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

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For citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, traveling to Europe is a complex process defined by financial sanctions and strict consular vetting. Unlike traveling to visa-free destinations like Turkey or Armenia, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Iranian passport holders. Whether you are departing from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)—typically connecting via Istanbul or Dubai—airlines will rigorously verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding in Tehran.

This guide is uniquely tailored for Iranian applicants. It addresses the specific hurdles of 2026: the disconnection of Iranian banks (Shetab network) from global systems, the necessity of paying the visa fee via third parties (Exchange Offices/Sarafi), and the rigorous translation requirements for Farsi documents.

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 Iranian Nationals?

Yes, absolutely.All holders of a standard Iranian passport must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of Iran due to strict security and migration policies.

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Iran 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 German Schengen visa issued in Tehran and have already visited Frankfurt, 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 family.

• 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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Iran-Specific Documentation Checklist

Iranian applicants face the highest level of scrutiny. Accuracy and official stamps are non-negotiable.

✅ Passport ValidityYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date.

✅ Financial Proof (The Sanctions Hurdle)

• The Problem: Iranian bank cards (Melli, Mellat, Saman, Pasargad) do not work internationally.

• The Document: You must obtain an official Bank Statement (Gvahi Tamakon Mali) in English from your bank's international affairs branch.

• Currency: The statement should ideally show the balance in Euros (EUR) or USD equivalent, calculated at the official exchange rate (which may differ from the market rate).

• Cash Declarations: Mentioning (in a cover letter) that you will carry sufficient cash (Euro/USD) purchased from a Sarafi is helpful, as consular officers know Iranian cards don't work abroad.

✅ Translation Requirements (Farsi to English)Official documents in Iran are issued in Farsi. Albania requires English.

• The "Shenasnameh": Your Birth Certificate (Shenasnameh) must be translated.

• National ID: Your Kart-e Melli must be translated.

• Criminal Record: The Gvahi Sue Pishineh is mandatory.

• Certification: Translations must be done by an Official Translation Office (Darol-Tarjomeh Rasmi) and bear the stamps of the Judiciary (Dadgostari) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Vezarat-e Kharejeh). Unofficial translations are rejected immediately.

✅ Proof of Ties (Sanad-e Malekiyat)To overcome the "Migration Risk" refusal reason, you must prove you will return to Iran.

• Property: A translated copy of your Property Deed (Sanad-e Malekiyat) is the strongest evidence.

• Employment: A letter from your employer with the company seal (Mohr-e Sherkat) stating your salary and leave approval, plus your Social Security (Bimeh) list.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). While Iranian insurers like Bimeh Saman or Bimeh Iran offer travel policies (Travel Insurance), ensure the certificate is in English and states "Europe" or "Worldwide" validity.

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Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The process is 100% online.

Step 1: Portal Access

Visit the Apply for Albania e-Visa portal.

• Note: You may need to use a VPN to access certain international servers if there are local internet restrictions, but ensure the connection is stable during document upload.

Step 2: Form Accuracy

Select "Visa Type C".

• Name Accuracy: Enter your name exactly as it appears in the Latin script line of your passport. Do not use the Farsi spelling as a reference.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the Dadgostari and MFA stamps on your translations are clearly visible.

Step 4: Payment (The Biggest Challenge)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Iran:

• Shetab Cards: You cannot use Iranian cards (Debit/Credit) directly. They are not connected to the Visa/Mastercard network.

• Option 1 (Friends/Family): The most reliable method is to ask a friend or relative living abroad (Europe, Canada, Dubai) to make the payment for you.

• Option 2 (Exchange Shops/Sarafi): Many travel agencies or exchange shops in Tehran offer "Visa Card Payment Services." They can process the payment on your behalf for a fee.

• Option 3 (Prepaid Cards): Purchasing a virtual prepaid Visa/Mastercard from a reputable reseller.

• 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 )

• Iran Specifics: Applications from Iran undergo extremely rigorous security vetting. Expect 30 to 60 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 2-3 months before your intended flight. Do not book non-refundable tickets.

"Action Required" Status

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

• Submitting a translation without the Dadgostari or MFA stamps.

• A passport scan that is low resolution. You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Tehran to Tirana requires careful route planning.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to IKA.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

4. Cash: You must show physical Cash (Euro/USD) at the border, as officers know you cannot withdraw money from ATMs in Albania.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Istanbul (Turkish Airlines/Pegasus): The best route. Iranian citizens do not need a visa for Turkey. Transit is smooth.

• Dubai (Emirates/Flydubai): Good option, but more expensive. No transit visa needed if staying airside.

• Frankfurt/Vienna (Lufthansa/Austrian): AVOID unless you have a Schengen Visa. Iranian citizens strictly require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa to transit through Germany or Austria. You will be denied boarding in Tehran without it.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in Farsi?

No. All documents must be translated into English by an official translator and stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Judiciary.

Can I use my Mellat Bank card?

No. Iranian cards only work inside Iran. You need a foreign credit card (Visa/Mastercard) to pay the fee online.

Is the "Khoruj az Keshvar" included?

No. The Albanian e-Visa allows you to enter Albania. The permission to leave Iran (Ejaze Khoruj)—usually related to military service or student status—is a domestic matter you must resolve with the Iranian Police (+10 offices) before travel.

What if my visa is refused?

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

Is the e-Visa valid for Serbia?

No. Serbia revoked visa-free access for Iranians years ago. You need a separate visa for Serbia. This e-Visa is only for Albania.