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

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For citizens of the Gabonese Republic, traveling from the Atlantic coast of Central Africa to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that demands precise administrative compliance. While Gabonese passport holders enjoy freedom of movement within the CEMAC zone, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Gabonese passport holders. Whether you are departing from Léon-Mba International Airport (LBV) in Libreville—typically connecting via Paris, Istanbul, 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 Gabonese applicants. It addresses the specific realities of the country: the stability of the XAF (CFA Franc) for financial proof, the mandatory translation of documents from French to English, and the specific banking solutions offered by institutions like BGFI Bank.

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 Gabonese Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Gabon 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 French Schengen visa issued in Libreville and have already traveled to Paris, 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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Gabon-Specific Documentation Checklist

Gabonese applicants must navigate the translation of documents but benefit from a stable currency.

✅ 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: Gabon uses the XAF (Central African CFA Franc), which is pegged to the Euro. This stability is a significant advantage for proving solvency.

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from BGFI Bank, UGB (Union Gabonaise de Banque), BICIG, or Ecobank Gabon are standard.

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

✅ Translation Requirements (French to English)Official documents in Gabon are issued in French. Albania requires English.

• Mandatory Translations: Your Birth Certificate (Acte de Naissance), Employment Certificate (Attestation de Travail), and Police Record (Casier Judiciaire) must be translated into English.

• Certification: The translation must be performed by a sworn translator (Traducteur Assermenté) and notarized. Submitting raw French documents is the #1 reason for "Action Required" delays.

✅ Professional & Business Proof

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

• Entrepreneurs: A copy of your RCCM (Registre du Commerce) and NIF (Numéro d'Identification Fiscale), translated into English.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like OGAR, AXA Gabon, or Saham 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 your name exactly as it appears in the passport. Be careful with multiple given names (Prénoms); include them all as per the MRZ line.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the stamps on your bank statement and 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 Gabon:

• Cards: BGFI Bank and UGB Visa/Mastercards are widely accepted internationally. Ensure you have sufficient funds and that internet payments are enabled.

• Prepaid Cards: If you prefer not to use your main account, a prepaid card from Ecobank (CashXpress) or BGFI loaded with XAF works perfectly.

• Airtel Money: You cannot pay directly with Airtel Money or Moov Money on the portal. You must use a bank 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 )

• Gabon Specifics: Applications are generally processed within 15 to 25 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended flight.

"Action Required" Status

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

• Submitting French documents without translation.

• A passport scan that is too dark or blurry. You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

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

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to LBV.

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

Critical Transit Warning:

• Paris (Air France): This is the most common route (LBV-CDG). WARNING: Gabonese citizens generally require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) to transit through France, unless they hold a valid visa for the USA, Canada, or EU. Verify this carefully before booking Air France.

• Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): A very popular alternative. Typically, Gabonese citizens do not need a visa for short airside transit in Istanbul (check current rules).

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

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in French?

No. While French is the official language of Gabon, Albanian authorities require documents in English. You must have your Casier Judiciaire and Attestation de Travail translated and notarized.

Can I pay with Airtel Money?

Not directly. You must use a Visa or Mastercard. We recommend obtaining a prepaid card from a local bank or using a relative's card.

Do I need a transit visa for France?

Yes, in many cases. If you fly Air France via Paris, Gabonese citizens are on the list of nationalities that often require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa. Failure to hold this will result in denied boarding in Libreville.

What if my visa is refused?

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

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Cameroon?

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