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

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For citizens of the Union of the Comoros, traveling from the volcanic archipelago of the Indian Ocean to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that bridges continents. Unlike travel within the Indian Ocean Commission region, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Comorian passport holders. Whether you are departing from Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) in Moroni—typically connecting via Addis Ababa, Nairobi, or Marseille—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is uniquely tailored for Comorian applicants. It addresses the specific administrative realities of the islands: the stability of the KMF (Comorian Franc) due to its Euro peg, the mandatory translation of documents from French or Arabic into English, and the common practice of relying on the diaspora in France for payment solutions.

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 Comorian Nationals?

Yes.All holders of a standard Comorian passport (Passeport Comorien) must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not currently grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of the Comoros.

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

The "Diaspora Exemption" (Schengen/France)

Given the massive Comorian diaspora in France (especially Marseille and Paris), many applicants may already be exempt. You do not need to apply for this e-Visa if:

1. You hold a valid French Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour).

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

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

Crucial Condition: You must have previously used the visa to enter the issuing country.

• Scenario: If you live in Moroni but hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa issued by the French Embassy in Moroni, and you have already used it to visit France, you can enter Albania visa-free.

• 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 family.

• 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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Comoros-Specific Documentation Checklist

Comorian applicants must navigate the translation of documents and ensure their financial proofs are acceptable internationally.

✅ 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 KMF Advantage)

• Currency: The Comorian Franc (KMF) is pegged to the Euro (491.96 KMF = 1 EUR). This fixed rate simplifies financial verification.

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Exim Bank Comores, BDC (Banque de Développement des Comores), or Banque Fédérale de Commerce (BFC) are standard.

• Diaspora Remittances: If your income comes from family in France, do not just show Western Union receipts. You must deposit the funds into a bank account and generate a formal statement.

✅ Translation Requirements (French/Arabic to English)Official documents in Comoros are issued in French or Arabic. Albania requires English.

• Mandatory Translations: Your Birth Certificate (Acte de Naissance), Marriage Certificate (Acte de Mariage or Nikkah), 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 a frequent cause for delay.

✅ Professional & Social Ties

• Employees: A letter from your employer in Moroni confirming your position and salary.

• Merchants: A copy of your Commercial License (Patente) and tax registration.

• Family Ties: If you are visiting family, a notarized invitation letter is crucial.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like AGF Comores or Assurances Al Amana 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.

Step 1: Account Creation

Visit the Apply for Albania e-Visa portal. Register with a secure email address.

Step 2: Form Accuracy

Select "Visa Type C".

• Name Accuracy: Comorian names can be long and may include Arabic honorifics. Enter the name exactly as it is transcribed in the Latin alphabet section of your passport (MRZ zone).

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the stamps on your bank statement and translated documents are legible.

Step 4: Payment (The Diaspora Solution)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Comoros:Local cards in Comoros often face restrictions on international e-commerce.

• The "Diaspora" Method: It is highly common and permitted for Comorian applicants to ask a relative living in France (Marseille/Paris) to pay the fee using their French Credit Card (Carte Bleue/Visa).

• Prepaid Cards: If paying locally, use a prepaid Visa card from Exim Bank loaded with international currency.

• Holo/Mobile Money: You cannot pay directly with Holo or other local mobile wallets.

• 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 )

• Comoros Specifics: Applications are generally processed within 9 to 15 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended flight.

"Action Required" Status

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

• Submitting French documents without translation.

• Unclear financial means (relying solely on cash remittance receipts). You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

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

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to HAH.

3. Yellow Fever Card: Mandatory. Comoros is in a region where Yellow Fever certificates are often checked, especially if transiting through Nairobi or Addis Ababa.

Critical Transit Warning:

• France Transit: If flying via Marseille or Paris (a very common route for Comorians), you generally need a Schengen Visa or a Transit Visa, unless you hold a French Residence Permit.

• Addis Ababa: Flying via Ethiopian Airlines usually allows visa-free airside transit.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in Arabic or French?

No. All documents must be translated into English and notarized. Submitting an Acte de Naissance in French will result in a request for correction.

Can I pay with my "Holo" mobile wallet?

No. The portal requires a Visa or Mastercard. You cannot use local mobile money directly.

Does the "Grand Comoros" passport differ from others?

No, the Union of Comoros issues a single type of passport for all islands (Grande Comore, Anjouan, Mohéli). The rules apply equally to all.

What if my visa is refused?

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

Is the e-Visa valid for Mayotte?

No. Mayotte is an overseas department of France. The Albanian visa gives you absolutely no right to enter Mayotte or France.