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

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For citizens of the Dominican Republic, traveling from the Caribbean to the Balkan Peninsula is an exciting trans-Atlantic journey. While holders of the Dominican passport enjoy visa-free access to several countries, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Dominican passport holders at Albanian border crossings. Whether you are departing from Las Américas (SDQ) or Punta Cana (PUJ)—typically connecting via Madrid, Frankfurt, or New York—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is uniquely tailored for Dominican applicants. It addresses the specific challenges of the country: navigating the Peso (DOP) vs. Dollar economy for financial proof, the mandatory translation of documents from Spanish to English, and the critical transit visa rules for flights via Europe.

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 Dominican Nationals?

Yes.All holders of a standard Dominican passport (Pasaporte Ordinario) must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not currently grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of the Dominican Republic.

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

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

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 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 Spanish Schengen visa issued in Santo Domingo and have already visited Madrid, you can use it to 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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Dominican Republic-Specific Documentation Checklist

Dominican 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 (DOP vs. USD)

• Currency: While the official currency is Dominican Peso (DOP), the economy is highly dollarized.

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Banco Popular, Banreservas, BHD, or Scotiabank are standard.

• Recommendation: It is highly advantageous to submit statements from a USD Savings Account (Cuenta en Dólares) if you have one. If submitting a DOP statement, ensure the balance is sufficient (approx. €50/day) and consider asking the bank for a reference letter stating the USD equivalent.

✅ Translation Requirements (Spanish to English)Official documents in the DR are issued in Spanish. Albania requires English.

• Mandatory Translations: Your Criminal Record (Certificado de No Antecedentes Penales), Birth Certificate (Acta de Nacimiento), and Employment Letter (Carta de Trabajo) must be translated into English.

• Certification: The translation must be performed by a Judicial Interpreter (Intérprete Judicial) and legalised/notarized. Submitting raw Spanish documents is the #1 reason for "Action Required" delays.

✅ Professional & Social Ties

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

• Business Owners: A copy of your Mercantile Registry (Registro Mercantil) and tax ID (RNC), translated into English.

• Property: Proof of property ownership (Título de Propiedad) is excellent evidence of intent to return.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Seguros Universal, Mapfre BHD, or Humano 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 your personal email.

Step 2: Form Accuracy

Select "Visa Type C".

• Name Accuracy: Enter both surnames (Apellidos) exactly as they appear in the passport. Do not omit the second surname (mother's surname).

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the QR code on your digital Antecedentes Penales is visible and the translation stamps are clear.

Step 4: Payment (Banking Solutions)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from the DR:

• Cards: Visa and Mastercards issued by Banco Popular, Banreservas, or BHD work well for international payments.

• Authorization: You may need to call your bank or use your mobile banking app to authorize "International Purchases" before attempting the payment to avoid security blocks.

• 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 )

• DR Specifics: Applications are generally processed within 15 to 20 business days.

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

"Action Required" Status

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

• Submitting Spanish documents without translation.

• A passport scan that cuts off the MRZ code. You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Santo Domingo or Punta Cana to Tirana is a long-haul journey.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to the DR.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Madrid (Barajas): The most common route (Iberia/Air Europa). WARNING: Dominican citizens generally require a Schengen Visa to enter Spain. However, for airport transit (staying in the international zone), Dominicans usually do not need a visa, BUT rules can change. Always verify with the Spanish Consulate.

• Frankfurt/Paris: Transit rules are stricter. A transit visa may be required.

• USA (New York/Miami): If connecting via the US, you MUST have a valid US Visa.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit my "Antecedentes Penales" in Spanish?

No. You must download the digital certificate from the Procuraduría website and then have it translated into English by a certified Judicial Interpreter.

Can I pay with a "Banreservas" debit card?

Yes, provided it is a Visa or Mastercard with international transactions enabled. Local-only cards (if any) will not work.

Do I need to legalize documents at the MIREX?

For the e-Visa application, a notarized translation is sufficient. MIREX legalization (Apostille) is usually only needed if you plan to use the documents in Albania for legal purposes (like marriage or residency).

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 entering Montenegro?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. If you plan to visit Montenegro or other Balkan states, check their specific visa requirements for Dominican citizens.