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

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For citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), traveling from the Central Pacific to the Balkan Peninsula is an epic journey spanning multiple continents. While Marshallese passport holders enjoy unique travel privileges to the United States under the Compact of Free Association (COFA), entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Marshallese passport holders. Whether you are departing from Amata Kabua International Airport (MAJ) in Majuro or Bucholz AAF (KWA) in Kwajalein—typically connecting via Honolulu or Guam—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is specifically tailored for Marshallese applicants. It highlights the distinct advantages you possess—such as documents being issued in English and the USD currency—while clarifying the critical distinction between your US travel privileges and Albanian visa rules.

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 Marshallese Nationals?

Yes.Holders of a standard Marshall Islands passport must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not currently grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of the Marshall Islands.

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

The "COFA" Trap: Do I need a visa if I can enter the US?

Yes, you do. This is the most common misunderstanding.

• The Rule: Albania exempts travelers who hold a valid, multi-entry US Visa sticker in their passport.

• The Marshallese Reality: As an RMI citizen, you enter the US visa-free under the Compact of Free Association (COFA). You generally do not have a US visa sticker in your passport.

• The Consequence: Since you do not hold a physical US visa, you do NOT qualify for the Albanian visa exemption. You must apply for the Albanian e-Visa like any other non-exempt national.

However, if you do happen to have a valid, used Schengen Visa (for Europe) or UK Visa in your passport, you are exempt from the Albanian e-Visa.

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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 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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Marshall Islands-Specific Documentation Checklist

Marshallese applicants benefit from the USD currency and English language.

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

✅ Financial Proof (The USD Advantage)

• Currency: Since the Marshall Islands uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency, you have a massive advantage. You do not need currency conversion letters.

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Bank of the Marshall Islands (BOMI) or Bank of Guam are standard.

• Format: Ensure the statement clearly shows your name and the USD balance. A minimum balance covering approx. €50/day is required.

✅ Language Advantage (No Translation Needed)

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

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

✅ Employment & Ties

• Government Employees: A letter from your Ministry or Department (e.g., Ministry of Health, RMI Government) on official letterhead.

• Private Sector: A letter from your employer confirming leave dates.

• Land Rights: Proof of land rights (wetos) or residency can help prove ties to the islands, though standard employment letters are usually sufficient.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Since local options for "European Coverage" might be limited in Majuro, purchasing a policy from a global online provider (like Allianz, AXA, or World Nomads) is recommended.

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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.

• Note: Internet in Majuro/Ebeye can be slow. Ensure you have a stable connection (NTA/MINT) when uploading files.

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 passport is not blurry.

Step 4: Payment (USD Cards)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from the Marshall Islands:

• Cards: Visa and Mastercard debit/credit cards issued by Bank of Guam or BOMI work perfectly on the portal as they are part of the US banking network.

• Currency: The charge will be in Euros. Your bank will handle the USD 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 )

• RMI Specifics: Applications are typically processed within 15 to 20 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 6 weeks before your intended flight due to the complexity of flight connections.

"Action Required" Status

If you receive this status, check your email. Common reasons include:

• Missing hotel booking (since the journey is long, ensure you book for your arrival in Albania).

• Passport scan with glare. Respond within 7 days to avoid rejection.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Majuro to Albania involves the "Island Hopper" or direct flights to Honolulu.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to MAJ/KWA.

3. Accommodation: Hotel voucher.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via USA (Honolulu - HNL / Guam - GUM): This is the only way out for most. As an RMI citizen, you enter the US easily under COFA.

• Connecting to Europe: From the US, you will likely fly to a major European hub (Frankfurt, Munich, London).
  Frankfurt/Munich: Usually visa-free transit.
  London: RMI citizens are visa-free for the UK for tourism, so transit is seamless.

• The Route: MAJ -> HNL -> SFO/LAX/ORD -> FRA/MUC -> TIA is a common path. Ensure you have enough layover time in the US to clear customs/immigration, as you technically "enter" the US even for transit.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I can enter the USA without a visa. Does that help me for Albania?

It helps with the flight route (transit), but it does not exempt you from the Albanian visa itself. You still need the e-Visa because you don't have a physical US visa sticker.

Can I apply for a visa on arrival?

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

My bank statement is in USD. Is that okay?

Yes, absolutely. USD is the preferred currency for Albanian authorities.

Is Yellow Fever vaccination required?

Generally no. The Marshall Islands is not a yellow fever zone. Unless you transit through risk countries in Africa/South America, you don't need it.

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.