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

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For citizens of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, traveling from the Sahara to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey bridging North Africa and Southeastern Europe. While Mauritanian passport holders enjoy visa-free access to several Arab and African nations, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Mauritanian passport holders. Whether you are departing from Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)—typically connecting via Casablanca, Istanbul, or Tunis—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is uniquely tailored for Mauritanian applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the correct presentation of MRU (New Ouguiya) financial proofs, the widespread use of Bankily for international payments, and the critical translation of Arabic/French documents.

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 Mauritanian Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Mauritania 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 Nouakchott 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, medical visits, or family visits.

• 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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Mauritania-Specific Documentation Checklist

Mauritanian applicants must ensure clarity in currency and language.

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

✅ Financial Proof (MRU vs. MRO)

• The Currency: Ensure your bank statements clearly reflect the New Ouguiya (MRU). Some older systems or manual letters might still reference MRO (Old Ouguiya), which can confuse the consular officer regarding the actual value.

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Banque Populaire de Mauritanie (BPM), BMCI, Société Générale Mauritanie (SGM), or Banque Al-Wava are standard.

• App Statements: Official PDF statements downloaded from the Bankily (BPM) or Masrvi (BMCI) apps are generally accepted if they contain the bank's header and your name.

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

• Mandatory Translations: You must translate your Birth Certificate (Acte de Naissance / Mustakhraj min Sijil al-Madani), Police Record (Casier Judiciaire), and Employment Certificate.

• Certification: The translation must be performed by a Sworn Translator (Traducteur Assermenté) and notarized. Submitting raw Arabic or French documents is a frequent cause for "Action Required" delays.

✅ Professional & Ties

• Employees: A letter from your employer (Attestation de Travail) stamped by the company, stating your position and leave approval.

• Business Owners: A copy of your Commerce Registry (Registre de Commerce) and Tax ID (Numéro d'Identification Fiscale - NIF), translated into English.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like NASR, SAAR, or G A M 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. Do not rely on the Arabic spelling; follow the Latin transliteration provided in the passport MRZ.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the scan of your Casier Judiciaire is legible.

Step 4: Payment (Bankily & Masrvi)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Mauritania:

• Bankily (BPM): The Bankily Visa Card is excellent for this. Ensure you have transferred sufficient funds from your main account to the card wallet in the app.

• Masrvi (BMCI): Similar to Bankily, Masrvi cards work well for international payments.

• Prepaid Cards: SGM and BIM offer prepaid Visa cards that can be loaded with cash for online use.

• 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 )

• Mauritania Specifics: Applications from the Maghreb/Sahel region undergo detailed vetting. Expect 20 to 30 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 6 weeks before your intended flight.

"Action Required" Status

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

• Submitting an Acte de Naissance in Arabic without translation.

• A passport scan that is too dark.You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Nouakchott to Tirana involves strategic transit choices.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to NKC.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

4. Yellow Fever Card: Generally recommended if transiting through other African zones.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc): The most convenient route. Mauritanians generally do not need a transit visa for Morocco if staying airside for a short connection (check current rules).

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

• Via Paris (Air France): WARNING. This is a common route but risky. Mauritanian citizens generally require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) to transit through France unless they hold a valid US/Canada/EU visa. Without this, you will be denied boarding in Nouakchott.

• Via Las Palmas (Binter/Iberia): Similar to France, transiting Spain usually requires a Schengen Transit Visa.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in Arabic or French?

No. While these are official languages in Mauritania, Albanian authorities require documents in English. You must have them translated by a sworn translator.

Can I pay with my "Gimtel" card?

No. Gimtel is a local network. You must use a card with a Visa or Mastercard logo (like Bankily or Masrvi international cards).

Do I need a transit visa for France?

Yes, in most cases. Mauritanians are on the list of nationalities that typically require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa to pass through French airports. Check this strictly before booking Air France.

What if my visa is refused?

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

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Senegal?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. Mauritanians enter Senegal visa-free, but this e-Visa has no relation to that.