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

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For citizens of the Independent State of Samoa, traveling from the "Treasured Islands of the South Pacific" to the Balkan Peninsula is a major logistical undertaking involving multiple long-haul flights. While Samoan passport holders enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area for short stays, entry into the Republic of Albania is currently regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system for those without specific Western visa stickers in their passports.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Samoan passport holders at Albanian border crossings. Whether you are departing from Faleolo International Airport (APW)—invariably connecting via Auckland, Sydney, or Nadi—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa (or proof of exemption), you will be denied boarding.

This guide is specifically tailored for Samoan applicants. It highlights the distinct advantages you possess—such as documents being issued in English and the stability of the Samoan Tala (WST)—while addressing the critical transit complexities through New Zealand and Australia.

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 Samoan Nationals?

Yes.

Holders of a standard Samoa passport must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. While Samoa has a visa-waiver agreement with the EU (Schengen), Albania is not part of the Schengen zone and maintains its own border policy.

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Samoa 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 US Visa (B1/B2).

2. You possess a valid, multiple-entry UK Visa.

3. You possess a valid, multiple-entry Australian Visa (Subject to specific confirmation, often Subclass 600).

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

• Scenario: If you hold a valid Australian Visitor visa and have visited Sydney or Brisbane, you might be exempt. However, a used US visa is a guaranteed exemption. If you do not have these, 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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Samoa-Specific Documentation Checklist

Applicants from Samoa benefit from English documentation standards.

✅ Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date.

✅ Financial Proof (WST Currency)

• Currency: Your bank statements will be in Samoan Tala (WST).

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from ANZ Samoa, BSP (Bank South Pacific), National Bank of Samoa (NBS), or Samoa Commercial Bank (SCB) are standard.

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

✅ Language Advantage (No Translation Needed)

This is a major benefit for Samoan applicants.

• English Documents: Since English is an official language of Samoa, your Bank Statements, Police Character Certificate (from the Ministry of Police), Employment Letters, and Birth Certificates are already in English.

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

✅ Employment & Ties

• Government Employees: A letter from your Ministry (GoS) or CEO on official letterhead is very strong proof.

• Private Sector: A letter from your employer confirming leave dates.

• Village Ties: While not mandatory, a letter from your village Pulenu'u can sometimes support identity verification if other documents are lacking, though formal employment letters are preferred.

✅ Travel Insurance

A mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Since local options for "European Coverage" might be limited, purchasing a policy from a global online provider (like Allianz, Cover-More, or World Nomads) is highly recommended.

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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.

• Note: Internet connectivity (Digicel/Vodafone) in Samoa is generally good. Ensure you have a stable connection for uploading files.

Step 2: Form Accuracy

Select "Visa Type C".

• Data Entry: Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport bio-page.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure scans are not blurry, especially if using a phone camera.

Step 4: Payment (ANZ/BSP Cards)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Samoa:

• Cards: Visa and Mastercard debit cards issued by ANZ Samoa or BSP work for international payments.

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

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

• Recommendation: Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your intended flight due to the complexity of flight connections via NZ/Australia.

"Action Required" Status

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

• Missing hotel booking.

• Unclear flight itinerary (due to long layovers and date line crossing).Respond within 7 days to avoid rejection.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Apia (Faleolo) to Albania requires navigating strict transit rules in NZ and Australia.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to APW.

3. Accommodation: Hotel voucher.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via New Zealand (Auckland - AKL): MAJOR WARNING. Most flights from Samoa go to Auckland. Even for transit, Samoan citizens usually require an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) or a Transit Visa depending on current rules. Check this strictly.

• Via Australia (Sydney/Brisbane): MAJOR WARNING. Samoan citizens generally require a Transit Visa (Subclass 771) to transit through Australia for more than 8 hours or if leaving the lounge. Without this, you will be denied boarding in Apia.

• Via Fiji (Nadi - NAN): Usually visa-free transit for Samoan citizens. From Fiji, you can connect to long-haul flights via Asia or USA.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to translate my Police Certificate?

No. The Ministry of Police & Prisons issues certificates in English. Just scan the original.

My bank statement is in WST. Is that okay?

Yes. WST is a recognized currency. Albanian authorities accept statements in Tala without issue.

Can I apply for a visa on arrival?

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

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include insufficient funds or a confusing flight itinerary. Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

Is Yellow Fever vaccination required?

Generally no. Samoa is not a yellow fever zone. However, if you transit through high-risk countries in Africa or South America on your way to Europe, it may be required. Direct routes via Asia/NZ do not require it.