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

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For citizens of The Gambia, traveling from the "Smiling Coast of Africa" to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that requires careful navigation of international borders. Unlike travel within the ECOWAS region where movement is facilitated, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Gambian passport holders. Whether you are departing from Banjul International Airport (BJL)—typically connecting via Casablanca, Istanbul, or Brussels—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding at Yundum.

This guide is specifically tailored for Gambian applicants. It highlights the distinct advantages you possess—such as documents being issued in English (saving translation costs)—while addressing specific challenges like the limited convertibility of the Dalasi (GMD) and the critical transit visa rules for flights via Europe.

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 Gambian Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Gambia 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 UK visa and have already visited London, you can use it to enter Albania visa-free. If the visa is brand 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, conferences, 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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Gambia-Specific Documentation Checklist

Applicants from The Gambia benefit from a streamlined process due to the official language being English.

✅ 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 (Dalasi & Banking)

• Currency: The Gambian Dalasi (GMD) is not widely convertible.

• The Document: Submit a Bank Statement for the last 6-12 months.

• Accepted Banks: Statements from GTBank Gambia, Ecobank, Trust Bank, or Standard Chartered are standard.

• Requirement: Ensure the statement is stamped and clearly shows your name. A "Reference Letter" alone is not enough; the transaction history is required. If you have a Foreign Currency Account (FCA) in USD or Euro, submit that statement for a stronger application.

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

• English Documents: Since English is the official language of The Gambia, your Birth Certificate, Police Clearance (from Kairaba or Banjul HQ), and Employment Letters are already in English.

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

✅ Proof of Ties (Land & Business)Gambian applicants often face high scrutiny regarding migration risk.

• Land Ownership: Uploading a copy of a Title Deed or valid lease document (not just an Alkalo attestation) significantly strengthens your case.

• Business: If self-employed, include your Business Registration Certificate from the Attorney General’s Chambers.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Takaful Gambia or Global Properties (Insurance arm) provide valid certificates. Ensure the document explicitly states "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. Gambian surnames (e.g., Ceesay, Jallow, Bojang) must match the passport MRZ line.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the Police Clearance stamp is clearly visible.

Step 4: Payment (Banking Solutions)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from The Gambia:

• Cards: Visa and Mastercards issued by GTBank or Ecobank generally work well if enabled for international online transactions.

• Prepaid Cards: The GTBank Prepaid Visa is a popular and reliable option for online payments if you do not wish to use your main account.

• Diaspora Support: It is very common for Gambian applicants to ask a relative in the UK/USA/EU to pay the fee. This is permitted.

• Mobile Money: You cannot pay directly with QMoney or Africell Money.

• 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 )

• Gambia Specifics: Applications from West Africa undergo detailed vetting. Expect 20 to 30 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your intended flight.

"Action Required" Status

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

• A passport scan that is too dark or where the lamination reflects light.

• Unclear financial means (low balance in GMD without explanation). You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Banjul to Tirana is a multi-leg journey.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to BJL.

3. Yellow Fever Card: Mandatory. You will likely be checked at BJL before departure and upon return.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc): A popular route. Usually visa-free transit if you stay airside and the layover is short.

• Brussels (Brussels Airlines) / Barcelona (Vueling): WARNING: Gambian citizens almost always require a Schengen Visa or a Transit Visa to pass through Belgium or Spain. Do not book these routes unless you have the necessary transit documents.

• Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): Generally the safest route for visa-free airside transit.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to translate my Police Clearance?

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

Can I pay with QMoney?

No. The visa portal requires a Visa or Mastercard. You cannot use mobile money wallets directly.

Is the Yellow Fever card really required?

Yes. As a resident of a Yellow Fever zone, international health regulations require you to carry the card. Airlines in Banjul are strict about this.

What if my visa is refused?

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

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Senegal?

No. Senegal and Albania are on different continents. The Albanian visa is valid only for Albania. Gambians do not need a visa for Senegal (ECOWAS), but this e-Visa has no relation to it.