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

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For citizens of the Republic of Sierra Leone, traveling from the Lion Mountains to the Balkan Peninsula is a significant journey involving complex flight connections and strict consular vetting. While Sierra Leonean passport holders enjoy visa-free access to ECOWAS nations, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Sierra Leonean passport holders. Whether you are departing from Freetown International Airport (FNA) in Lungi—typically connecting via Casablanca, Brussels, or Istanbul—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding.

This guide is specifically tailored for Sierra Leonean applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the New Leone (SLE) banking transitions, the significant advantage of English documentation, and the critical transit routes to avoid Schengen visa issues.

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 Sierra Leonean Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Sierra Leone 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 Belgian Schengen visa issued in Freetown and have already traveled to Brussels, 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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Sierra Leone-Specific Documentation Checklist

Sierra Leonean applicants benefit significantly from English being the official language, saving on translation costs.

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

✅ Financial Proof (SLE vs. Hard Currency)

• The Challenge: The New Leone (SLE) can be volatile against the Euro.

• The Recommendation: It is highly advised to submit a Foreign Currency Account (USD/GBP/EUR) statement if you have one.

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Ecobank Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), Rokel Commercial Bank, GTBank, or UBA are standard.

• Format: Ensure the statement is official and stamped. If submitting an SLE statement, ensure the closing balance is substantial enough to cover approx. €50-€70 per day after conversion.

✅ Language Advantage (No Translation Needed)

• English Documents: Since English is the official language of Sierra Leone, your Bank Statements, Police Clearance Certificate (from the CID), Employment Letters, and NASSIT documents are already in English.

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

✅ Employment & Ties (NASSIT is Key)

• Employees: A letter from your employer on company letterhead. Including your NASSIT (National Social Security and Insurance Trust) contribution statement is a very strong way to prove formal employment and ties to the country.

• Business Owners: A copy of your Business Registration Certificate (from OARG) and City Council License.

✅ Health Requirements

• Yellow Fever Card: Mandatory. You will need to upload this or present it at the border. Sierra Leone is a yellow fever zone.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like ACTB, Reliance, or Aureol Insurance can provide policies, but ensure they explicitly cover "Europe" or "Worldwide" excluding USA.

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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 bio-page.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans.

• Clarity: Ensure the scan of your passport is clear and the laminate reflection does not obscure your face.

Step 4: Payment (The UBA/Ecobank Solution)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Sierra Leone:

• Prepaid Cards: The UBA Africard (Visa) or Ecobank Travel Card are the most reliable methods. You can load these cards with cash (SLE/USD) at the branch and use them for the online payment instantly.

• Standard Debit Cards: Some local SLE debit cards are restricted for international online use. Check with your bank (GTBank/SLCB) if your card is enabled for "International Web Transactions."

• Currency: The charge is in Euros. The bank will handle the conversion.

• 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 )

• Sierra Leone Specifics: Applications from West Africa undergo detailed vetting. Expect 20 to 30 business days.

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

"Action Required" Status

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

• Missing hotel booking details.

• Passport photo background is not white. You have a limited time (approx. 7 days) to upload the corrected file.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Freetown (Lungi) to Tirana involves strategic routing.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to FNA.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

4. Yellow Fever Card: Mandatory. Required for departure from Lungi and entry/transit elsewhere.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc): The best route. Transit via Casablanca (CMN) is usually visa-free for Sierra Leoneans if staying airside (check duration limits).

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): Another safe route. Airside transit is generally permitted without a visa.

• Via Brussels (Brussels Airlines): WARNING. A common flight from Freetown. However, Sierra Leonean citizens generally require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa to transit through Belgium unless they hold a valid US/Canada/UK visa. Do not book this route unless you have the transit visa. You will be denied boarding at Lungi.

• Via Paris (Air France): Similarly, an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) is typically required for France.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to translate my Police Clearance?

No. The CID in Freetown issues certificates in English. Just scan the original.

Can I pay with Orange Money / Afrimoney?

Not directly on the portal. You must withdraw the cash and load it onto a UBA Africard or a bank Visa/Mastercard to make the payment online.

Is the NASSIT statement mandatory?

It is not explicitly listed on the global form, but for Sierra Leonean applicants, it is the best proof of "Return Intent" and stable employment. We highly recommend including it.

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 Serbia?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. Sierra Leoneans need a separate visa for Serbia.