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

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For citizens of the Republic of Lebanon, traveling from the Levant to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that requires careful navigation of both immigration rules and complex banking realities. Due to the ongoing financial situation in Lebanon, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system to ensure travelers have genuine financial means.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Lebanese passport holders. Whether you are departing from Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)—typically connecting via Istanbul, Athens, or Cyprus—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding in Beirut.

This guide is uniquely tailored for Lebanese applicants. It addresses the specific challenges of 2026: the absolute necessity of proving "Fresh Funds", the mandatory translation of the "Ikhraj Kayd", and the payment hurdles involving Lebanese banks.

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 Lebanese Nationals?

Yes.All holders of a standard Lebanese passport must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not currently grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of Lebanon based solely on nationality.

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Lebanon 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 French Schengen visa issued in Beirut and have already traveled to Paris, 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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Lebanon-Specific Documentation Checklist

Lebanese applicants must prove they have access to real, usable funds ("Fresh Money").

✅ Passport ValidityYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date. Standard Navy Blue passports are required.

✅ Financial Proof (Fresh USD vs. Lollars)

• The Critical Issue: Consular officers are aware of the Lebanese banking crisis. Statements showing millions of LBP or "locked" Dollars (Lollars) are often rejected as they cannot be used abroad.

• The Requirement: You must submit a "Fresh Funds" Bank Statement (Fresh USD/EUR).

• Accepted Banks: "Fresh" account statements from Bank Audi, BLOM Bank, Byblos Bank, or Fransabank are accepted.

• Alternative: If you do not have a Fresh account, a Notarized Sponsorship from a relative abroad (with their foreign bank statement) is the safest route. Cash declarations alone are risky without bank proof.

✅ Translation Requirements (Arabic to English)Official documents in Lebanon are issued in Arabic (and sometimes French). Albania prefers English.

• Civil Registry: The "Ikhraj Kayd" (Individual or Family) is the most critical document to prove identity and family ties. It must be translated into English.

• Criminal Record: The "Sijil Adli" (Non-Conviction Certificate) must be translated.

• Certification: Translations must be performed by a Sworn Translator and certified by the notary. While MFA legalization is good practice, a sworn translation is usually sufficient for the upload.

• Note on French: While Albania has Francophone ties, English translations are processed faster and safer for the e-Visa system.

✅ Professional & Ties

• Employees: A letter from your employer (Attestation de Travail) stamped with the company seal, stating your Fresh USD salary (if applicable) and leave dates.

• Business Owners: A copy of your Commercial Circular (Iza'a Tijariya) and Commercial Register (Sijil Tijari), translated into English.

• Commercial Syndicate ID: Doctors, Engineers, or Lawyers should attach their Syndicate ID card copy.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Bankers, Allianz SNA, or AXA Middle East provide valid certificates. Ensure the document explicitly states "Europe" or "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 Latin script section of your passport (French/English spelling). Do not transliterate from Arabic yourself.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the scan of your Ikhraj Kayd clearly shows the family members if applying as a group.

Step 4: Payment (The Payment Hurdle)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Lebanon:

• Standard Cards: Old "Lollar" cards do not work.

• Fresh USD Cards: You must use a Fresh Dollar Visa/Mastercard issued by a Lebanese bank (e.g., Blom Fresh Card, Audi Fresh).

• OMT / Whish Money: Some OMT/Whish cards work if they are legitimate Visa/Mastercards connected to international networks. Verify with the provider ("Does this work for international e-commerce?").

• Friends Abroad: It is extremely common for Lebanese applicants to ask a relative in Europe or the Gulf to make the payment.

• 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 )

• Lebanon Specifics: Due to migration risks, applications from Lebanon undergo detailed vetting. Expect 20 to 30 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:

• Submitting an Ikhraj Kayd in Arabic without English translation.

• A bank statement that looks like a "Lollar" account (no recent movements or withdrawals). You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Beirut to Tirana requires choosing the right connection.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to BEY.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

4. Cash: Carry sufficient Fresh USD/Euros in cash (€50-€100 per day), as Lebanese cards are unreliable abroad.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines/Pegasus): The best and safest route. Lebanese citizens do not need a visa for Turkey. Transit is stress-free.

• Via Athens (Aegean) / Cyprus: WARNING. Transiting through Greece or Cyprus often requires a valid Schengen Visa or Transit Visa. Do not book these routes unless you have the specific visa required by Greek/Cypriot authorities.

• Via Germany/France: Strictly requires a Schengen Visa (or Transit Visa) for Lebanese citizens. Avoid unless you hold one.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in Arabic or French?

Albania strictly requires English. If your Attestation de Travail is in French, it is safer to get it translated to English. Arabic documents must be translated.

Does an OMT card work for payment?

Yes, if it is a "Fresh Dollar" Visa card intended for international internet use. "Local only" cards will fail.

Can I use my old bank account statement?

If the statement shows a static balance with no fresh deposits/withdrawals, it might be rejected. Consular officers look for active financial means (Fresh Funds).

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include "Reasonable doubts as to your intention to leave" (Migration Risk) or insufficient funds. Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Serbia?

No. Serbia requires a separate visa for Lebanese citizens (visa-free regime was revoked). This e-Visa is valid only for Albania.