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

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For citizens of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, traveling from the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that requires careful administrative preparation. While Sri Lankan passport holders have growing travel opportunities, 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 Sri Lankan passport holders. Whether you are departing from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo—typically connecting via Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, valid e-Visa, you will be denied boarding at the check-in counter.

This guide is specifically tailored for Sri Lankan applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the necessity of NIC translations, the use of LKR-based cards for international payments, and the critical transit visa protocols for major Middle Eastern and Turkish hubs.

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 Sri Lankan Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Sri Lanka 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 at least once to enter the issuing country.

• Scenario: If you have a valid French Schengen visa and have previously visited Paris, 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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Sri Lanka-Specific Documentation Checklist

Sri Lankan applicants must provide robust evidence of ties to their home country.

✅ Passport ValidityYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date. Ensure it has at least two blank pages.

✅ Financial Proof (LKR vs. USD)

• The Standard: Submit an official Bank Statement for the last 6 to 12 months.

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Bank of Ceylon (BOC), People's Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sampath Bank, or HNB are standard.

• Format: Ensure the statement is stamped and signed by the bank. If you have a USD or Euro account (PFC Account), providing that statement is highly recommended as it shows access to hard currency.

✅ National Identity Card (NIC) & Translations

• NIC Translation: If your National Identity Card is required as supporting ID, it must be translated into English.

• Official Source: The Department for Registration of Persons (DRP) in Battaramulla provides official English translations of NICs. It is highly recommended to use this official version rather than a private translation.

• Other Documents: Any Birth or Marriage certificates issued in Sinhala or Tamil must be translated into English by a sworn translator and ideally legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs Division) in Colombo.

✅ Employment & Professional Ties

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

• Business Owners: A copy of your Business Registration (BR), translated into English.

• Tax Proof: Including your TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) certificate and recent tax filings (Income Tax) strengthens the application by proving strong local ties.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Sri Lanka Insurance, Allianz Lanka, or Ceylinco provide valid "Schengen-compliant" certificates.

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Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The process is 100% online via the official portal.

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 (English) section of your passport.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans. Ensure the files are clear and the text is legible.

Step 4: Payment (LKR Cards & Limits)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

• Cards: Visa and Mastercards from Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank, or HNB work well.

• Online Limits: Ensure your card's "International Online Transaction" limit is set high enough via your mobile banking app.

• Currency: The charge will be in Euros. Your bank will handle the LKR to EUR conversion automatically based on the daily exchange rate.

• 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 )

• Sri Lanka Specifics: Expect processing times of 15 to 30 working days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your intended flight.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Colombo to Tirana requires choosing a transit hub that minimizes visa complications.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to CMB.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Dubai (flydubai/Emirates): A very common route. Transit is usually airside, but if you have a long layover or need to switch terminals, you may need a UAE Transit Visa (48/96 hours).

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): Highly popular. Airside transit for under 24 hours generally does not require a transit visa for Sri Lankan citizens.

• Via Doha (Qatar Airways): Generally the most seamless option. Airside transit is visa-free. If you wish to exit the airport, you must check the 2026 rules for the Hayya Platform entry.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in Sinhala or Tamil?

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

Can I pay with my BOC or People's Bank debit card?

Yes, as long as it is a Visa/Mastercard and you have enabled "International Online Payments" through the bank.

Do I need to visit an embassy?

No. The process for the C-Type visa is entirely online. However, the authorities may contact you for an interview in exceptional cases.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Rejections often happen due to "Insufficient proof of financial means" or "Lack of strong ties to the home country." Ensure your 12-month bank statement and BR/Employment letters are robust.

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Serbia?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. Sri Lankan citizens need separate visas for most other Balkan countries.