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

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For citizens of the Republic of El Salvador, traveling from the "Pulgarcito de América" to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that bridges Central America with Southeast Europe. While Salvadoran passport holders enjoy significant global mobility, entry into the Republic of Albania is regulated via specific immigration protocols that may require a Digital Pre-Clearance.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Salvadoran passport holders at Albanian border crossings. Whether you are departing from Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL)—typically connecting via Madrid, Bogota, or Panama—airlines will strictly verify your travel documents. Without a valid entry permit, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is specifically tailored for Salvadoran applicants. It highlights the unique financial landscape of your country—specifically the advantage of a Dollarized economy (USD) and the limitations of Bitcoin (Chivo Wallet) statements for consular purposes—while addressing the mandatory translation of documents from Spanish to English.

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 Salvadoran Nationals?

It depends on the current decree.Historically, El Salvador has benefited from visa-free agreements. However, visa policies are fluid. If the visa waiver is suspended or if you do not meet the waiver conditions (e.g., staying longer than allowed), you must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel.

Action Item: Before booking flights, you must verify the current 2026 status. Please check the specific El Salvador Citizens e-Tourist Visa page to confirm if you need to apply or if you can travel with just your passport.

The "US/Schengen" Exemption

Even if a visa requirement is active, 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 if:

1. You possess a valid, multiple-entry US Visa (B1/B2).

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

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

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

• Scenario: Many Salvadorans hold US visas for shopping or family visits. If you have used your US visa to enter Miami or LA, you can enter Albania visa-free for 90 days.

• See more: Albania e-Visa Exemptions Guide.

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The C-Type Short-Stay Visa Defined

If you are required to apply, the C-Type Visa is the correct category.

• Purpose: Tourism, business, 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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El Salvador-Specific Documentation Checklist

Salvadoran applicants have a massive advantage regarding currency but must be careful with crypto-assets and translations.

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

• Note: Your DUI (Documento Único de Identidad) is valid for travel within the CA-4 region (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua) but not for Albania. You must use your passport.

✅ Financial Proof (USD vs. Bitcoin)

• The USD Advantage: Since El Salvador's economy is dollarized, your bank statements are already in a hard currency accepted globally. You do not need currency conversion letters.

• The Bitcoin Warning: While Bitcoin is legal tender in El Salvador, Albanian consulates do not accept "Chivo Wallet" screenshots or crypto-portfolio balances as proof of funds.

• The Requirement: You must submit a traditional Bank Statement (Estado de Cuenta) from a regulated bank like Banco Agrícola, Banco Cuscatlán, BAC Credomatic, or Davivienda.

• Format: The statement must show the account holder's name and a stable USD balance.

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

• Mandatory Translations: Your Police Clearance (Solvencia de la Policía Nacional Civil), Criminal Record (Antecedentes Penales), and Employment Letter (Constancia Laboral) must be translated into English.

• Certification: The translation must be performed by a certified translator (Traductor Jurado) and notarized. Submitting raw Spanish documents is the primary cause for delays.

✅ Professional & Social Ties

• Employees: A letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, and vacation period.

• Business Owners: A copy of your IVA Registration or commercial patent.

• Social Security: Including your ISSS card copy can help prove your employment status.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like SISA, ASESSA, or Mapfre 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 your passport. Do not omit the second surname (mother's surname).

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the QR codes on your Solvencia de la Policía and Antecedentes Penales are visible and not cropped.

Step 4: Payment (Banking Ease)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from El Salvador:

• Cards: Visa and Mastercards issued by Banco Agrícola, Cuscatlán, or BAC work seamlessly for international payments.

• Authorization: Ensure your card is enabled for international e-commerce via your banking app.

• Crypto: You cannot pay the visa fee using Bitcoin/Lightning Network directly on the Albanian portal. You must use a debit/credit card.

• 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 )

• El Salvador Specifics: Applications are generally processed efficiently, 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 the Antecedentes Penales in Spanish without translation.

• Providing a "Chivo Wallet" screenshot instead of a bank statement. You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from San Salvador to Tirana is a long-haul journey.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa (if applicable).

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to SAL.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Madrid (Barajas): The most common route (Iberia/Avianca). WARNING: Salvadoran citizens generally do not need a Schengen Transit Visa if staying in the international zone for less than 24 hours. However, always verify this with the Spanish Embassy as rules can change.

• USA (Miami/Houston/LAX): If connecting via the US (e.g., United or American Airlines), you MUST have a valid US Visa.

• Bogota/Panama: These are visa-free transit hubs for Salvadorans.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit my "Solvencia de la Policía" in Spanish?

No. You must have the Solvencia and Antecedentes Penales translated into English and notarized.

Can I pay with Bitcoin?

No. The Albanian e-Visa portal only accepts fiat currency payments via Visa or Mastercard.

Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccination?

Generally no. El Salvador is not a risk zone, and Albania does not require it unless you are arriving from a specific risk country (e.g., certain South American or African nations).

What if my visa is refused?

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

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Kosovo?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. If you plan to visit Kosovo, you must check their specific visa requirements for Salvadoran citizens.