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

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For citizens of the Federal Republic of Somalia, traveling from the Horn of Africa to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that requires careful administrative preparation and adherence to strict transit protocols. While Somalia continues to rebuild its international travel standing, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system (e-Visa).

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Somali passport holders at Albanian border crossings. Whether you are departing from Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) in Mogadishu or Egal International (HGA) in Hargeisa—typically connecting via Istanbul, Addis Ababa, or Dubai—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding at the point of origin.

This guide is specifically tailored for Somali applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the use of Somali and Arabic document translations, the emerging Digital Banking landscape in Mogadishu, and the critical health certificates required for Somali travelers.

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 Somali Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Somalia 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 hold a valid Italian Schengen visa and have previously visited Rome, you can enter Albania visa-free. If the visa is brand 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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Somalia-Specific Documentation Checklist

Somali applicants face significant scrutiny regarding "Migration Risk." Your documentation must be exceptionally clear and verifiable.

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

✅ Financial Proof (Major Somali Banks)

• The Standard: Submit a Bank Statement for the last 6 months.

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Premier Bank, IBS Bank (International Bank of Somalia), Salaam Somali Bank, or Amal Bank are widely recognized.

• Format: Request an official English-language statement from your bank. It must include a verifiable stamp and, ideally, the contact details of the bank manager for verification.

• Closing Balance: A minimum closing balance equivalent to €50–€80 per day of stay is recommended.

✅ Translation Requirements (Somali/Arabic to English)Most official documents in Somalia are issued in Somali or Arabic. Albania requires English.

• Mandatory Translations: Your Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, and Police Clearance must be translated into English.

• Certification: All translations must be performed by a Certified Translator and notarized. Submitting documents only in Somali or Arabic will lead to an immediate "Action Required" status or rejection.

✅ Identity & Professional Proof

• Employees: A letter from your employer on official company letterhead stating your position, salary, and confirmed leave dates.

• Business Owners: A copy of your Business License from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, translated into English.

• Government/NGO Workers: An official introduction letter from your organization.

✅ Health Requirements

• Polio Vaccination Certificate: As per international health regulations for Somali travelers, a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) showing a recent Polio booster is often required for international travel.

• Yellow Fever: Ensure your Yellow Card is up to date, as it may be checked during transit (especially in Ethiopia or Turkey).

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Ensure the policy explicitly covers "Europe" or "Worldwide."

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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".

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

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans. Ensure the files are not password-protected.

Step 4: Payment (Premier/IBS Cards)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from Somalia:

• Cards: Visa and Mastercards issued by Premier Bank or IBS Bank generally work for international online payments.

• Activation: You must ensure your card is activated for 3D Secure or "Online Purchases" via your bank's mobile app or customer service.

• Fintech: If local bank cards fail, virtual cards from recognized fintech providers (e.g., MyBank or EVC Plus linked cards) may be used if they support international USD/EUR transactions.

• 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 )

• Somalia Specifics: Applications from Somalia undergo extremely rigorous vetting. Expect processing times of 20 to 40 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 2 months before your intended flight.

"Action Required" Status

Common reasons for Somali applicants:

• Unclear scan of the passport bio-page.

• Bank statement lacking a verifiable bank stamp.

• Missing English translation for the Police Clearance.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Mogadishu/Hargeisa to Tirana requires choosing hubs that allow Somali passport holders to transit airside.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to Somalia.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

4. Cash: Carry USD or Euros cash. Somali Shilling or local mobile money (EVC/Zaad) cannot be used in Albania.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): The most reliable route. Somali citizens generally do not need a transit visa if they stay in the international transit area of Istanbul Airport (IST).

• Via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines): A common regional hub. Transit is generally seamless for airside transfers.

• Via Dubai (flydubai/Emirates): Safe for airside transit.

• Via Europe: EXTREME WARNING. Do not book flights transiting through the Schengen Area (e.g., Frankfurt, Paris, Rome) unless you hold a valid Schengen Transit Visa. Somali citizens are on the list of nationalities requiring a transit visa for most EU airports.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in Somali?

No. All documents must be translated into English and notarized.

Can I pay with my Premier Bank card?

Yes, most Premier Bank Mastercards work if they are enabled for international online transactions.

Is a Police Clearance mandatory?

Yes. For Somali citizens, a recent Police Clearance Certificate (translated) is highly recommended to prove good conduct and reduce migration risk.

What if my visa is refused?

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

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Kosovo?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. Somali citizens need a separate visa for Kosovo.