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

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For citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), traveling from the Caroline Islands to the Balkan Peninsula is an epic trans-oceanic journey. While FSM passport holders enjoy unique travel privileges to the United States under the Compact of Free Association (COFA) and visa-free access to the Schengen Area, entry into the Republic of Albania is regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system for specific travel categories.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Micronesian passport holders at Albanian border crossings. Whether you are departing from Pohnpei (PNI), Chuuk (TKK), Yap (YAP), or Kosrae (KSA)—invariably connecting via the "Island Hopper" to Guam or Honolulu—airlines will verify your documents strictly. Without a printed, valid e-Visa (or proof of exemption), you may be denied boarding.

This guide is specifically tailored for Micronesian 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 COFA 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 Micronesian Nationals?

Yes.Holders of a standard FSM passport typically need to obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel, unless they fall under specific exemption rules. While FSM citizens are visa-free for the Schengen Area (Europe) for short stays, Albania operates its own border policy which does not always automatically mirror Schengen for all nationalities.

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

The "COFA" Confusion: Does US entry help?

Clarification:

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

• The FSM Reality: As an FSM citizen, you enter the US visa-free under the Compact of Free Association (COFA). You do not carry a US visa sticker.

• The Result: Your ability to enter the US does NOT automatically exempt you from the Albanian visa requirement, because you cannot show a physical US visa stamp to the Albanian border guard. You must apply for the 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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Micronesia-Specific Documentation Checklist

Applicants from the FSM 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 FSM passport.

✅ Financial Proof (The USD Advantage)

• Currency: Since the FSM uses the US Dollar (USD), 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 Guam, Bank of the FSM, or Community Bank 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 the official language of government in the FSM, your Bank Statements, Police Clearance (from FSM National Police or State 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 the FSM National Government or State Government (Pohnpei/Chuuk/Yap/Kosrae) on official letterhead is very strong proof.

• Land Ownership: Proof of land rights or a letter from a traditional leader can help, but standard employment letters are usually preferred.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Local insurance options in the islands for "Global/European Coverage" might be limited. It is highly recommended to purchase a policy from a global online provider (like Allianz, AXA, or World Nomads) that explicitly covers Albania.

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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 speeds in the islands (especially outside Pohnpei) can be variable. Ensure you have a stable connection when uploading large PDF 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 (US Banking System)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Micronesia:

• Cards: Visa and Mastercard debit/credit cards issued by Bank of Guam or Bank of the FSM work perfectly. Since FSM banking is integrated with the US routing system, these cards are treated as US/International cards and rarely face rejection.

• 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 )

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

• Recommendation: Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your intended flight due to the complexity of the flight route.

"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 actual arrival date in Albania, accounting for the date line change).

• Passport scan where the laminate reflection obscures the face. Respond within 7 days to avoid rejection.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Pohnpei or Chuuk to Albania is one of the world's longest commercial routes.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to PNI/TKK/YAP/KSA.

3. Accommodation: Hotel voucher.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Guam (GUM) / Honolulu (HNL): The necessary first step via United Airlines. You enter the US via COFA status.

• Connecting to Europe: From the US (e.g., Houston, San Francisco, Newark), you will fly to a major hub like Frankfurt, Munich, or Vienna.

• Schengen Transit: FSM citizens enjoy visa-free entry to the Schengen Area for short stays. This makes transiting through Germany or Austria seamless—you do not need a transit visa.

• The Route: PNI -> GUM -> HNL -> SFO -> FRA -> TIA is a typical itinerary. Ensure you account for the dateline; you often lose a day traveling east.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I apply for a visa on arrival?

No. Micronesian 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.

Do I need a transit visa for Germany?

No. FSM citizens can enter the Schengen area (including Germany) visa-free for up to 90 days, so transit is permitted.

Is Yellow Fever vaccination required?

Generally no. Micronesia is not a yellow fever zone. Unless you transit through risk countries in Africa/South America (unlikely on your route), 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.