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

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For citizens of the Syrian Arab Republic, traveling from the Levant to the Balkan Peninsula is a journey that requires meticulous administrative preparation and adherence to strict international travel protocols. While Syrian passport holders face significant global travel restrictions, entry into the Republic of Albania is managed through a Digital Pre-Clearance system (e-Visa) designed to facilitate legitimate tourism and business.

There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Syrian passport holders. Whether you are departing from Damascus International (DAM) or Aleppo (ALP)—or, as is more common, transiting via Beirut (BEY) or Istanbul (IST)—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 Syrian applicants. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the volatility of the Syrian Pound (SYP), the necessity of Arabic-to-English translations, and the specific payment challenges caused by international banking sanctions.

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 Syrian Nationals?

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

The "Golden 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 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.

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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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Syria-Specific Documentation Checklist

Syrian applicants face high levels of vetting. Your documentation must be exhaustive and professional.

✅ Passport ValidityYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date. Ensure it is a biometric passport and is in good physical condition.

✅ Financial Proof (Regional Banking)

• The Challenge: Due to international sanctions, bank statements from local Syrian banks (in SYP) may be viewed with high scrutiny regarding their external value.

• The Recommendation: If you have an account in a regional hub (e.g., Lebanon, Jordan, or the UAE), provide those statements.

• Local Proof: If using a local Syrian account (e.g., BIM Bank or Cham Bank), ensure the closing balance is very high to compensate for exchange rate fluctuations. Including a currency conversion certificate to USD/EUR is helpful.

✅ Translation Requirements (Arabic to English)Most official documents in Syria are issued in Arabic. Albania requires English or Albanian.

• Mandatory Translations: Your Identity Card (Hawiye), Family Book (Daftar al-Aila), Police Clearance, and Employment Certificate must be translated into English.

• Certification: Translations must be performed by a Certified Translator and legalized. Raw Arabic documents will lead to immediate rejection.

✅ Employment & Professional Ties

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

• Business Owners: A copy of your Commercial Registration and Tax ID, translated into English.

• Property: Proof of property ownership in Syria (Deeds) is a very strong way to prove "intent to return."

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

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Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The process is 100% online via the official government 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.

• Note: Ensure your passport photo has a plain white background and follows biometric standards.

Step 4: Payment (The Payment Challenge)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

• Banking Barrier: Most credit/debit cards issued inside Syria will not work on the Albanian portal due to international sanctions.

• The Solution: Most Syrian applicants utilize cards from friends or family members abroad or use cards issued by banks in Lebanon or Dubai. The name on the card does not have to match the applicant's name.

• 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 )

• Syria Specifics: Expect processing times of 20 to 40 business days due to enhanced security vetting.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 8 weeks before your intended travel date.

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Transit & Border Protocols

Traveling from Damascus to Tirana requires choosing a viable transit route.

Documents for Border Control:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to Damascus or Beirut.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

4. Cash: Carry Euros (€) or USD ($) cash. Syrian Pounds cannot be exchanged in Albania.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Beirut (BEY): A common route. Ensure you have the necessary documentation to cross the land border from Syria to Lebanon and meet Lebanon's current transit rules.

• Via Istanbul (IST/SAW): Syrian citizens usually require a Transit Visa for Turkey if they need to leave the transit area. For airside transit, check the latest 2026 rules, as they change frequently for Syrian nationals.

• Via Europe: DO NOT transit through the Schengen Area (e.g., Athens, Rome) unless you hold a valid Schengen Transit Visa. Syrians are generally required to have a transit visa even to stay inside the airport.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit documents in Arabic?

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

Can I pay with a Syrian local card?

No. You will need an international Visa or Mastercard (usually from outside Syria) to pay the fee.

Is the "Ok to Board" required?

For Syrian citizens, many airlines (especially Turkish Airlines or Middle East Airlines) require an "Ok to Board" verification before you can check in. Once you have your Albanian e-Visa, contact your airline to ensure this is updated in their system.

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 Lebanon?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. It does not provide any rights for transit through neighboring countries.