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

✧

For citizens of the Republic of Burundi, traveling from the shores of Lake Tanganyika to the Balkan Peninsula involves a rigorous preparation process. Unlike travel within the East African Community (EAC) where movement is relatively eased, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Burundian passport holders. Whether you are departing from Melchior Ndadaye International Airport (BJM) via Addis Ababa, Brussels, or Nairobi, airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed e-Visa, you will be denied boarding at Bujumbura.

This guide is uniquely tailored for Burundian applicants. It addresses the specific challenges faced in Bujumbura: the volatility of the Burundian Franc (BIF) regarding financial proof, the mandatory translation of documents from French/Kirundi to English, and the limitations of local banking cards for international payments.

For a broader understanding of the general application rules valid for all nationalities, please consult our main Visa Application Guide.

✧

Is a Visa Mandatory for Burundian Nationals?

Yes.All holders of a standard Burundian passport (Passeport Ordinaire) must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of Burundi.

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Burundi Citizens e-Tourist Visa page.

Exemption Criteria (The Only Shortcut)

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

1. You possess a valid, multiple-entry Schengen Visa (Type C or D).

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

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

Crucial Condition: You must have previously used this visa.

• Scenario: If you obtained a Schengen visa from the Belgian Embassy in Bujumbura and have already traveled to Brussels, you can use that valid visa to enter Albania visa-free. If the visa is brand new and unused, you must apply for the Albanian e-Visa.

• See more: Albania e-Visa Exemptions Guide.

✧

The C-Type Short-Stay Visa Defined

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

• Purpose: Tourism, business meetings, conferences, or visiting friends.

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

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

✧

Burundi-Specific Documentation Checklist

Burundian applicants must pay close attention to the currency used in their financial proofs and the language of their documents.

✅ Passport ValidityYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date. Ensure it has at least two blank pages.

✅ Financial Proof (The BIF/Hard Currency Challenge)

• Currency: The Burundian Franc (BIF) is not widely convertible outside the region.

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from BCR (Banque Commerciale du Burundi), Ecobank Burundi, CRDB, or Finbank are standard.

• Critical Requirement: Due to exchange rate fluctuations, it is highly recommended to attach a Bank Reference Letter confirming the account balance in USD or Euros. A statement showing only millions of BIF might confuse the consular officer regarding its real international value.

✅ Translation Requirements (French to English)Official documents in Burundi are issued in French or Kirundi. Albania requires English.

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

• Certification: The translation must be performed by a certified translator and notarized. Submitting raw French documents will result in an "Action Required" status or refusal.

✅ Professional Proof

• Employees: A letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, and approved leave (Congé).

• Entrepreneurs: A copy of your NIF (Numéro d'Identification Fiscale) and Registre de Commerce, translated into English.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Jubilee Insurance or SOCABU provide valid certificates. Ensure the document clearly states coverage is valid for "Europe" or "Worldwide".

✧

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 Accuracy

Select "Visa Type C".

• Name Accuracy: Enter your name exactly as it appears in the passport. Burundian naming customs vary (surname first/last); strictly follow the MRZ line at the bottom of the passport page.

Step 3: Document Uploads

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

Step 4: Payment (Overcoming Banking Blocks)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Burundi:

• What WON'T Work: You cannot pay directly using Lumicash, Ecocash, or local-only debit cards.

• What WILL Work:
  Prepaid Visa Cards: Cards issued by Ecobank or CRDB that are pre-loaded with USD/EUR are the most reliable method.
  Foreign Cards: Using a card belonging to a relative in Europe or North America is permitted.
  Authorization: If using a BCR card, ensure you have authorized international online payments with your branch.

• Troubleshooting: Albania e-Visa Payment Issues.

✧

Processing Expectations

• Standard Timeline: 9-15 Business Days.

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

• Burundi Specifics: Applications from East Africa undergo detailed vetting. Expect 9 to 15 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your intended flight.

"Action Required" Status

If you receive this status, check your email. The most common reasons for Burundian applicants are:

• Submitting the Casier Judiciaire in French without translation.

• Unclear financial solvency (lack of USD equivalent). You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

✧

Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Bujumbura to Tirana is a long-haul journey.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to BJM.

3. Yellow Fever Card: Mandatory. Burundi is a Yellow Fever zone, and transit airports (like Addis Ababa or Nairobi) will check this.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Brussels Transit: If flying via Brussels Airlines, you may need a Schengen Airport Transit Visa if you do not hold a valid Schengen visa.

• Addis Ababa: If flying Ethiopian Airlines, transit is usually visa-free if staying airside.

• Istanbul: If flying via Turkish Airlines, ensure your layover does not require a Turkish transit visa.

✧

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit my "Attestation de Service" in French?

No. Albanian authorities do not accept documents in French. You must have your employment letter translated into English and notarized.

Is the e-Visa valid for neighboring countries like Montenegro?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. If you plan to visit Montenegro or Kosovo, you must check their specific visa requirements for Burundian citizens.

Can I pay the fee with Lumicash?

No. Mobile money wallets are not accepted on the portal. You must use a Visa or Mastercard. We recommend obtaining a Prepaid Visa Card from a local bank.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include lack of translations or insufficient proof of ties to Burundi. Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccination?

Yes. Since you are traveling from Burundi, you must carry your Yellow Card. While Albanian border guards might not always ask, the airline staff in Bujumbura definitely will.