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

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For citizens of the Republic of South Sudan, traveling from the Nile Basin to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that requires careful administrative planning. While South Sudanese travelers are becoming more globally mobile, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for South Sudanese passport holders. Whether you are departing from Juba International Airport (JUB)—typically connecting via Addis Ababa, Cairo, or Istanbul—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa (or the approved visa confirmation from the relevant embassy), you will be denied boarding.

This guide is specifically tailored for South Sudanese applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the modernization of the South Sudanese financial sector, the necessity of English translations, and the strategic importance of the Cairo Embassy for regional consular support.

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 South Sudanese Nationals?

Yes.All holders of a standard South Sudanese passport must obtain a C-Type e-Visa (or an embassy-issued visa processed via the digital portal) prior to travel. Albania does not currently grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of South Sudan.

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the South Sudan Citizens e-Tourist Visa page.

The "Used Visa" Exemption (US/UK/Schengen)

You may be EXEMPT from the Albanian e-Visa application if you hold a valid, multiple-entry 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 at least once to enter the issuing country.

• Scenario: If you have a valid US B1/B2 visa and have previously traveled to Washington D.C., you can use it to enter Albania visa-free. If the visa is brand new and unused, you must apply for the Albanian visa.

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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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South Sudan-Specific Documentation Checklist

South Sudanese applicants must provide robust evidence of financial stability and "intent to return" to satisfy vetting procedures.

✅ 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 (SSP vs. Hard Currency)

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Stanbic Bank South Sudan, Ecobank South Sudan, Co-operative Bank of South Sudan, or KCB Bank South Sudan are standard.

• Recommendation: Since the South Sudanese Pound (SSP) can be volatile, it is highly recommended to provide a USD Domiciliary Account statement if you have one. This proves you have access to hard currency for international travel.

✅ Language & Translation (English is Key)While many official documents in South Sudan are in English, any document in Arabic or local languages must be translated.

• Translations: Any certificate (Marriage, Birth, or Property) not in English must be translated into English and notarized.

• Police Clearance: A recent Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance) is often required. Ensure this is issued in English or accompanied by a notarized translation.

✅ Employment & Ties

• Employees: A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your position, salary, and approved leave dates.

• Business Owners: A copy of your Certificate of Incorporation and Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

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

✅ Health Requirements

• Yellow Fever Card: Mandatory. You must possess a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card). You will likely need to upload a scan of this during the application.

✅ 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 begins online, but may require a follow-up at the closest embassy.

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".

• Note: If "South Sudan" does not appear in the direct e-Visa (digital PDF) issuance list, you are still required to complete the digital application to obtain a Consular Appointment at the Embassy of Albania in Cairo, which handles South Sudanese affairs.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans. Ensure your passport photo has a plain white background.

Step 4: Payment (International Cards)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

How to Pay from South Sudan:

• Cards: Use a Visa or Mastercard from Ecobank, Stanbic, or KCB. Ensure your card is enabled for international online transactions.

• Currency: The charge will be in Euros. Your bank will handle the SSP/USD 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 )

• South Sudan Specifics: Due to rigorous vetting, expect processing times of 20 to 35 business days.

• Consular Fallback: If the digital e-Visa is not issued directly, you may be instructed to send your passport to the Embassy of Albania in Cairo (Egypt) for a physical sticker.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Juba to Tirana requires choosing a reliable transit hub.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa/Approval: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to Juba.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): A highly recommended route. Transit airside in Istanbul is generally visa-free for South Sudanese citizens if they remain in the international terminal.

• Via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines): A common regional hub. No transit visa is required if staying within the airport transit area for less than 12 hours.

• Via Cairo (EgyptAir): WARNING. South Sudanese citizens usually require a Transit Visa for Egypt if leaving the airport or if the layover is long. If your visa process requires a visit to the Cairo Embassy, ensure you have your Egyptian entry visa sorted first.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there an Albanian Embassy in Juba?

No. The closest mission is the Embassy of Albania in Cairo, Egypt, which is concurrently accredited to South Sudan.

Can I pay with local SSP cash?

No. The application is online and requires a digital payment via a Visa or Mastercard.

Do I need a Polio certificate?

While not always required for the visa, certain transit hubs or airlines may request a Polio vaccination certificate for travelers departing from South Sudan. It is best to keep your vaccination record updated.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include "Insufficient proof of financial means" or "Unclear purpose of stay." Check the Albania e-Visa Refusal Reasons for details.

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Kenya?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. While South Sudanese travel visa-free to Kenya within the EAC, this e-Visa is for European travel.