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

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For citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, traveling from the "Giant of Africa" to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that requires navigating complex banking regulations and strict consular vetting. While Nigerian passport holders are accustomed to visa processes, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system designed to filter genuine travelers from those seeking irregular migration.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Nigerian passport holders. Whether you are departing from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe (ABV) in Abuja—typically connecting via Istanbul, Cairo, or Doha—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding by the airline personnel (checking "Ok to Board").

This guide is specifically tailored for Nigerian applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the Naira (NGN) card restrictions for international payments, the importance of Domiciliary Accounts, and the critical Schengen Transit Visa traps.

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 Nigerian Nationals?

Yes.All holders of a standard Nigerian passport (the Green Passport) must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not currently grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of Nigeria.

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Nigeria 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 US B1/B2 visa and have previously traveled to Houston or New York, you can use it to enter Albania visa-free. If the visa is brand 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 family.

• 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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Nigeria-Specific Documentation Checklist

Nigerian applicants face high scrutiny regarding "Migration Risk." Documentation must be flawless.

✅ Passport ValidityYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date. Both the standard and the new enhanced e-Passport are accepted.

✅ Financial Proof (Dom Account vs. Naira)

• The Challenge: Due to volatility and forex caps, a standard Naira savings account statement might be viewed skeptically regarding its international value.

• The Solution: It is highly recommended to submit a Domiciliary Account (USD/GBP/EUR) statement. This proves you have access to hard currency that works abroad.

• Accepted Banks: Statements from GTBank, Zenith Bank, UBA, Access Bank, or First Bank are standard.

• Format: Ensure the statement is stamped by the bank or includes the verifiable QR code. A minimum closing balance equivalent to €50-€100 per day of stay is required.

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

• English Documents: Since English is the official language of Nigeria, your Bank Statements, CAC Documents, Marriage Certificate, and Introduction Letters are already in English.

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

✅ Business & Employment (CAC is Key)

• Business Owners: You MUST include your CAC Certificate of Incorporation (Form CAC 1.1 / BN 1) and proof of tax remittance (FIRS). This proves your business is legitimate and active.

• Employees: An introduction letter from your employer on official letterhead, stating your role, salary, and authorized leave. Including your staff ID card is helpful.

✅ Proof of Ties (The "Japa" Prevention)To prove you do not intend to overstay:

• Property: Deeds of Conveyance or CofO (Certificate of Occupancy) for land/property in Nigeria.

• Family: Marriage certificate and birth certificates of children remaining in Nigeria.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like AXA Mansard, Leadway, or AIICO 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 passport. Ensure the order (Surname/First Name) matches the bio-page fields.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the scan of your passport page is clear and the laminate reflection does not obscure the face.

Step 4: Payment (The Naira Card Problem)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Nigeria:

• Naira Cards: Standard Naira debit cards (Mastercard/Visa) typically DO NOT WORK for international payments due to CBN restrictions ($20 limit or total block).

• The Solution: You must use a Dollar Card or a specialized Fintech app.
  Prepaid Dollar Cards: UBA Prepaid Dollar Card or GTBank Dollar Card.
  Fintech Virtual Cards: Apps like Chipper Cash, Payday, Grey, or Geegpay offer virtual USD cards that work perfectly on the portal.

• 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 )

• Nigeria Specifics: Applications from Nigeria undergo extremely rigorous vetting due to high migration risk. Expect processing times of 20 to 40 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 2 months before your intended flight. Do not book non-refundable tickets.

"Action Required" Status

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

• A bank statement that shows "lump sum" deposits (borrowed funds) rather than a salary history.

• Missing hotel booking details. You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Lagos/Abuja to Tirana requires avoiding strict transit visa rules.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to LOS/ABV.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

4. Yellow Card: Mandatory. You cannot pass Port Health at LOS/ABV without a valid Yellow Fever vaccination card.

5. PTA/BTA: Proof of sufficient cash (USD/Euros).

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Europe (Lufthansa/Air France/KLM): EXTREME WARNING. Nigerian citizens generally require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) to transit through Frankfurt, Paris, or Amsterdam, unless they hold a valid US/UK/Canada visa. Do not book these airlines unless you have the specific transit visa. You will be denied boarding in Lagos.

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): A popular route. However, transit rules for Nigerians in Turkey change frequently. Often, airside transit is allowed, but verify if a "Transit E-Visa" is needed based on your ticket type.

• Via Doha (Qatar Airways) or Cairo (EgyptAir): Generally the safest options for avoiding strict European transit visa requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I pay with my Zenith/GTB Naira card?

Likely no. Most Naira cards are blocked for international web transactions. Use a Dollar Card or a virtual card from a Fintech app.

Is the NDLEA clearance required?

For the visa application online, usually no. However, sometimes first-time travelers are asked for it at Lagos airport by NDLEA officials. It is good to have, but not mandatory for the visa upload.

My bank statement is in Naira. Is that okay?

Yes, but ensure the balance is significant. Consular officers know the exchange rate is volatile. A Domiciliary (USD) account is much stronger proof.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include "Reasonable doubts as to your intention to leave" (Migration Risk) or insufficient funds. Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Kosovo or Serbia?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. Nigeria citizens need separate visas for Serbia or Kosovo.