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

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For citizens of the Republic of the Philippines, traveling from the archipelago to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that requires navigating not just the Albanian entry rules, but also the strict departure protocols at Philippine airports. While Philippine passport holders are accustomed to visa applications, entry into the Republic of Albania is regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Philippine passport holders. Whether you are departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA - MNL), Mactan-Cebu (CEB), or Clark (CRK)—typically connecting via Dubai, Istanbul, or Doha—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is specifically tailored for Filipino applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the "Offloading" anxiety at Philippine Immigration, the use of GCash/Maya for payments, and the advantage of English-language documentation.

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 Filipino Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Philippines 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 Los Angeles or Guam, 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, 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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Philippines-Specific Documentation Checklist

Filipino applicants benefit from English documentation but must prepare robust proofs to satisfy both Albanian consuls and Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers.

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

✅ Financial Proof (Bank Cert + Statement)

• The Standard: Submit both a Bank Certificate (showing account opening date and Average Daily Balance - ADB) and a Bank Statement (last 3-6 months) to prove account activity.

• Accepted Banks: Documents from BDO, BPI, Metrobank, UnionBank, or Security Bank are standard.

• Digital Banks: Statements from GCash (GSave/CIMB), Maya Bank, or Seabank are accepted if they are official downloadable PDFs with your name and address.

• Currency: PHP statements are accepted; no conversion letter is needed as PHP is a standard currency.

✅ Language Advantage (No Translation Needed)This is a massive advantage.

• English Documents: Since English is an official language of the Philippines, your PSA Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Bank Documents, and Employment Contracts are already in English.

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

✅ Employment & Ties (Crucial for BI & Visa)

• Employees: A Certificate of Employment (COE) stating compensation and tenure, plus an approved Leave of Absence (LOA). Including your ITR (BIR Form 2316) is highly recommended to prove strong ties to the Philippines.

• Freelancers/VA: Contracts with clients, proof of remittance (Wise/PayPal logs), and BIR Certificate of Registration (2303) if available.

• Business Owners: DTI/SEC Registration and Mayor's Permit.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Pacific Cross, Malayan, Standard Insurance, or AXA Philippines provide valid "Schengen-style" certificates that work for Albania. Ensure it states "Worldwide" or "Europe".

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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. Include your Middle Name in the relevant field (or append to First Name if no Middle Name field exists, following the MRZ pattern).

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

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

Step 4: Payment (GCash/Maya/Cards)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from the Philippines:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercards issued by PH banks (BDO, BPI, etc.) work perfectly.

• GCash/Maya: You cannot use the "Pay Bills" feature. You must use the Virtual Card (Visa/Mastercard) details provided inside the GCash or Maya app. Enter the card number, expiry, and CVV on the payment gateway just like a credit card.

• Currency: The charge is in Euros. Your bank/wallet will convert PHP to EUR automatically (check the app for the current exchange rate).

• 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 )

• Philippines Specifics: Applications are generally processed within 15 to 20 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended flight.

"Action Required" Status

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

• Missing ITR or unclear proof of income.

• A passport photo that does not meet the white background requirement. You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Manila to Tirana involves overcoming two hurdles: Philippine Exit and Albanian Entry.

Documents for Border Control (and PH Immigration):

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed round-trip ticket. (Strictly required by PH Immigration).

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

4. Supporting Docs for PH Immigration: Company ID, Leave Form, and proof of financial capacity to avoid "Offloading."

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): The most convenient route. Transit is seamless. Philippine passport holders can enter Turkey with an E-Visa (if eligible) or sticker, but for airside transit, no visa is required.

• Via Dubai (Emirates) / Doha (Qatar): Excellent hubs. No transit visa needed for airside transfer.

• Via Europe (KLM/Air France): WARNING. If you fly via Amsterdam or Paris, ensure you check if you need a Schengen Transit Visa. While Filipinos are often exempt for transit in some hubs, rules change. Turkish or Middle Eastern carriers are generally safer regarding transit visas.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there Visa on Arrival for Filipinos?

No. You must have the printed e-Visa before you check in at NAIA.

Can I pay using my GCash wallet directly?

No. You must use the GCash Card (physical or virtual American Express/Visa) details. Direct wallet transfers are not supported.

Do I need an AOS (Affidavit of Support)?

For the Albanian visa application, no. However, Philippine Immigration might ask for it if you are traveling sponsored by a friend/partner abroad. This is a PH exit requirement, not an Albanian entry requirement.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include insufficient financial history (ADB too low) or lack of strong ties to the Philippines (no ITR/COE). Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Kosovo?

No. Albania and Kosovo are separate countries. However, Kosovo usually allows visa-free entry for Filipinos holding a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa. Without that, you need a separate Kosovo visa.