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

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For citizens of the Republic of Kenya, traveling from the "Silicon Savannah" to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that requires navigating specific digital and health protocols. While Kenyan passport holders enjoy visa-free access to several African and Asian nations, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Kenyan passport holders at Albanian border crossings. Whether you are departing from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi or Moi International (MBA) in Mombasa—typically connecting via Dubai, Istanbul, or Doha—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is specifically tailored for Kenyan applicants. It highlights the distinct advantages you possess—such as documents being issued in English (saving translation costs)—while addressing specific challenges like utilizing M-Pesa GlobalPay for fees and the mandatory Yellow Fever certification.

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 Kenyan Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Kenya 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 5-year UK Visitor Visa and have already traveled to London, 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, 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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Kenya-Specific Documentation Checklist

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

✅ Passport Validity (EAC Biometric Only)Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

• Critical Note: You MUST hold the light blue East African Community (EAC) Biometric Passport. The old dark blue passports are invalid and will not be accepted for the visa or travel.

✅ Financial Proof (KES Banking)

• Currency: The Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the standard currency.

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Equity Bank, KCB, NCBA, Co-operative Bank, or ABSA Kenya are standard.

• M-Pesa Statements: While convenient, an M-Pesa statement alone is often considered insufficient by European consulates. It is best to submit a formal Bank Statement. If you must use M-Pesa, submit the official stamped statement from Safaricom alongside a bank statement to show the flow of funds.

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

• English Documents: Since English is an official language of Kenya, your Bank Statements, Certificate of Good Conduct (DCI), Employment Letters, and Birth Certificates are already in English.

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

✅ Proof of Ties (Land & Business)

• Employees: A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your role, salary, and guarantee of return.

• Business Owners: A copy of your Certificate of Incorporation/Business Name and current Single Business Permit (County Government).

• Tax: Attaching your KRA PIN Certificate or Tax Compliance Certificate helps prove your legal status in Kenya.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Jubilee, Britam, APA, or CIC Insurance 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. Ensure you include your Middle Name if it appears on the bio-page.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the scan of your Certificate of Good Conduct (from Huduma Centre/DCI) is legible and the fingerprint section is clear.

Step 4: Payment (M-Pesa GlobalPay)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Kenya:

• No Paybill: The Albanian portal does not have an M-Pesa Paybill number. You cannot pay directly from the SIM toolkit.

• The Solution (M-Pesa GlobalPay): Use the M-Pesa App to generate a GlobalPay Virtual Visa Card. Enter the 16-digit card number, CVV, and expiry date from the app into the visa portal's payment page. This deducts directly from your M-Pesa balance.

• Bank Cards: Visa and Mastercard debit cards from Equity, KCB, or Standard Chartered work perfectly if enabled for online transactions.

• 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 )

• Kenya Specifics: Applications are generally processed within 15 to 20 business days.

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

"Action Required" Status

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

• A passport scan that cuts off the MRZ code.

• Submitting an M-Pesa statement that is not the official PDF version. Respond within 7 days to avoid rejection.

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Transit & Border Protocols

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

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to NBO.

3. Yellow Fever Card: Mandatory. Kenya is a Yellow Fever zone. You will be checked at NBO before departure and likely upon arrival or transit.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via London (Heathrow - British Airways/Kenya Airways): WARNING. Kenyan citizens strictly require a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) to transit through the UK unless they hold a valid US/Canada/Schengen visa.

• Via Frankfurt/Paris (Lufthansa/Air France): Kenyans often require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa to transit through Germany or France. Verify this carefully.

• Via Dubai/Doha/Istanbul: These are the safest routes (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines). Generally, no transit visa is needed for Kenyans if staying airside.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to translate my Certificate of Good Conduct?

No. The DCI issues this document in English. Just scan the original green/white document.

Can I pay using M-Pesa Paybill?

No. You must use the GlobalPay Virtual Visa feature on the M-Pesa App. The visa portal accepts cards, not mobile money transfers.

Is the Yellow Fever card really required?

Yes. International Health Regulations list Kenya as a risk country. Airlines may refuse boarding at JKIA if you don't have it.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include insufficient funds or lack of a return ticket. Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Tanzania or Uganda?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. It has no relation to the East African Community.