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

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For citizens of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, traveling from Malabo or Bata to the Balkan Peninsula requires careful preparation. As the only Spanish-speaking nation in Africa, Equatoguineans face a unique set of administrative requirements when applying for entry into the Republic of Albania, which is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Equatoguinean passport holders. Whether you are departing from Malabo International Airport (SSG)—typically connecting via Madrid, Paris, or Addis Ababa—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is uniquely tailored for Equatoguinean applicants. It addresses the specific realities of the country: the advantage of the XAF (CFA Franc) peg to the Euro, the mandatory translation of documents from Spanish (or French) into English, and the critical transit visa rules for flights via Spain.

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 Equatoguinean Nationals?

Yes.All holders of a standard Equatoguinean passport (Pasaporte Ordinario) must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. While holders of Diplomatic or Service passports may have different rules based on bilateral agreements, ordinary citizens do not have visa-free access.

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Equatorial Guinea 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 (Type C).

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 Malabo and have already traveled to Madrid, you can use it to enter Albania visa-free. If the visa is 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, 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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Equatorial Guinea-Specific Documentation Checklist

Applicants must navigate the translation of documents from Spanish and ensure financial proofs are acceptable.

✅ 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 XAF Advantage)

• Currency: Equatorial Guinea uses the XAF (Central African CFA Franc), which is pegged to the Euro. This stability is an advantage.

• The Document: Submit a Bank Statement (Extracto Bancario) for the last 12 months.

• Accepted Banks: Statements from CCEI Bank GE, BGFI Bank, Société Générale, or Ecobank GE are standard.

• Requirement: The statement must show a detailed transaction history. Ensure the account name matches your passport exactly.

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

• Mandatory Translations: Your Criminal Record (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales), Birth Certificate (Certificado de Nacimiento), and Employment Letter (Certificado Laboral) must be translated into English.

• Certification: The translation must be performed by a sworn translator (Traductor Jurado) and notarized. Submitting raw Spanish documents is a frequent cause for delay.

✅ Professional & Tax Proof

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

• Business Owners: A copy of your Tax ID (NIF - Número de Identificación Fiscal) and commercial registration, translated into English.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like EGTC or international providers offer 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: Enter both surnames (Apellidos) exactly as they appear in the passport. Do not omit the second surname (mother's surname), as is common in Spanish naming customs.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the notary stamps on your translated documents are legible.

Step 4: Payment (Banking Solutions)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Equatorial Guinea:Local debit cards often face restrictions on international e-commerce.

• Best Method: Use a Prepaid Visa Card from BGFI Bank or Ecobank. Load it with XAF, and it automatically converts to Euro for the payment.

• Diaspora Support: Given the strong ties with Spain, many applicants ask a relative living in Madrid or Valencia to make the payment using a Spanish 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 )

• Equatorial Guinea Specifics: Applications from the CEMAC region undergo detailed vetting. Expect 20 to 30 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 6 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 is blurry or dark. You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

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

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to SSG.

3. Yellow Fever Card: Mandatory. You cannot leave Malabo airport without showing this card, and it is required for re-entry.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Madrid (Iberia): The most common route. WARNING: Citizens of Equatorial Guinea generally require a Schengen Visa to enter Spain. For airport transit, rules are strict. Even if staying airside, you may need a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV). Verify this with the Spanish Consulate in Malabo.

• Paris (Air France): Similar rules apply. Transit visa often required.

• Addis Ababa (Ethiopian): Generally visa-free airside transit.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in Spanish?

No. Although Spanish is your official language, Albanian authorities require documents in English. You must have your Antecedentes Penales and other civil documents translated and notarized.

Can I pay with cash at the embassy?

No. There is no Albanian Embassy in Malabo. The entire process is online, and payment must be made via credit/debit card on the website.

Do I need a transit visa for Spain?

Yes, in many cases. If you do not have a valid Schengen visa or residence permit, you likely need a Transit Visa to change planes in Madrid. Check this carefully before booking Iberia.

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 Cameroon or Gabon?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. It gives you no rights to enter neighboring African countries.