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

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For citizens of the Republic of Maldives, traveling from the "Sunny Side of Life" to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey connecting the Indian Ocean to the Adriatic. While Maldivian passport holders enjoy a powerful passport with visa-free access to the UK and other regions, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system for those who do not hold specific valid visas (stickers) from Western nations.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Maldivian passport holders at Albanian border crossings. Whether you are departing from Velana International Airport (MLE)—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 Maldivian applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the BML USD transaction limits for online payments, the distinction between UK "Visa-Free" entry and "Visa Exemption" for Albania, and the advantage of English-language documentation.

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 Maldivian Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Maldives Citizens e-Tourist Visa page.

The "Golden Exemption" vs. The "UK Trap"

You may be EXEMPT from the Albanian e-Visa application if you hold a valid visa for certain Western jurisdictions. However, there is a critical misunderstanding regarding the UK:

1. US Visa: If you hold a valid, multiple-entry US Visa (B1/B2) and have used it, you are Exempt.

2. Schengen Visa: If you hold a valid, multiple-entry Schengen Visa and have used it, you are Exempt.

3. UK Visa (The Trap): Maldivian citizens can enter the UK visa-free (or with an ETA) for tourism. WARNING: This visa-free entry or ETA DOES NOT exempt you from the Albanian visa. To be exempt, you must hold a physical UK Visa Sticker (e.g., Student, Work, or Long-Term Visitor visa) in your passport and have used it.
   Summary: If you only have an ETA or visa-free status for London, 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, honey moon, 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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Maldives-Specific Documentation Checklist

Maldivian applicants benefit from English-language bureaucracy but must watch banking limits.

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

✅ Financial Proof (MVR vs. USD)

• Currency: Accounts in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) are accepted, but USD accounts are preferred if available due to currency stability.

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Bank of Maldives (BML), Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB), or Commercial Bank of Maldives are standard.

• Format: Download the PDF directly from BML Internet Banking. It is already in English and official. Ensure the closing balance is sufficient (approx. €50/day).

✅ Language Advantage (No Translation Needed)This is a huge advantage.

• English Documents: Most official documents in the Maldives (including BML statements, Police Certificates, and NSPA letters) are issued in English.

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

✅ Police Clearance (The "Police Certificate")

• Requirement: A criminal record check is often requested to prove character.

• How to get it: Apply for the "Police Certificate" via the Maldives Police Service online portal (E-Services). The digital certificate issued is in English and accepted by Albanian authorities.

✅ Employment & Ties

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

• Business Owners: A copy of your SME Registration or Company Registration from the Ministry of Economic Development.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Allied Insurance (Travelers Insurance) or Solarelle provide valid certificates. Ensure the document explicitly states "Worldwide" or "Europe" 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 passport ID page is clear and without glare from the plastic laminate.

Step 4: Payment (BML USD Limits)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Maldives:

• BML Cards: Visa and Mastercard debit/credit cards from Bank of Maldives work.

• The Limit Warning: Remember that BML cards often have a monthly USD limit for international transactions on MVR accounts (e.g., $250 or similar, depending on current regulations). Ensure you have not exhausted this limit before trying to pay the €60 fee.

• USD Cards: If you have a BML USD card, there are usually no such limits.

• 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 )

• Maldives Specifics: Applications are generally processed efficiently, typically 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 photo that does not meet the white background requirement.

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

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from MLE to Tirana requires a stopover.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to MLE.

3. Accommodation: Hotel voucher.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): The best route. Maldivian citizens can obtain a Turkish E-Visa easily or transit without a visa if staying airside. It provides the most direct connection to Tirana.

• Via Dubai (Emirates/Flydubai): Excellent option. Visa-free transit if staying airside.

• Via UK (London): Since Maldivians are visa-free for the UK (for tourism), you can transit via London (Heathrow/Gatwick) without a transit visa. However, ensure you have the Albanian e-Visa approved before you fly, as airlines in Male will check it.

• Via India/Sri Lanka: If connecting through Cochin, Bangalore, or Colombo, ensure your ticket is a "through-ticket" (single PNR) so you do not need to exit the transit area.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use my UK visa-free status to enter Albania?

No. You must have a physical, valid UK visa sticker in your passport to be exempt. If you travel on a simple tourist entry/ETA, you must get the Albanian e-Visa.

Can I pay with my MVR card?

Yes, provided you have not used up your monthly international (USD) limit set by BML. The bank will convert the Euro fee to MVR/USD automatically.

Do I need to translate my BML statement?

No. BML statements are in English and are accepted as is.

What if my visa is refused?

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

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Kosovo?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. Check Kosovo's entry requirements separately for Maldivian citizens.