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

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For citizens of the Kingdom of Lesotho, traveling from the "Kingdom in the Sky" to the Balkan Peninsula is a long-haul journey that invariably begins with a short hop to South Africa. Unlike travel within the SADC region, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system for Basotho nationals.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Lesotho passport holders. Whether you are departing from Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU) or driving across the Maseru Bridge to fly out of OR Tambo (JNB), airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is specifically tailored for Basotho applicants. It highlights the major advantages you possess: English being an official language (eliminating translation costs) and the Loti (LSL) being pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR), which simplifies financial verification globally.

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 Lesotho Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Lesotho 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 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 UK visa and have already visited London, you can use that valid visa to enter Albania visa-free. If it is 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 cultural exchange.

• 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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Lesotho-Specific Documentation Checklist

Applicants from Lesotho benefit from a streamlined process due to language and currency stability.

✅ Passport ValidityYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date. Ensure it is the standard "Kingdom of Lesotho" passport.

✅ Financial Proof (The LSL/ZAR Peg Advantage)

• Currency: The Lesotho Loti (LSL) is pegged 1:1 with the South African Rand (ZAR) within the Common Monetary Area (CMA).

• The Document: Submit a Bank Statement for the last 3-6 months.

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Standard Lesotho Bank, FNB Lesotho, Nedbank Lesotho, or Lesotho PostBank are widely accepted.

• Benefit: You generally do not need a currency conversion letter, as the Rand parity is globally understood. Ensure the statement is official (stamped or digitally generated PDF).

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

• English Documents: Since English is an official language of Lesotho, your Bank Statements, Employment Letters, and Police Clearance Certificates (from LMPS) are already in English.

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

✅ Employment & Ties

• Employees: A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your role and leave dates.

• Business Owners: A copy of your Trader's License or Company Registration.

• Ties to Home: Proof of property ownership (Lease) or a letter from your local Chief (if applicable for residency proof, though formal utility bills are preferred).

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Lesotho National Insurance Group (LNIG) or Alliance 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".

• Data Entry: Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport bio-page.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the scan of your LMPS Police Clearance is legible.

Step 4: Payment (Banking Ease)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Lesotho:

• Cards: Visa and Mastercards issued by FNB, Standard Lesotho Bank, or Nedbank work perfectly on international gateways because they utilize the South African banking infrastructure.

• App Settings: Ensure your card's "Online Purchases" limit is increased via your banking app before attempting payment.

• Currency: The charge will be in Euros. Your bank will handle the LSL to EUR conversion automatically.

• 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 )

• Lesotho Specifics: Applications are typically 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.

• Missing hotel booking. Respond within 7 days to avoid rejection.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Lesotho to Albania almost always involves Johannesburg (JNB).

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to MSU or JNB.

3. Accommodation: Hotel voucher.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Johannesburg (JNB): Lesotho citizens do not need a visa for South Africa. However, ensure you have enough time to transfer if you are switching airlines that do not interline bags.

• Via Europe (London/Frankfurt): WARNING. When flying from JNB to Europe, be careful. Transiting via the UK or Schengen zone often requires a separate Transit Visa for Lesotho citizens unless you hold a valid visa for those regions. Direct flights via Qatar (Doha) or Emirates (Dubai) are often safer as they generally do not require transit visas for Basotho staying airside.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to translate my Police Clearance?

No. The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) issues these in English. Just scan the original.

My bank statement is in LSL (Maloti). Is that okay?

Yes. The currency is pegged to the Rand and is stable. Albanian authorities accept statements in LSL.

Can I apply for a visa on arrival?

No. Lesotho citizens are not eligible for Visa on Arrival. You must have the approved e-Visa before boarding.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include insufficient funds or unclear travel purpose. Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

Is Yellow Fever vaccination required?

Generally no, unless you are transiting through a yellow fever risk country. Direct travel via South Africa and the Middle East usually does not require it.