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

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For citizens of the Republic of Madagascar, traveling from the Great Red Island to the Balkan Peninsula is a long-haul journey connecting the Indian Ocean to the Adriatic. While Malagasy passport holders require visas for most European destinations, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system for those who do not hold specific valid visas from Western nations.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Malagasy passport holders. Whether you are departing from Ivato International Airport (TNR) or Nosy Be (NOS)—typically connecting via Paris, Istanbul, or Addis Ababa—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is specifically tailored for Malagasy applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the volatility of the Ariary (MGA), the mandatory translation of French/Malagasy documents, and the reliable banking options like BNI and MCB for online payments.

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 Malagasy Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Madagascar 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 French Schengen visa issued in Antananarivo and have already visited 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 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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Madagascar-Specific Documentation Checklist

Malagasy applicants must pay close attention to document language and currency.

✅ Passport ValidityYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date. Ensure it has at least two blank pages.

✅ Financial Proof (MGA vs. EUR)

• The Currency: The Malagasy Ariary (MGA) can be volatile.

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from BNI Madagascar, MCB Madagascar, Société Générale Madagasikara, or BOA are standard.

• Recommendation: If you have a Foreign Currency Account (Compte en Devises) in Euro, submitting that statement is highly recommended. If submitting an MGA statement, ensure the final balance is sufficient (approx. €50/day) and stable.

✅ Translation Requirements (French/Malagasy to English)Official documents in Madagascar are issued in French or Malagasy. Albania requires English.

• Mandatory Translations: You must translate your Police Clearance (Casier Judiciaire - Bulletin N°3), Birth Certificate (Copie d'Acte de Naissance), and Employment Certificate (Certificat de Travail).

• Certification: The translation must be performed by a Sworn Translator (Traducteur Assermenté) and notarized. Submitting raw French documents is the #1 reason for "Action Required" delays.

• Note: While Albania has some Francophone ties, the e-Visa system is strictly English-based. Do not take the risk with French documents.

✅ Professional & Ties

• Employees: A letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, and authorized leave (Attestation de Congé).

• Business Owners: A copy of your Statistical Card (Carte Statistique) and Tax Identification Number (NIF), translated into English.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Allianz Madagascar, ARO, or Ny Havana 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. Malagasy surnames can be long; ensure you type the full name as per the MRZ code at the bottom of the passport page.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the stamps on your Casier Judiciaire are legible.

Step 4: Payment (International Cards)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

Procedure :

• Standard Timeline: 9-15 Business Days.

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

How to Pay from Madagascar:

• Cards: Visa and Mastercards issued by BNI, MCB, or Société Générale work well.

• Settings: Ensure your card is enabled for "International E-commerce" (Paiement en ligne à l'international). Some basic debit cards are restricted to domestic use. You may need to contact your branch to lift restrictions.

• Prepaid Cards: MCB Juice users or those with prepaid Visa cards often have smoother transactions.

• Troubleshooting: Albania e-Visa Payment Issues.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Antananarivo to Tirana involves strategic transit choices.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to TNR.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Paris (Air France): The most common historical link. GOOD NEWS: Generally, Malagasy citizens DO NOT require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) to transit through Paris CDG if they stay in the international zone for less than 24 hours and have a valid visa for their final destination (Albania). However, always verify with Air France as rules can change.

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): A very popular and reliable route. Malagasy citizens usually require a visa to enter Turkey, but airside transit is permitted without a visa.

• Via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines): The hub of Africa. Transit is visa-free for passengers with onward tickets within 12-24 hours.

• Via Mauritius/Reunion: Be careful if transiting via Reunion (French Overseas Territory) as Schengen/National visa rules apply differently than mainland France.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in French?

No. All documents must be translated into English and notarized. Submitting in French will likely cause a delay or rejection.

Can I pay with MVola or Orange Money?

No. The portal requires a Visa or Mastercard number. You cannot use mobile money directly. Consider getting a virtual or physical bank card linked to your wallet if available.

Is the "Bulletin N°3" required?

Yes, for adult applicants, a clean criminal record (Casier Judiciaire) is often requested to prove character, especially if the officer has doubts. It must be translated.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include lack of translations or insufficient financial means. Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

Is the e-Visa valid for entering France?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. It gives you no right to enter France or the Schengen area.