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

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For citizens of the Arab Republic of Egypt, traveling from the Nile to the Balkans is a journey that requires navigating specific financial and bureaucratic hurdles. Unlike traveling to visa-free destinations like Dahab or Beirut, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Egyptian passport holders. Whether you are departing from Cairo International Airport (CAI), Borg El Arab (HBE), or Hurghada (HRG)—typically connecting via Istanbul, Athens, or Rome—airlines will rigorously verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding at the check-in counter.

This guide is uniquely tailored for Egyptian applicants. It addresses the specific challenges of 2026: managing the EGP (Egyptian Pound) credit card limits for international payments, the mandatory translation of documents like the "Fesh wa Tashbih", and proving strong ties to Egypt to overcome security vetting.

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 Egyptian Nationals?

Yes.All holders of a standard Egyptian passport must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not currently grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of Egypt.

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Egypt 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 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 Italian Schengen visa and have already used it to enter Rome or Milan, you can use it to enter Albania visa-free. If the visa is stamped in your passport but never used, 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 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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Egypt-Specific Documentation Checklist

Egyptian applicants face specific challenges regarding document translation and financial restrictions.

✅ 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 EGP & Credit Limit Crisis)

• Currency: Your bank statement will likely be in Egyptian Pounds (EGP). This is accepted, but the balance must be sufficient after converting to Euros at the official bank rate.

• The Document: Submit a stamped Bank Statement (Kashf Hesab) for the last 6-12 months.

• Accepted Banks: Documents from CIB, NBE (Al Ahly), Banque Misr, or HSBC Egypt are standard.

• Recommendation: The statement must be in English. Most Egyptian banks provide English statements upon request. Avoid submitting Arabic-only statements as they require translation.

✅ Translation Requirements (Arabic to English)Official documents in Egypt are issued in Arabic. Albania requires English.

• Criminal Record: The "Fesh wa Tashbih" is mandatory. You must have it translated into English by a certified translation office.

• Birth Certificate: The computerized "Shahadet Milad" must be translated if the English fields are not clearly populated.

• HR Letter: Ensure your HR Letter (Efatet Ratib) is issued in English directly to avoid the need for translation. It must be stamped with the company seal.

✅ Movement Certificate (Shahadet Taharokat)

• Scenario: If you have a new passport with no travel history, the Albanian authorities may ask for a Movement Certificate from the Mogamma (Tahrir) or Abbasiya to prove your travel history over the last 7 years. It is wise to have this ready if your passport is empty.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Allianz Egypt, GIG, or Misr Insurance provide valid certificates. Ensure the policy 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 your name exactly as it appears in the Latin script line of your passport. Egyptian names often have 4 parts; ensure the "Surname" matches the last name in the passport.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the stamps on your HR Letter and Bank Statement are legible.

Step 4: Payment (The Critical Hurdle for Egyptians)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Egypt:This is the biggest challenge due to foreign currency limits on cards.

• Debit Cards: Most EGP Debit Cards (NBE, Banque Misr) are BLOCKED for international online payments. Do not try to use them.

• Credit Cards: EGP Credit Cards work, but you must ensure your International Monthly Limit covers the fee. You may need to call your bank (e.g., CIB, NBE) to activate the limit for travel purposes.

• USD Debit Cards: If you have a USD account with a linked debit card (e.g., from HSBC or QNB), this is the smoothest option.

• Third Party: You can use a card belonging to a friend or relative abroad.

• 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 )

• Egypt Specifics: Applications from Egypt undergo rigorous security vetting. Expect 20 to 30 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your intended flight. Do not book non-refundable tickets.

"Action Required" Status

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

• Submitting an Arabic Fesh wa Tashbih without translation.

• A bank statement that looks unofficial (online screenshot instead of stamped PDF). You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Cairo to Tirana involves critical transit points.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to CAI.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

4. Cash: Carry at least €500-€700 in cash, as border guards check for solvency.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Athens (Aegean Airlines): A popular route. WARNING: Egyptian citizens require a Schengen Transit Visa to transit through Greece unless they hold a valid US/UK/Schengen visa.

• Rome (ITA Airways): Similar rules apply. Transit visa usually required.

• Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): This is the safest route for Egyptians. You generally do not need a visa for airside transit in Istanbul if your layover is short.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in Arabic?

No. All documents (Criminal Record, Birth Certificate, etc.) must be translated into English by a certified translation office.

Can I pay with "InstaPay" or "Vodafone Cash"?

No. The portal requires a Visa or Mastercard. Local wallets do not work. You must use a Credit Card enabled for international payments.

Do I need the "Movement Certificate"?

It is not explicitly listed on the basic checklist, but if your passport is brand new and empty, the consular officer often requests it to see your travel history.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include "Migration Risk" (insufficient ties to Egypt) or unclear financial means. Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Montenegro or Serbia?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. Egyptians need separate visas for Serbia and Montenegro.