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

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For citizens of the Kingdom of Eswatini, traveling from the serene valleys of Southern Africa to the Balkan Peninsula is a long-haul adventure that almost invariably begins with a connection through Johannesburg. Unlike travel within the SADC region, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Swazi passport holders. Whether you are departing from King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) or driving across the border to fly out of OR Tambo (JNB), airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, boarding will be denied.

This guide is specifically tailored for Eswatini applicants. It highlights the two major advantages you possess: English being an official language (eliminating translation costs) and the Lilangeni (SZL) being pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR), which simplifies financial verification.

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 Eswatini Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Eswatini 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 obtained a UK visa in Mbabane or Pretoria and have already visited London, you can use that valid visa 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 cultural visits.

• 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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Eswatini-Specific Documentation Checklist

Applicants from Eswatini benefit from a streamlined process due to the language and stable currency peg.

✅ Passport ValidityYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date. Ensure it is the standard "Kingdom of Eswatini" passport (older "Swaziland" passports should be checked for validity).

✅ Financial Proof (The SZL/ZAR Peg Advantage)

• Currency: The Lilangeni (SZL) is pegged 1:1 with the South African Rand (ZAR) within the Common Monetary Area (CMA). This is a recognized stable currency.

• The Document: Submit a Bank Statement for the last 3-6 months.

• Accepted Banks: Statements from FNB Eswatini, Standard Bank Eswatini, Nedbank, or Eswatini Bank are widely accepted.

• Benefit: You generally do not need a currency conversion letter, as the Rand parity is globally understood. Ensure the statement is official (stamped or digitally generated PDF).

✅ Language Advantage (No Translation Needed)This is a major cost-saver for Swazi applicants.

• English Documents: Since English is an official language of Eswatini, your Bank Statements, Employment Letters, and Police Clearance Certificates are already in English.

• Action: You can scan and upload the originals directly. No notarized translations are required.

✅ Employment & Ties

• Employees: A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your role and leave dates.

• Business Owners: A copy of your Trading License or Certificate of Incorporation.

• Ties to Home: Proof of property ownership (Title Deed) or family ties helps demonstrate intent to return.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Regional insurers like Lidwala Insurance, Old Mutual, or Eswatini Royal Insurance provide valid certificates. Ensure the document explicitly states "Worldwide" or "Europe" 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".

• Data Entry: Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport bio-page.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Even though documents are in English, ensure the scans are not blurry and that bank logos are visible.

Step 4: Payment (Banking Ease)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Eswatini:

• Cards: Visa and Mastercards issued by FNB, Standard Bank, or Nedbank work perfectly on international gateways because they utilize the South African banking infrastructure.

• App Settings: Ensure your card's "Online Purchases" and "International Use" limits are increased via your banking app before attempting payment.

• Currency: The charge will be in Euros. Your bank will handle the SZL/ZAR to EUR conversion automatically.

• 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 )

• Eswatini Specifics: Applications are typically 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:

• A passport scan that cuts off the MRZ code.

• A bank statement that is too old (older than 3 months). Respond within 7 days to avoid rejection.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Eswatini to Albania almost always involves Johannesburg (JNB).

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to SHO or JNB.

3. Accommodation: Hotel voucher.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Johannesburg (JNB): Ensure you have the necessary documents to enter or transit South Africa if your itinerary requires re-checking bags.

• Via Qatar (Doha) or Emirates (Dubai): These are popular routes from JNB. They generally do not require transit visas for Swazi citizens if staying airside.

• Via Europe (London/Frankfurt): Be careful. Transiting via the UK or Schengen zone often requires a separate Transit Visa for Eswatini citizens unless you hold a valid visa for those regions.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to translate my Police Clearance?

No. Since Eswatini issues these in English, you do not need to translate or notarize them. Just scan the original.

My bank statement is in SZL (Emalangeni). Is that okay?

Yes. The currency is pegged to the Rand and is stable. Albanian authorities accept statements in SZL.

Can I apply for a visa on arrival?

No. Eswatini citizens are not eligible for Visa on Arrival. You must have the approved e-Visa before boarding.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include insufficient funds or unclear travel purpose. Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

Is Yellow Fever vaccination required?

Generally no, unless you are transiting through a yellow fever risk country. Direct travel via South Africa and the Middle East usually does not require it.