Albania C-Type e-Visa Application Guide for Papua New Guinea Citizens (2026)

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For citizens of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG), traveling from the Pacific Ring of Fire to the Balkan Peninsula is an extensive journey involving multiple transit hubs. While PNG passport holders enjoy visa-on-arrival privileges in some Pacific and Asian nations, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for PNG passport holders at Albanian border crossings. Whether you are departing from Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Port Moresby—typically connecting via Singapore, Manila, or Brisbane—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is specifically tailored for PNG applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the acceptance of Kina (PGK) financial proofs, the advantage of English-language documentation, and the critical Australian Transit Visa requirements.

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 PNG Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Papua New Guinea 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.

4. You possess a valid, multiple-entry Australian Visa (Note: Albania sometimes recognizes Australian visas for exemptions, but this policy fluctuates. Verify strictly before travel. The US/Schengen exemption is always safer).

Crucial Condition: You must have previously used this visa to enter the issuing country.

• Scenario: If you have a multiple-entry Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) and have visited Brisbane, you might be exempt. However, if you rely on the US/Schengen exemption, it is guaranteed. If you have neither, 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, 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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PNG-Specific Documentation Checklist

Applicants from PNG benefit from English being an official language, saving significant translation costs.

✅ Passport ValidityYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date.

✅ Financial Proof (PGK Acceptance)

• Currency: Your bank statements will be in Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK).

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Bank South Pacific (BSP), Kina Bank, Westpac PNG, or ANZ are standard.

• Format: Ensure the statement is an official PDF downloaded from internet banking or stamped by the branch. You do not need a currency conversion letter, but ensuring the balance covers approx. €50/day is essential.

✅ Language Advantage (No Translation Needed)

• English Documents: Since English is an official language of PNG, your Bank Statements, Police Character Certificate (from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary), and Employment Letters are already in English.

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

✅ Employment & Ties

• Employees: A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your position, salary, and authorized leave.

• Business Owners: A copy of your IPA (Investment Promotion Authority) Company Registration certificate.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). While local insurers like Capital Insurance or Pacific MMI offer travel policies, ensure they explicitly cover "Europe". Buying a policy from a global provider (like Allianz or QBE) is often safer for European acceptance.

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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 bio-page.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the scan of your passport is clear.

Step 4: Payment (BSP/Kina Bank Cards)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from PNG:

• Cards: Visa Debit cards issued by BSP (Kundua) or Kina Bank work for international online payments.

• Settings: Ensure your card is activated for international use. You may need to contact the bank if the transaction is declined.

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

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

• Recommendation: Apply at least 5-6 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.

• Passport scan reflection issues. Respond within 7 days to avoid rejection.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Port Moresby to Tirana involves navigating major transit hubs.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to POM.

3. Accommodation: Hotel voucher.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Australia (Brisbane/Cairns - Air Niugini/Qantas): MAJOR WARNING. Most flights from POM go to Australia first. PNG citizens MUST possess a valid Transit Visa (Subclass 771) or a Visitor Visa to transit through Australia, even for 1 hour. Without this, you will be denied boarding in Port Moresby.

• Via Singapore (Air Niugini): The best route to avoid visa headaches. PNG citizens generally do not need a visa to transit Singapore Changi Airport if staying airside. From Singapore, you can connect to Turkish Airlines or Lufthansa to reach Europe.

• Via Manila (Philippine Airlines/Air Niugini): Another viable option. Check transit visa requirements for the Philippines based on your terminal change, but usually easier than Australia.

• Via Hong Kong (Air Niugini): Visa-free entry/transit for PNG citizens. Good connection point for Europe.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to translate my Police Character Certificate?

No. RPNGC certificates are in English. Just scan the original.

Can I pay with my BSP KunduCard?

Only if it is a Visa Debit card. The standard local KunduCard (without Visa/Mastercard logo) will not work online.

Can I apply for a visa on arrival?

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

Is Yellow Fever vaccination required?

Generally no, unless you are transiting through a risk country in Africa or South America.

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.