Albania C-Type e-Visa Application Guide for Republic of the Congo Citizens (2026)

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For citizens of the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), traveling from the heart of the Congo Basin to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey bridging Central Africa and Southeastern Europe. While Congolese passport holders enjoy free movement within the CEMAC zone, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Congolese passport holders. Whether you are departing from Maya-Maya International Airport (BZV) in Brazzaville or Agostinho-Neto (PNR) in Pointe-Noire—typically connecting via Addis Ababa, Casablanca, or Paris—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is specifically tailored for Congolese applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the stability of the XAF (CFA Franc) currency, the mandatory translation of documents from French, and the critical flight routing options to avoid 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 Congolese Nationals?

Yes.All holders of a standard Republic of the Congo passport (Passeport Congolais) must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not currently grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of the Republic of the Congo.

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

The "Golden Exemption" (Schengen/US/UK)

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 French Schengen visa issued in Brazzaville and have already traveled to Paris, you can use it to enter Albania visa-free. If the visa is 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 friends.

• 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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Congo-Specific Documentation Checklist

Congolese applicants must ensure all French documents are properly translated.

✅ Passport Validity Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date. Ensure it is the biometric CEMAC passport.

✅ Financial Proof (The XAF Advantage)

• Currency: The Central African CFA Franc (XAF) is pegged to the Euro. This stability is a significant advantage for proving solvency to Albanian authorities.

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from BGFI Bank, Ecobank Congo, LCB (La Congolaise de Banque), or Société Générale Congo are standard.

• Requirement: The statement must be official. Ensure it is stamped by the branch manager.

✅ Translation Requirements (French to English) Official documents in the Republic of the Congo are issued in French. Albania requires English.

• Mandatory Translations: Your Birth Certificate (Acte de Naissance), Police Record (Casier Judiciaire), and Employment Certificate (Attestation de Travail) must be translated into English.

• Certification: The translation must be performed by a sworn translator (Traducteur Assermenté) and notarized (Légalisé). Submitting raw French documents is the primary cause of rejection.

✅ Employment & Ties

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

• Business Owners: A copy of your RCCM (Registre du Commerce et du Crédit Mobilier) and NIU (Numéro d'Identification Unique), translated into English.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like NSIA Assurances or Allianz Congo 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.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the stamps on your Casier Judiciaire are legible.

Step 4: Payment (Prepaid Cards)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from the Republic of the Congo:

• Prepaid Cards: The UBA Africard or Ecobank Xpress Card are the most reliable methods. You can load these cards with cash or Mobile Money and use them for the online payment.

• Bank Cards: Visa/Mastercards from BGFI or LCB work if international payments are activated.

• Mobile Money: You cannot pay directly with Airtel Money or MTN Mobile Money on the portal. You must use these wallets to transfer funds to a prepaid bank card first.

• 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 )

• Congo Specifics: Applications from Central Africa undergo detailed vetting. Expect 20 to 30 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 5-6 weeks before your intended flight.

"Action Required" Status

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

• Submitting French documents without translation.

• A passport scan that is too dark or blurry. You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Brazzaville to Tirana involves strategic transit choices.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to BZV/PNR.

3. Yellow Fever Card: Mandatory. You cannot leave Maya-Maya Airport without it, and it may be checked upon arrival or transit.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines): The safest route. Transit via Addis is visa-free for Congolese citizens if staying airside.

• Via Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc): Another excellent option. Usually visa-free transit if you stay airside.

• Via Paris (Air France): WARNING. While citizens of Congo-Brazzaville (unlike DRC) are often exempt from the Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for France, strict conditions apply (staying in the international zone of CDG). If you need to change airports (Orly) or terminals, you WILL need a Schengen Visa. To be safe, avoid this route unless you have a Schengen visa.

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): Generally a safe route for visa-free airside transit (check current rules).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in French?

No. While French is the official language, Albanian authorities require documents in English. You must have your documents translated and notarized.

Can I pay with Airtel Money?

Not directly. You must use a Visa or Mastercard. We recommend loading a UBA Africard with your mobile money and then paying the fee.

Do I need a transit visa for France?

It depends on your specific itinerary. If you stay in the international zone of CDG, you might be exempt, but rules are strict. It is safer to fly via Addis Ababa or Casablanca to avoid potential boarding denial.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include lack of translations or insufficient proof of ties to the Congo. Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Gabon or Cameroon?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. It has no relation to the CEMAC zone.