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

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For citizens of the Republic of Malawi, traveling from the "Warm Heart of Africa" to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that connects the Great Rift Valley to the Adriatic Coast. While Malawian passport holders enjoy visa-free access to many regional neighbors, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Malawian passport holders. Whether you are departing from Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe or Chileka (BLZ) in Blantyre—typically connecting via Addis Ababa or Johannesburg—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is specifically tailored for Malawian applicants. It highlights the distinct advantages you possess—such as documents being issued in English (saving translation costs)—while addressing specific challenges like the forex scarcity affecting online card payments and the volatility of the Kwacha (MWK).

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 Malawian Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Malawi 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 hold a valid UK Visitor Visa and have previously 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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Malawi-Specific Documentation Checklist

Applicants from Malawi benefit from the English language but must be careful with financial proofs.

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

✅ Financial Proof (MWK vs. Hard Currency)

• The Forex Challenge: Malawi faces periodic foreign exchange shortages. The Kwacha (MWK) can be volatile.

• The Recommendation: If possible, submit a Foreign Currency Account (FCA) statement (USD/GBP/EUR). This is much stronger proof than a Kwacha account.

• Accepted Banks: Statements from National Bank of Malawi, Standard Bank Malawi, FDH Bank, or NBS Bank are standard.

• Format: If submitting a Kwacha statement, ensure the balance is sufficient to cover approx. €50/day after conversion. Ensure the statement is stamped by the bank branch.

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

• English Documents: Since English is an official language of Malawi, your Birth Certificate, Police Clearance (from Malawi Police Service HQ), Employment Letters, and Bank Statements are already in English.

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

✅ Proof of Ties (Business & Employment)

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

• Business Owners: A copy of your Business Registration Certificate and TPIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) from the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).

• Assets: Proof of land ownership or vehicle registration (blue book) helps demonstrate intent to return.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like NICO General, Old Mutual, or Prime 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.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the scan of your Police Clearance is legible and the fingerprint section is clear.

Step 4: Payment (The Forex Hurdle)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Malawi:

• Cards: Visa and Mastercards issued by Standard Bank or National Bank work if they have forex enabled. Due to forex shortages, some local Kwacha cards may be blocked for international payments.

• The Solution: If your local card fails, it is very common to ask a relative in the UK/South Africa/USA to make the payment for you using their card.

• Mobile Money: You cannot pay directly with Airtel Money or TNM Mpamba.

• 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 )

• Malawi Specifics: Applications are generally processed within 15 to 25 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:

• A passport scan that is too dark.

• Insufficient funds shown in the bank statement (due to low Kwacha value). You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Lilongwe/Blantyre to Tirana is a multi-leg journey.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to LLW/BLZ.

3. Yellow Fever Card: Mandatory. You strictly cannot travel without this if routing through certain African hubs.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines): The best route. Malawian citizens transiting through Bole Airport generally do not need a transit visa if staying airside. Connections to Europe/Istanbul are frequent.

• Johannesburg (JNB): Malawians are generally visa-free for South Africa (check current duration/conditions), making JNB a safe transit hub. However, connecting flights to Europe (e.g., Lufthansa/Air France) may trigger Schengen transit visa requirements.

• Nairobi (Kenya Airways): Another viable regional hub, but check onward connections carefully.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to translate my Police Clearance?

No. The Malawi Police Service issues this document in English. Just scan the original.

Can I pay with Airtel Money?

No. The visa portal requires a Visa or Mastercard number. You cannot use mobile money wallets directly.

Is the Yellow Fever card really required?

Yes. It is a mandatory travel document for travelers from Malawi moving through international borders.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include insufficient funds (low account balance) or "Migration Risk." Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

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

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. It has no relation to SADC or COMESA neighbors.