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

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For citizens of the Republic of Senegal, traveling from the land of "Teranga" to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey bridging West Africa and Southeastern Europe. While Senegalese passport holders enjoy free movement within the ECOWAS zone, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Senegalese passport holders. Whether you are departing from Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)—typically connecting via Casablanca, Istanbul, 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 Senegalese applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the stability of the XOF (CFA Franc) currency, the mandatory translation of documents from French, and the critical flight routing options to avoid the Schengen Transit Visa trap.

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 Senegalese Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Senegal 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 Dakar 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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Senegal-Specific Documentation Checklist

Senegalese applicants must ensure all French documents are properly translated.

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

✅ Financial Proof (The XOF Advantage)

• Currency: The West African CFA Franc (XOF) 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 CBAO, SGBS (Société Générale), Ecobank, BICIS, or Orabank are standard.

• Requirement: The statement must be official. Ensure it is stamped by the branch manager. If you use a microfinance institution (like PAMECAS), try to have it countersigned by a commercial bank if possible.

✅ Translation Requirements (French to English)Official documents in Senegal 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 for Senegalese applicants.

✅ Employment & Ties

• Employees: A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your position, salary, and authorized leave (Congé). Including your IPRES (Retirement) registration proof is excellent supporting evidence.

• Business Owners: A copy of your NINEA (Numéro d'Identification National des Entreprises et Associations) and RCCM, translated into English.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like AXA Senegal, Allianz, or NSIA 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 (obtained from the Palais de Justice) are legible.

Step 4: Payment (Prepaid & Bank Cards)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Senegal:

• Bank Cards: Visa/Mastercards from CBAO or SGBS work, but you often need to ask the bank to activate "E-Commerce International".

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

• Mobile Money: You cannot pay directly with Orange Money ("Kalpé") or Wave on the portal unless you use the virtual card feature generated by the app (if available) or transfer funds to a bank card.

• 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 )

• Senegal Specifics: Applications from West 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. You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Dakar to Tirana involves strategic transit choices.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to DSS.

3. Yellow Fever Card: Mandatory. You cannot leave Blaise Diagne Airport without it, and it is required for re-entry.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc): The most convenient route. Senegalese citizens can transit via Casablanca (CMN) visa-free if staying airside (check duration limits). This avoids European visa issues.

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): A very popular route. Senegalese citizens can transit airside in Istanbul without a visa.

• Via Paris (Air France): EXTREME WARNING. Senegalese citizens require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) to transit through France unless they hold a valid visa for the USA, Canada, or EU. Without an ATV or valid Schengen visa, Air France will deny you boarding in Dakar. Avoid this route if you do not have a visa.

• Via Brussels (Brussels Airlines): Similar to France, a transit visa is often required.

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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 Wave?

Not directly. You must transfer your Wave balance to a bank account or a prepaid Visa/Mastercard (like UBA or Ecobank) to make the online payment.

Do I need a transit visa for France?

Yes. This is the most common mistake. Senegalese citizens need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for France. Do not book flights via Paris unless you have this visa or a valid exemption (e.g., US Visa).

What if my visa is refused?

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

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Gambia or Mali?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. Senegalese travel visa-free to ECOWAS neighbors, but this e-Visa has no relation to that.