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

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For citizens of the Republic of India, traveling from the subcontinent to the Balkan Peninsula represents a journey into emerging Europe. While Indian passport holders are traveling globally more than ever, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system for those who do not hold specific valid visas from other Western nations.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Indian passport holders at Albanian border crossings. Whether you are departing from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (BOM)—typically connecting via Dubai, Istanbul, or Frankfurt—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is specifically tailored for Indian applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the vital importance of the ITR-V (Income Tax Return) acknowledgment, the limitations of UPI payments for international fees, and the critical transit visa traps in Europe and the UK.

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 Indian Nationals?

Yes.Holders of a standard Indian passport generally need to obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not currently grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of India based solely on nationality.

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the India Citizens e-Tourist Visa page.

The "Golden Exemption" (US/UK/Schengen)

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 US Visa (B1/B2).

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

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

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

• Scenario: If you have a 10-year US B1/B2 visa and have previously traveled to New York, you can use it to enter Albania visa-free. If the visa is stamped but never used, 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, destination weddings, 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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India-Specific Documentation Checklist

Indian applicants must present robust financial and tax documents to prove intent to return.

✅ 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 (ITR & Banking)

• The Gold Standard: In addition to bank statements, submitting your ITR-V (Income Tax Return Acknowledgement) for the last 2 years is highly recommended. It is the strongest proof of your financial stability in India.

• Bank Statements: Submit a statement for the last 6 months.

• Accepted Banks: Statements from HDFC, SBI, ICICI, Axis Bank, or Kotak Mahindra are standard.

• Format: Ensure the PDF is downloaded from Net Banking and clearly shows your name and address. Passbook scans are generally not accepted unless officially stamped and very clear.

✅ Language Advantage (No Translation Needed)This is a major benefit for Indian applicants.

• English Documents: Since India uses English for official purposes, your Bank Statements, Employment Letters, and most Birth Certificates are already in English.

• Action: You can scan and upload the originals directly. No notarized translations are required unless your birth certificate is purely in a regional language (Hindi, Tamil, etc.) without English subtitles.

✅ Employment & Professional Proof

• Employees: A letter from your employer on company letterhead (NOC - No Objection Certificate) confirming your role, salary, and leave approval.

• Business Owners: A copy of your GST Registration Certificate or MSME/Udyam Registration.

• Students: A bonafide certificate from your university.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Tata AIG, ICICI Lombard, or Digit 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".

• Name Accuracy: Enter your name exactly as it appears in the passport. Do not use initials if the full name is expanded in the passport MRZ.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the scan of your ITR-V is legible.

Step 4: Payment (No UPI)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from India:

• No UPI: You cannot use UPI (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm) directly on the Albanian portal. It does not support QR codes.

• Cards: You must use a Visa or Mastercard Debit or Credit card.

• Activation: You must enable International Transactions on your card via your Net Banking or Mobile App (e.g., YONO SBI, iMobile) before attempting payment. RBI regulations often disable this by default.

• Forex Cards: Cards like Niyo or BookMyForex work excellently and save on forex markup fees.

• 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 )

• India 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:

• A passport scan where the flash glare covers the face or details.

• Submitting a blurred photo of a passbook instead of a digital statement. You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from India to Tirana is a long-haul journey with critical transit traps.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to DEL/BOM/BLR.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Europe (Frankfurt/Munich/Paris/Amsterdam): WARNING. Indian citizens generally require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) to transit through German, French, or Dutch airports unless they hold a valid US/UK/Canada/Schengen visa. Do not book Lufthansa/Air France without checking this.

• Via UK (London Heathrow): WARNING. Indians require a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) to transit the UK, with very few exemptions (e.g., holding a valid US/Canada visa). British Airways is a risky option without these visas.

• Via Middle East (Dubai/Abu Dhabi/Istanbul): These are the safest routes (Emirates, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Indigo codeshare). Generally, no transit visa is needed for Indians if staying airside (check Istanbul rules if layover is long).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is ITR mandatory?

While not explicitly "mandatory" on the basic list, submitting your ITR-V is the single best way to prove you have a stable financial life in India and intend to return. It significantly reduces rejection risk.

Can I pay with my RuPay card?

Likely no. RuPay Global (with Discover/Diners pulse) might work, but standard domestic RuPay cards will fail. Use a Visa or Mastercard.

Do I need a Polio Vaccination?

Yes, in some cases. India is sometimes listed on countries where Polio vaccination proof (OPV card) is requested, though enforcement varies. It is safer to carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Book) with the Polio stamp if you have it.

What if my visa is refused?

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

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Serbia or Montenegro?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. Indians enjoy visa-free entry to some Balkan states (policy changes frequently, e.g., Serbia revoked visa-free for Indians), so verify each country separately.