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

✧

For citizens of the Republic of Iraq, traveling from Mesopotamia to the Balkan Peninsula is a process defined by stringent security protocols and extensive documentation. Unlike regional travel to countries like Turkey or Iran, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Iraqi passport holders. Whether you are departing from Baghdad (BGW), Erbil (EBL), Basra (BSR), or Najaf (NJF)—typically connecting via Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai—airlines will rigorously verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is uniquely tailored for Iraqi applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the dominance of Qi Card and ZainCash for online payments, the mandatory translation of documents from Arabic or Kurdish into English, and the critical strategy of proving "Intent to Return" to overcome high rejection rates.

For a broader understanding of the general application rules valid for all nationalities, please consult our main Visa Application Guide.

✧

Is a Visa Mandatory for Iraqi Nationals?

Yes, absolutely.All holders of a standard Iraqi passport (Jawaz Safar) must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of Iraq due to strict migration control policies.

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Iraq 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 Erbil 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.

✧

The C-Type Short-Stay Visa Defined

The C-Type Visa is a short-term entry permit.

• Purpose: Tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment.

• Duration: Maximum stay of 90 days within a rolling 180-day period.

• Restriction: It does not permit employment or long-term residency in Albania.

✧

Iraq-Specific Documentation Checklist

Iraqi applicants face the highest level of scrutiny. Accuracy is non-negotiable.

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

✅ Financial Proof (IQD vs. USD)

• The Challenge: Iraq is largely a cash-based economy. However, consular officers require a paper trail.

• The Document: Submit a Bank Statement (Kashf Hisab) for the last 6 months.

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI), Bank of Baghdad, Kurdistan International Bank, or digital banks like First Iraqi Bank (FIB) are accepted.

• Currency: While the account may be in Iraqi Dinar (IQD), it is highly preferable to submit a statement from a USD account if available, as the exchange rate volatility of the Dinar can complicate the assessment.

• Salary Domiciliation: If you are a government employee (Muwazzaf), submit the statement from the bank where your salary is domiciled (e.g., Rafidain/Rasheed via Qi Card statement).

✅ Translation Requirements (Arabic/Kurdish to English)Official documents in Iraq are issued in Arabic or Kurdish. Albania requires English.

• Mandatory Translations: Your Residence Card (Bataka Sakan), Civil ID (Bataka Wataniya or Jinsiya), Non-Conviction Certificate (Adem Mahkomiya), and Employment Letter must be translated.

• Certification: The translation must be performed by a Certified Translator (Mutarjim Muhalaf) and ideally legalized by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs if possible, though a notarized translation often suffices for the e-Visa upload.

✅ Proof of Stability (Crucial)To avoid "Migration Risk" refusal:

• Property: Translated Title Deed (Tapu) of a house or land.

• Business: For business owners, a Chamber of Commerce ID (Ghurfa Tijariya) and company registration.

• Family: Family Book proving you have spouse/children remaining in Iraq.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Ensure the certificate is in English and states "Europe" or "Worldwide" validity.

✧

Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The process is 100% online.

Step 1: Portal Access

Visit the Apply for Albania e-Visa portal.

Step 2: Form Accuracy

Select "Visa Type C".

• Name Accuracy: Enter your name exactly as it appears in the Latin/English script section of your Iraqi passport. Do not translate from the Arabic script yourself; trust the passport spelling.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the Bataka Sakan is scanned on both sides and translated.

Step 4: Payment (The Qi Card & ZainCash Solution)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Iraq:

• Qi Card (Mastercard): The standard "Qi Card" used for salaries works for online payments if it is a "World" or standard Mastercard. You may need to activate online payments via the app.

• ZainCash / AsiaPay: You cannot pay with the wallet balance directly. However, you can generate a Virtual "WaletCard" (Mastercard) inside the ZainCash app. Use those card details to pay on the visa portal.

• First Iraqi Bank (FIB): FIB cards work excellently for international transactions.

• Neo/NassPay: Also valid options.

• Troubleshooting: Albania e-Visa Payment Issues.

✧

Processing Expectations

• Standard Timeline: 9-15 Business Days.

• Express Timeline: 24 Business Hours. ( 3 Business Day )

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

• Recommendation: Apply at least 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 the Adem Mahkomiya in Arabic without translation.

• A bank statement that shows "Cash Deposit" only without transaction history. You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

✧

Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Baghdad/Erbil to Tirana requires careful route planning.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to Iraq.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

4. Cash: Carry at least €500-€1000 in cash.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Istanbul (Turkish Airlines/Pegasus): The best route. Iraqi citizens generally require a Turkish Visa (sticker or e-Visa depending on age/criteria), but for airside transit (staying in the transit zone), it is usually permitted without a visa.

• Europe (Frankfurt/Vienna): AVOID. Iraqi citizens strictly require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa to transit through Germany or Austria. You will be denied boarding in Iraq without it.

• Dubai/Doha: Safe transit hubs if staying airside.

✧

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in Arabic?

No. All documents must be translated into English by a certified translator.

Can I pay with ZainCash?

Yes, but only by using the Virtual Mastercard feature within the app. Entering your phone number directly will not work.

Does owning a house guarantee a visa?

No, but it helps significantly. It proves you have assets to return to in Iraq, reducing the perceived migration risk.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include "Reasonable doubts as to your intention to leave the territory" or insufficient financial means. Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

Is the e-Visa valid for Serbia?

No. Serbia requires a separate visa for Iraqi citizens. This e-Visa is valid only for Albania.