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

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For citizens of the Republic of Botswana, traveling from Southern Africa to the Balkans is a seamless journey, provided the correct immigration protocols are followed. Known for its political stability and strong passport, Botswana enjoys visa-free access to many nations. However, entry into the Republic of Albania is currently regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Batswana passport holders at Albanian border control points. Whether you are departing from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) via Johannesburg, Doha, or Addis Ababa, you must present a valid, printed e-Visa to board your flight.

This guide is specifically tailored for Botswana applicants. It highlights the distinct administrative advantages you possess—such as documents being issued in English (saving translation costs)—while addressing specific requirements like converting Botswana Pula (BWP) financial proofs.

For a broader overview of application rules for all nationalities, you can visit our main Visa Application Guide.

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Is a Visa Mandatory for Batswana Nationals?

Yes.Holders of a standard Botswana passport must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. While diplomatic relations are strong, Albania does not currently grant automatic visa-free entry based solely on citizenship for tourism purposes.

You can verify the specific eligibility criteria and authorized stay duration on the Botswana Citizens e-Tourist Visa page.

The "Golden Exemption" (US/UK/Schengen)

You may be EXEMPT from the Albanian e-Visa application if you hold a valid visa for certain Western jurisdictions. You do not need to apply for this e-Visa if:

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

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

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

The Usage Rule: To qualify for this exemption, you must have previously used the visa to enter the issuing country.

• Example: If you have a 10-year US visa that you used for a trip to Atlanta last year, you can enter Albania visa-free for 90 days. If the visa is new and unused, you must apply for the Albanian e-Visa.

• See more details: Albania e-Visa Exemptions Guide.

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Understanding the C-Type Short-Stay Visa

The C-Type Visa is a short-term permit designed for non-immigrant intent.

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

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

• Work Restriction: It does not authorize employment or long-term residency in Albania.

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Botswana-Specific Documentation Checklist

Applicants from Botswana benefit from a streamlined documentation process due to the widespread use of English in official matters.

✅ Passport ValidityYour Botswana passport must be valid for at least 3 months (6 months recommended) beyond your intended return date. Ensure it has at least two blank pages for stamps.

✅ Financial Solvency (The Pula Advantage)

• Currency: The Botswana Pula (BWP) is one of the strongest currencies in Africa.

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

• The Document: Submit a formal Bank Statement for the last 12 months.

• Accepted Banks: Digital statements from FNB Botswana, ABSA Botswana, Stanbic Bank, or Standard Chartered are widely accepted.

• Tip: While BWP is stable, it is helpful (though not strictly mandatory if the balance is high) to attach a currency conversion slip or note indicating the equivalent in Euros/USD to assist the Albanian consular officer.

✅ Language Advantage (No Translation Needed)This is a major benefit for Batswana applicants.

• English Documents: Since English is the official business language of Botswana, your Bank Statements, Employment Letters, Police Clearance, and Omang (National ID) details are already in English.

• Action: You generally do not need to pay for notarized translations, provided the original documents are clearly in English. This significantly speeds up the "Action Required" phase.

✅ Employment & Ties to Botswana

• Employees: A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your role, salary, and leave approval.

• Business Owners: Copies of your company registration documents (CIPA) and tax clearance.

• Omang: Including a copy of your Omang (National Identity Card) helps prove your residency and ties to the country.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical emergencies and repatriation (min. €30,000). Policies from Hollard, Old Mutual, or Bryte are acceptable if they explicitly state "International" or "Europe" coverage.

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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".

• Data Entry: Enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport. Ensure your place of birth (e.g., Gaborone, Francistown, Maun) matches the passport bio-page.

Step 3: Digital Uploads

Upload clear PDF scans.

• Photo: Recent, white background.

• Clarity: Ensure the bank stamp and authorized signature on your financial documents are visible.

Step 4: Payment (Banking Ease)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Botswana:Botswana's banking system is well-integrated globally.

• Cards: Visa and Mastercard debit/credit cards issued by FNB, ABSA, or Stanbic generally work seamlessly.

• Activation: Ensure your card is activated for "Online International Purchases" via your banking app or a call to the helpline.

• Troubleshooting: If a transaction fails, it is often a bank security block. Verify with your bank or consult Albania e-Visa Payment Issues.

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Processing Expectations

• Standard Timeline: 9-15 Business Days.

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

• Recommendation: Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your travel date.

"Action Required" Status

If you receive this notification, check for:

• A missing hotel booking.

• A passport scan that cuts off the MRZ code.

• Unclear financial figures. Respond within 7 days to avoid rejection.

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Route & Transit Warning

Most Batswana travel to Albania via Johannesburg (JNB).

• South Africa Transit: As a Botswana citizen, you typically do not need a transit visa for South Africa. However, if your flights are on separate tickets (self-transfer) and you need to collect bags and re-check them, ensure you meet South African immigration rules.

• Onward Connections: Common routes include JNB -> Qatar (Doha) -> Tirana, or JNB -> Lufthansa (Frankfurt) -> Tirana. If transiting via Frankfurt, check if you need a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (though Botswana citizens are generally exempt for simple airside transit, rules change).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to translate my Omang or Police Clearance?

No. Official documents in Botswana are issued in English (or bilingual). As long as the English text is clear, you do not need to translate or notarize them for the Albanian application.

My bank statement is in Pula (BWP). Is that okay?

Yes, BWP is a recognized currency. However, ensure the balance is sufficient (approx. 15,000+ BWP for a short trip, depending on duration) to cover the €50/day requirement + flight costs.

Can I apply for a visa on arrival?

No. Citizens of Botswana are not eligible for Visa on Arrival. You must have the e-Visa approved before boarding.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include insufficient funds or lack of a return ticket proof. Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for detailed guidance.

Is Yellow Fever vaccination required?

Albania does not require it. However, if your flight itinerary includes a stopover in a Yellow Fever zone (e.g., Ethiopia or Kenya), you should carry your Yellow Card to avoid issues with airline boarding or transit.