Albania C-Type e-Visa Application Guide for Sao Tome and Principe Citizens (2026)

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For citizens of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, traveling from the islands in the Gulf of Guinea to the Balkan Peninsula is a complex logistical journey. While Santomean passport holders enjoy specific mobility rights within the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries), entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system for those who do not hold specific valid visas from Western nations.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Santomean passport holders. Whether you are departing from São Tomé International Airport (TMS)—typically connecting via Lisbon or Luanda—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is specifically tailored for Santomean applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the use of New Dobra (STN) for financial proofs, the mandatory translation of Portuguese documents, and the critical transit visa rules for flights via Portugal.

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 Santomean Nationals?

Yes.All holders of a standard Sao Tome and Principe passport (Passaporte de São Tomé e Príncipe) must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not currently grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of Sao Tome and Principe based solely on nationality.

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Sao Tome and Principe 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 Portuguese Schengen visa issued in São Tomé and have already visited Lisbon, 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, 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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Sao Tome-Specific Documentation Checklist

Santomean applicants must pay close attention to document language and banking details.

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

✅ Financial Proof (STN Statements)

• Currency: Your bank statements will be in New Dobra (STN).

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Banco Internacional de São Tomé e Príncipe (BISTP), BGFI Bank, Ecobank, or Afriland First Bank are standard.

• Presentation: Ensure the statement is official (stamped by the branch). Since STN figures can be high relative to the Euro, including a short cover letter converting the closing balance to Euros is helpful for the consular officer.

✅ Translation Requirements (Portuguese to English)Official documents in Sao Tome are issued in Portuguese. Albania requires English.

• Mandatory Translations: You must translate your Criminal Record Certificate (Registo Criminal), Birth Certificate (Assento de Nascimento), and Employment Declaration (Declaração de Serviço).

• Certification: The translation must be performed by a Sworn Translator (Tradutor Ajuramentado) and notarized (Reconhecido no Notário). Submitting raw Portuguese documents is the primary cause of rejection.

✅ Employment & Ties

• Employees: A letter from your employer confirming your role, salary, and authorized leave.

• Business Owners: A copy of your Business License (Alvará) and Tax Identification Number (NIF), translated into English.

• Property: Proof of property ownership (Título de Propriedade) strengthens your case significantly against migration risk concerns.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Since local insurance options for "European Coverage" can be limited, purchasing a policy from a global online provider (like Allianz, AXA, 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.

Step 2: Form Accuracy

Select "Visa Type C".

• Name Accuracy: Enter your name exactly as it appears in the Latin script section of your passport.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the Registo Criminal stamp is clearly visible.

Step 4: Payment (International Cards)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Sao Tome:

• Bank Cards: Visa and Mastercards issued by BISTP or BGFI work, but often require prior activation for international online use.

• Activation: You must ensure your card is activated for International E-commerce (Compras Online Internacionais). You may need to visit the branch to enable this temporarily.

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

• Sao Tome Specifics: Applications are generally processed within 15 to 25 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 5-6 weeks before your intended flight due to slow internet uploads and banking verification times.

"Action Required" Status

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

• Submitting documents in Portuguese without translation.

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

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from São Tomé to Tirana requires choosing the right connection to avoid visa traps.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to TMS.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

4. Yellow Fever Card: Mandatory.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Lisbon (TAP Air Portugal/STP Airways): The most common route. WARNING: Santomean citizens generally require a Schengen Visa to enter Portugal. If you are merely transiting (staying in the international zone), you might be exempt from a visa depending on your specific ticket and duration, but rules are strict. If you need to re-check bags or change terminals, you MUST have a Schengen visa.

• Via Luanda (TAAG): A regional alternative. Transit via Angola is generally visa-free if staying airside, but connections to Europe from Luanda are fewer.

• Via Accra (TAP/Others): Ensure you meet Ghana's transit requirements if switching airlines.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in Portuguese?

No. While Portuguese is the official language, Albanian authorities require documents in English. You must translate and notarize them.

Can I pay with STN cash?

No. The portal is online only. You must use a bank card. The bank converts your STN to Euros.

Do I need a Yellow Fever card?

Yes. Sao Tome and Principe is in the yellow fever zone. You will likely be asked for it at border controls in transit and potentially upon arrival in Albania.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include "Migration Risk" or insufficient financial means. Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Portugal?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. It gives you no right to enter the Schengen Area (Portugal).