Albania C-Type e-Visa Application Guide for Central African Republic Citizens (2026)

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For citizens of the Central African Republic (CAR), traveling from the heart of the continent to the Balkan Peninsula presents unique logistical challenges. Unlike travel within the CEMAC zone, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for CAR passport holders. Whether you are departing from Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF) via Douala, Casablanca, or Paris, airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, boarding will be denied at the check-in counter in Bangui.

This guide is uniquely tailored for Central African applicants. It addresses the specific challenges faced in Bangui: the low penetration of international banking (and the solution via Prepaid Cards), the mandatory translation of documents from French to English, and the critical transit visa rules when flying via France.

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

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Is a Visa Mandatory for CAR Nationals?

Yes.All holders of a standard Central African passport (Passeport Centrafricain) must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not currently grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of CAR.

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

The "Used Visa" Exemption Route

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

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

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 to enter the issuing country.

• Scenario: If you have a French Schengen visa issued in Bangui and have already used it to travel to Paris, you can enter Albania visa-free. If it is unused, you must apply for the Albanian e-Visa.

• See more: Albania e-Visa Exemptions Guide.

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The C-Type Short-Stay Visa Defined

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

• Purpose: Tourism, business meetings, 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.

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CAR-Specific Documentation Checklist

Applicants from Bangui must navigate the translation of documents and ensure their financial proofs meet digital standards.

✅ 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 XAF Challenge)

• Currency: CAR uses the XAF (CFA Franc). While stable, obtaining international bank statements can be difficult.

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Ecobank Centrafrique, BSIC, BGFI Bank, or CBCA are standard.

• Warning: Do not submit a handwritten "Attestation de Solde". The portal requires a formal, stamped statement showing transaction history. If you rely on cash, open a bank account immediately, as cash declarations are not accepted for the e-Visa.

✅ Translation Requirements (French to English)Official documents in CAR 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 performed by a sworn translator and notarized. Submitting raw French documents is the #1 reason for refusal for CAR citizens.

✅ Professional & Social Ties

• Employees: A letter from your employer in Bangui confirming your position, salary, and authorized leave.

• Entrepreneurs: A copy of your RCCM (Registre du Commerce) and tax clearance, translated into English.

• Ties to Home: Documents proving property ownership or family ties in Bangui help prove your intent to return.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Sunu Assurances or Allianz Centrafrique provide valid certificates. Ensure the document explicitly states "Europe" or "Worldwide" coverage.

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Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The process is 100% online via the e-Visa portal.

Step 1: Account Creation

Visit the Apply for Albania e-Visa portal. Register with a secure email address (Gmail is recommended over local domains).

Step 2: Form Accuracy

Select "Visa Type C".

• Name Accuracy: Enter your name exactly as it appears in the passport. Be careful not to mix up "Nom" (Surname) and "Prénoms" (Given Names).

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Scanning: Internet cafes in Bangui often produce low-quality scans. Ensure your documents are legible and the notary stamps are visible.

Step 4: Payment (The Banking Hurdle)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Central African Republic:Most local debit cards in Bangui are not enabled for international online payments.

• Best Solution: Ecobank CashXpress (Prepaid Visa) or BSIC Prepaid Cards. These can be purchased over the counter, loaded with CFA Francs, and used instantly for the online payment.

• Mobile Money: You cannot pay directly with Orange Money or Telecel Money. You must use a bank card.

• Third Party: If you lack a card, you may use a relative's card (living in France or elsewhere) to make the payment.

• Troubleshooting: 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 )

• CAR Specifics: Applications from Bangui undergo strict security vetting. Expect 9 to 15 business days.

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

"Action Required" Status

If you receive this status, check your email. Common reasons include:

• Submitting French documents without translation.

• A passport scan where the photo is too dark. You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Bangui to Tirana is a long-haul journey with critical transit points.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to BGF.

3. Yellow Fever Card: Absolutely Mandatory. You cannot leave Bangui airport without showing this card, and it may be checked again at transit points.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Air France (Paris - CDG): This is a common route. However, citizens of CAR often require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) to transit through France, even if staying in the international zone. Check this requirement carefully.

• Royal Air Maroc (Casablanca): Often a visa-free transit option if the layover is short and you stay airside.

• Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa): Generally visa-free transit if staying airside.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in Sango?

No. While Sango is a national language, official documents must be translated from French (or Sango) into English and notarized.

Can I pay with Orange Money?

Not directly on the website. You must buy a Prepaid Visa Card (like Ecobank CashXpress), load it using cash or Orange Money at the bank, and then use the card details on the visa portal.

Do I need a transit visa for France?

Yes, in many cases. Citizens of the Central African Republic are on the list of nationalities that often require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for France. Failure to obtain this will result in denied boarding in Bangui.

What if my visa is refused?

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

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Cameroon or Chad?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. It gives you no rights to enter neighboring African or European countries.