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

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For citizens of the People's Republic of China (PRC), the regulations for entering the Republic of Albania have undergone crucial updates. As of 2026, the previous visa-free privileges or seasonal waivers have been suspended. Consequently, entry into Albania is now strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system for Chinese passport holders.

Whether you are departing from major hubs like Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), or Guangzhou (CAN)—typically connecting via Istanbul, Frankfurt, or Dubai—you must possess a pre-approved e-Visa. Airlines will strictly verify this document at the check-in counter. Without a printed e-Visa, boarding will be denied.

This guide is uniquely tailored for Chinese applicants. It addresses the specific digital and bureaucratic landscape of China: the inability to use Alipay or WeChat Pay on the portal, the mandatory requirement to translate and notarize the Hukou (Household Register), and how to properly present employment documents stamped with the official Company Seal (Gongzhang).

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 Chinese Nationals?

Yes, absolutely.All holders of an ordinary Chinese passport must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. You cannot arrive at Tirana International Airport (TIA) and request a visa on arrival. The digital application must be completed and approved before your flight.

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

The "Used Visa" Exemption (US/UK/Schengen)

You may be EXEMPT from the Albanian e-Visa application if you hold a valid visa for specific Western jurisdictions. You do not need to apply for 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 valid 5-year French Schengen visa and have already used it to travel to Paris, you can 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.

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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, trade fairs, or cultural visits.

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

• Restriction: It strictly prohibits employment or long-term residency in Albania.

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China-Specific Documentation Checklist

Chinese applicants must adhere to strict translation protocols for their civil documents.

✅ Passport ValidityYour PRC passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date.

✅ Financial Proof (RMB/CNY Assets)

• Currency: Your accounts are likely in Renminbi (CNY).

• The Document: Submit a Bank Deposit Certificate (Cunkuan Zhengming) or a stamped Bank Statement (Yinhang Liushui) for the last 6-12 months.

• Accepted Banks: Documents from Bank of China (BOC), ICBC, China Construction Bank (CCB), or China Merchants Bank are standard.

• Requirement: The document must have an English translation or be bilingual. Most major Chinese banks provide this service upon request. Ensure the account holder's name is shown in Pinyin/English.

✅ Linguistic Compliance (Chinese to English)Official civil documents in China are issued in Simplified Chinese. Albania requires English.

• The Hukou (Household Register): This is a critical document for Chinese applicants. You must scan your Hukou and provide a Notarized English Translation.

• Certification: Translations must be notarized by a Public Notary Office (Gongzheng Chu) in China. Submitting a raw Hukou scan without translation is a primary cause for rejection.

✅ Employment & The "Gongzhang"

• Employees: A standard Employment Certificate on company letterhead. Crucial: It must be stamped with the official Red Company Seal (Gongzhang). Letters signed only by a manager without the company seal are often rejected. The letter must state your position, salary, and leave dates in English.

• Business Owners: A copy of the Business License (Yingye Zhizhao), translated and notarized.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Ping An, Pacific Insurance, or AIG China provide valid certificates. Ensure the policy explicitly states "Global" or "Europe" coverage.

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Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The process is 100% online.

Step 1: Portal Access

Visit the Apply for Albania e-Visa portal.

• Internet Tip: If accessing from Mainland China, ensure your connection allows stable access to international servers.

Step 2: Form Accuracy

Select "Visa Type C".

• Name Order: Enter your Surname (Family Name) and Given Name exactly as they appear in the passport's Pinyin zone. Do not reverse them.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the Red Seals (Gongzhang) on your employment letters and the Notary stamps on your Hukou translation are clearly visible.

Step 4: Payment (The UnionPay/Alipay Hurdle)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from China:

• What WON'T Work: You cannot use Alipay (Zhifubao), WeChat Pay (Weixin Zhifu), or a standard UnionPay-only card (starting with 62) if the card does not have a Visa/Mastercard logo.

• What WILL Work: You must use a Dual-Currency Credit Card (Visa + UnionPay or Mastercard + UnionPay) issued by a Chinese bank.

• Forex Quota: Ensure you have enabled "International Online Payments" on your banking app.

• 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 )

• China Specifics: Applications are processed efficiently, often within 9 to 15 business days, provided the translations are correct.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 4 weeks before your intended flight.

"Action Required" Status

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

• Uploading a Hukou without a notarized translation.

• A bank statement that is only in Chinese characters.

• An employment letter missing the Red Seal (Gongzhang). You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from China to Albania involves long-haul transit.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to China.

3. Hotel Voucher.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Frankfurt/Munich (Lufthansa): If transiting through Germany, holders of Chinese passports generally do not need a transit visa if staying in the international transit area (airside).

• Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): A popular visa-free transit hub for Chinese citizens.

• Paris (CDG): Generally visa-free for airport transit, but rules can change. Always verify based on your specific route.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay to pay the visa fee?

No. The Albanian e-Visa portal does not accept Alipay (Zhifubao) or WeChat Pay. You must use a credit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo.

Do I really need to translate my Hukou?

Yes. Since the visa waiver is no longer active, the Hukou must be translated and notarized to prove your permanent residence and family ties. This is a standard requirement for Albanian visas for Chinese citizens.

My employment letter has a signature but no seal. Is that okay?

No. In the Chinese business context, the Red Company Seal (Gongzhang) is the primary proof of authenticity. A letter without it may be considered unofficial and rejected.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include unclear travel purpose or submitting documents only in Chinese. Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

Can I drive in Albania with a Chinese license?

No. You cannot drive with just your Chinese Driver's License. You must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). Since Mainland China does not issue IDPs, you may need a notarized translation, but rental agencies often strictly require an IDP.