly, read about Albania e-Visa Payment Issues.

✧

Processing Expectations

• Standard Timeline: 9-15 Business Days.

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

• Advice: Apply at least 4-6 weeks prior to travel, especially if you have a complicated itinerary.

"Action Required" Status

If you receive this notification, check for:

• Untranslated Spanish documents.

• Unclear financial proofs (e.g., low balance in BOB).

• Respond within 7 days to avoid rejection.

✧

Route & Transit Warning

Traveling from Bolivia to Albania involves long-haul transit.

• Madrid Transit: Most Bolivians fly BoA or Air Europa to Madrid (MAD). If you have a separate ticket to Albania, you may need a Schengen Visa just to cross the border control in Madrid to re-check bags.

• Panama/Turkey Route: Flying via Panama (Copa) to Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) is another popular route. Verify transit visa rules for Turkey if you have a long layover.

✧

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I upload my "Antecedentes Penales" (REJAP) in Spanish?

No. While the REJAP is a digital document, the text is in Spanish. You must have it translated into English and notarized. Submitting the Spanish version alone will likely pause your application.

My bank account is in Bolivianos. Is this a problem?

Not if you have sufficient funds. However, due to exchange rate volatility, it is strongly recommended to submit a bank statement that also shows a USD equivalent, or hold a USD savings account to demonstrate stable funds.

Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccination?

Albania does not require it, but if you are traveling from Bolivia (tropical zones) and transiting through certain countries (like Brazil or Panama), the airline may ask for your Yellow Fever Card (Certificado Internacional de Vacunación).

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include lack of translations or insufficient proof of funds. You can check the specific Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons to understand what might have gone wrong.

Can I enter with just my Cédula de Identidad?

Absolutely not. The C.I. is valid only within South America. You must have a valid Passport to enter Albania.