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

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For citizens of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, traveling from South Asia to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that requires navigating strict consular vetting and complex financial documentation. While Pakistani 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 Pakistani passport holders. Whether you are departing from Jinnah International (KHI) in Karachi, Allama Iqbal (LHE) in Lahore, or Islamabad (ISB)—typically connecting via Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding ("Ok to Board" check).

This guide is specifically tailored for Pakistani applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the Nadra Family Registration Certificate (FRC) requirement, the volatility of the PKR, and the mandatory Polio Vaccination Certificate for international travel.

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 Pakistani Nationals?

Yes.All holders of a standard Pakistani passport must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not currently grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of Pakistan.

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Pakistan 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 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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Pakistan-Specific Documentation Checklist

Pakistani applicants face high scrutiny regarding "Migration Risk." Documentation must be comprehensive.

✅ Passport ValidityYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date. Ensure it is the machine-readable passport (MRP).

✅ Financial Proof (PKR vs. USD)

• The Challenge: Due to the volatility of the Pakistani Rupee (PKR), a balance that looks high in PKR might appear low in Euros.

• The Solution: It is highly recommended to submit a Bank Account Maintenance Certificate along with the statement. If you have a Foreign Currency Account (USD/GBP), use that statement as it is stronger proof.

• Accepted Banks: Statements from HBL, UBL, MCB, Meezan Bank, or Standard Chartered Pakistan are standard.

• Format: Ensure the statement is stamped by the bank manager. A minimum closing balance equivalent to €50-€80 per day of stay is required.

✅ Family & Identity (NADRA FRC)

• Family Registration Certificate (FRC): This is a critical document for Pakistani applicants to prove family ties in Pakistan (and thus intent to return). Issue it from NADRA (English version) and include it in your application.

• Police Character Certificate: Often required to prove good conduct. Obtain it from your local police station or Khidmat Markaz.

✅ Business & Employment

• Business Owners: You MUST include your NTN Certificate (FBR) and proof of active tax filer status. Membership with a Chamber of Commerce (e.g., KCCI, LCCI) is a strong supporting document.

• Employees: An employment letter on official letterhead, stating your designation, salary, and leave approval.

✅ Health Requirements

• Polio Vaccination Certificate: As Pakistan is one of the few countries with active Polio cases, travelers are often required to hold a valid Polio Vaccination Certificate for international travel. Include this in your medical/other documents section to avoid issues.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Adamjee, EFU, or Jubilee provide valid "Schengen-compliant" travel insurance policies that work for Albania. Ensure it states "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 data page is clear.

Step 4: Payment (Card Restrictions)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Pakistan:

• Card Activation: Most Pakistani debit/credit cards require you to call the helpline or use the app to activate an International Session for online payments. Do this before you try to pay.

• Tax (WHT): Be aware that paying in foreign currency incurs heavy Withholding Tax (WHT) and FED in Pakistan. Ensure your account has enough funds to cover the visa fee + approx 10-15% extra for taxes/charges.

• Virtual Cards: Apps like Sadapay or Nayapay work very well for these international transactions if your physical bank card fails.

• 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 )

• Pakistan Specifics: Applications from Pakistan undergo extremely rigorous vetting due to high migration risk. Expect processing times of 20 to 35 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your intended flight. Do not book non-refundable tickets.

"Action Required" Status

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

• Submitting a bank statement with erratic large deposits (borrowed money) right before the application.

• Missing the FRC or NTN proofs. You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Pakistan to Tirana requires careful route planning.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to KHI/LHE/ISB.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

4. Show Money: Carry Euros (€) or USD ($) in cash ($1000+ recommended depending on stay). PKR is useless abroad.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines/Pegasus): The most popular route. Pakistani citizens holding a valid US/UK/Schengen visa can get a Turkish E-Visa. If you do not have those, you need a standard Turkish sticker visa to enter Turkey. However, for transit (staying airside), no visa is usually required (double-check airline rules for "transit visa" requirements for Pakistanis, which can change).

• Via Dubai/Doha/Abu Dhabi: The safest transit hubs. No transit visa required if staying airside.

• Via Europe (Frankfurt/Paris/Milan): EXTREME WARNING. Pakistani citizens generally require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) to transit through Schengen airports unless they hold a valid US/Canada visa. Do not book Lufthansa/Air France unless you have the transit visa. You will be denied boarding in Pakistan.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in Urdu?

No. All documents (Nikahnama, Property deeds) must be translated into English and notarized.

Is the FRC mandatory?

It is not explicitly listed on the global form, but for Pakistani citizens, it is the primary proof of family ties. We highly recommend including the English FRC from NADRA.

Can I pay with Sadapay/Nayapay?

Yes, these are excellent options. Ensure you have sufficient balance to cover the Euro exchange rate and international transaction fees.

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 Serbia?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. Pakistan citizens need a separate visa for Serbia.