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

✧

For citizens of the Republic of Suriname, traveling from the Caribbean coast of South America to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that often bridges Dutch colonial history with Southeast European culture. While Suriname has a unique visa-free relationship with several neighbors and specific European states, entry into the Republic of Albania is strictly regulated via a Digital Pre-Clearance system.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Suriname passport holders. Whether you are departing from Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) in Zanderij—typically connecting via Amsterdam, Panama City, or Miami—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 Surinamese applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the Airport Transit Visa (ATV) requirements for flights via Schiphol, the mandatory translation of Dutch documents, and the financial proofs from major Surinamese banks.

For a broader understanding of the general application rules valid for all nationalities, please consult our main Visa Application Guide.

✧

Is a Visa Mandatory for Surinamese Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Suriname 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 US B1/B2 visa and have previously traveled to Miami or New York, you can use it to 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.

✧

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.

✧

Suriname-Specific Documentation Checklist

Surinamese applicants must pay close attention to document translations from Dutch to English.

✅ Passport ValidityYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date. Ensure it is a machine-readable biometric passport.

✅ Financial Proof (SRD/USD/EUR Accounts)

• The Standard: Submit a Bank Statement for the last 12 months (as required by the e-visa portal for specific vetting).

• Accepted Banks: Statements from De Surinaamsche Bank (DSB), Hakrinbank, Finabank, Republic Bank (Suriname), or RBC Royal Bank Suriname are standard.

• Format: Ensure the statement is official, stamped by the bank, and shows your name clearly. If your primary savings are in SRD, including a USD/EUR balance summary is helpful.

✅ Translation Requirements (Dutch to English)The official language of Suriname is Dutch. However, Albania requires all documents in English or Albanian.

• Mandatory Translations: Your Birth Certificate (Geboorteakte), Marriage Certificate, and Employer's Statement (Werkgeversverklaring) must be translated into English.

• Certification: Translations must be done by a Sworn Translator (Beëdigd Vertaler) in Paramaribo and notarized. Submitting documents only in Dutch will lead to application rejection.

✅ Employment & Ties

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

• Business Owners: A copy of your Chamber of Commerce (KKF) extract, translated into English.

• Students: A letter of enrollment from your university (e.g., Anton de Kom University).

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

✧

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 section of your passport.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans (Max 2MB per file).

• Photo: Submit a digital scan of a recent passport-style photograph (47 mm x 36 mm).

Step 4: Payment (International Cards)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

• Cards: Visa and Mastercards issued by DSB, Hakrinbank, or Republic Bank work well.

• Activation: Ensure your card is enabled for International Online Transactions via your bank’s app or customer service.

• Currency: The charge will be in Euros. Your bank will handle the SRD/USD to EUR conversion automatically.

• Troubleshooting: Albania e-Visa Payment Issues.

✧

Processing Expectations

• Standard Timeline: 9-15 Business Days.

• Express Timeline: 24 Business Hours. ( 3 Business Day )

• Suriname Specifics: Expect processing times of 15 to 25 business days.

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

✧

Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Paramaribo to Tirana involves choosing a transit hub that minimizes visa complications.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to PBM.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Amsterdam (Schiphol - AMS): WARNING. Citizens of Suriname generally require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for the Netherlands unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit for the USA, Canada, or a Schengen country. If you are flying KLM to Albania, ensure you apply for your Dutch ATV at VFS Global in Paramaribo before travel.

• Via Panama (Copa Airlines): A popular alternative. Transit via Tocumen (PTY) is generally visa-free for Surinamese citizens if staying airside.

• Via Miami (American Airlines): WARNING. Transit via the USA requires a valid US Visa (C1 or B1/B2). There is no "airside transit" in the US.

✧

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in Dutch?

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

Can I pay with SRD cash?

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

Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate?

While Albania does not usually require it, your airline or transit hubs (like Panama) may require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for travelers departing from Suriname.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Rejections often occur due to "Untranslated documents" or "Insufficient financial means." Ensure your 12-month bank statement is complete.

Is the e-Visa valid for entering the Netherlands?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. It does not allow you to exit the transit zone in Amsterdam.