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

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From the marble-clad avenues of Ashgabat and the historical depths of the Merv oasis to the sun-drenched Ionian shores of the Albanian Riviera, the journey for a citizen of Turkmenistan is one that bridges the heart of Central Asia with the Balkan Peninsula. While the distance is vast, the Republic of Albania has streamlined its entry protocols through a comprehensive Digital Pre-Clearance system, ensuring that Turkmen travelers—whether visiting for the heritage of Berat or the business opportunities in Tirana—can secure their travel authorization online.

In 2026, entry into Albania is strictly governed by the e-Visa mandate for Turkmenistan passport holders. There is no "Visa on Arrival" for standard passports at the border. Whether you are departing from Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) or Turkmenabat (CRZ)—almost exclusively connecting through Istanbul—your travel documents will be rigorously checked before boarding. Without a printed, approved e-Visa or a verified Western visa exemption, airlines are legally required to deny boarding at the point of origin.

This guide is specifically tailored for Turkmenistan applicants. It addresses the specific financial realities of the Turkmenistan Manat (TMT), the necessity of translating Turkmen and Russian documents, and the strategic logistical importance of the Istanbul transit hub.

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

Is a Visa Mandatory for Turkmenistan Nationals?

Yes.As of 2026, all holders of a standard Turkmenistan passport must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not currently grant automatic visa-free entry to citizens of Turkmenistan.

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

You may be EXEMPT from the Albanian e-Visa application if you hold a valid, multiple-entry visa from certain 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.

4. You possess a 10-year residence permit for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), valid for at least one year from the date of entry.

The "Used Visa" Rule: To qualify for this exemption, the Western visa (Schengen, US, or UK) must have been previously used at least once to enter the issuing country. If you have a US visa and have already visited New York or Miami, you can enter Albania visa-free. If the visa is brand new and unused, you must apply for the Albanian e-Visa.

The C-Type Short-Stay Visa Defined

The C-Type Visa is the standard short-term entry permit.

• Purpose: Tourism, business meetings, conferences, or visiting family.

• Duration: Maximum stay of 90 days within a rolling 180-day period.

• Restriction: It does not permit employment.

Turkmenistan-Specific Documentation Checklist

Applicants from Turkmenistan must provide exhaustive evidence of financial stability and local ties.

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

✅ Financial Proof (The 12-Month Rule)

• The Requirement: For Turkmen citizens, the portal strictly requires a 12-month Bank Statement (not just 3 or 6 months).

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Vnesheconombank (State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs), Senagat Bank, Rysgal Bank, or Halkbank are standard.

• Format: The statement must be officially stamped and signed. It should reflect regular income and expenditures. Since the Manat (TMT) has a fixed official rate but varying accessibility, showing a balance equivalent to at least €50 per day is the safety benchmark.

✅ Translation Requirements (Turkmen/Russian to English)Albania requires all documents to be in English or Albanian.

• Mandatory Translations: Your Birth Certificate, Police Clearance (Reference on the absence of a criminal record), and Marriage Certificate must be translated into English by a certified translator and notarized.

• Legalization: Documents issued in Turkmenistan may require legalization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ashgabat before translation.

✅ Employment & Professional Ties

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

• Business Owners: A copy of your Entrepreneur License or commercial registration, translated into English.

• Property: Proof of property ownership (Jay Sertifikaty) is a highly recommended "tie to home" document.

✅ 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 Albania e-Visa Portal. Register with your personal email address.

Step 2: Form Accuracy

Select "Visa Type C". Enter your name exactly as it appears in the Latin script section of your passport bio-page.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans. Ensure your passport photo has a plain white background (47 mm x 36 mm).

Step 4: Payment (The Ashgabat Challenge)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

• Cards: International Visa/Mastercards from Vnesheconombank often have strict daily limits for online payments. Ensure your "Online Transaction" limit is set high enough.

• The Solution: If local cards fail, many Turkmen applicants use cards from family or friends abroad. The portal allows third-party payments.

• Currency: The charge is in Euros; your bank handles the conversion.

• Troubleshooting: Albania e-Visa Payment Issues.

Processing Expectations

• Standard Timeline: 9-15 Business Days.

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

• Turkmenistan Specifics: Due to rigorous vetting, processing times typically take 20 to 25 business days.

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

Transit & Border Protocols

The primary route for Turkmenistan citizens involves transiting through Turkey.

Required Border Documents:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to ASB.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): WARNING. Since September 2022, Turkey has required a visa for Turkmenistan citizens. If you are transiting through Istanbul (IST), you generally do not need a transit visa as long as you stay airside (inside the international transit area) and your baggage is checked through to Tirana.

• Leaving the Airport: If you need to change airports (e.g., from IST to SAW) or stay overnight in a hotel outside the airport, you must have a Turkish Transit Visa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit my documents in Turkmen or Russian?

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

Can I pay the fee at an embassy in Ashgabat?

No. Albania does not have a physical embassy in Turkmenistan. The entire process is online, and the fee must be paid via the portal using a bank card.

Do I need a transit visa for Turkey?

Not for "Airside Transit" (staying in the terminal). However, if you have a long layover or different tickets, you must check the latest 2026 Turkish visa rules for Turkmen citizens.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons for Turkmen applicants include "Insufficient proof of financial stability" or "Lack of a 12-month bank history." Ensure your statement shows active usage for the full year.