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

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From the lush, green shores of Lake Victoria and the bustling commercial energy of Kampala to the sun-drenched limestone cliffs of the Albanian Riviera, the journey for a Ugandan citizen is a bridge between the Heart of Africa and the Soul of the Balkans. Whether you are a business professional departing from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to explore emerging markets in Tirana or a traveler seeking the historic stone cities of Gjirokastër, entry into the Republic of Albania is managed through a sophisticated Digital Pre-Clearance system (e-Visa).

In 2026, there is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Ugandan passport holders. Most travelers from Uganda connect through major aviation hubs such as Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Dubai, or Doha. Airlines at Entebbe will strictly verify your travel authorization—either an approved e-Visa or a qualifying Western exemption—before you are permitted to board. Without a printed, valid approval, you will be denied boarding at the point of origin.

This guide is specifically tailored for Ugandan applicants. It addresses the specific financial realities of the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), the advantage of English-language documentation, and the critical health certifications and transit rules required for East African travelers.

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

Is a Visa Mandatory for Ugandan Nationals?

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

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

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.

The "Previous Use" 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 valid US visa and have already visited New York or Dallas, 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 or long-term residency.

Uganda-Specific Documentation Checklist

Ugandan applicants benefit from English being an official language, but must ensure financial and health proofs are robust.

✅ Passport ValidityYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Ensure you are using the biometric East African Community (EAC) Ugandan passport.

✅ Financial Proof (UGX and Bank Statements)

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Stanbic Bank Uganda, Standard Chartered, ABSA Uganda, Centenary Bank, or dfcu Bank are standard.

• Format: The statement must be officially stamped by the bank. While your balance is in Ugandan Shillings (UGX), ensure your closing balance is sufficient to cover approximately €50 (roughly 210,000 UGX) per day of stay.

✅ National ID (NIDA)

• Requirement: Include a clear scan of your Ugandan National ID card as a supporting identity document.

✅ Language Advantage (No Translation Needed)Since English is the official language of Uganda, you have a major advantage:

• Official Documents: Your Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, and Police Clearance (issued by Interpol/Uganda Police) are already in English.

• Direct Upload: You can scan and upload these documents directly without the need for notarized translations.

✅ Employment & Ties

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

• Business Owners: A copy of your URSB (Uganda Registration Services Bureau) registration and your TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) certificate.

✅ Health Requirements

• Yellow Fever Card: Mandatory. As Uganda is a yellow fever risk country, you must possess a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card). You will be required to upload a scan of this card.

✅ 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 Ugandan passport.

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 (MoMo Virtual Cards & Bank Cards)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

• Cards: Visa/Mastercards from ABSA, Stanbic, or Standard Chartered work well.

• MoMo Solution: Many Ugandan applicants successfully use the Virtual Card by MoMo (MTN) or Airtel Money virtual cards. These are specifically designed for international e-commerce and are widely accepted on the portal.

• Currency: The charge is in Euros; your bank or mobile wallet handles the conversion from UGX.

• Troubleshooting: Albania e-Visa Payment Issues.

Processing Expectations

• Standard Timeline: 9-15 Business Days.

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

• Uganda Specifics: Due to rigorous vetting of documents from East Africa, processing times typically take 15 to 25 business days.

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

Transit & Border Protocols

Choosing the right connection is key to avoiding "Transit Visa" rejections at Entebbe.

Required Border Documents:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to EBB.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

4. Yellow Fever Card: You must carry the physical card for inspection.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines): THE BEST ROUTE. Transit via Addis is usually visa-free for Ugandans and avoids European transit visa issues.

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): Highly recommended. Airside transit is seamless.

• Via Dubai/Doha: Safe and efficient. No transit visa needed for staying inside the terminal.

• Via Europe (Brussels/Amsterdam): WARNING. Ugandan citizens often require a Schengen Transit Visa for certain EU airports. Check this strictly before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I pay the fee using MTN MoMo directly?

No. You must use the Virtual Card by MoMo details (Card number, Expiry, CVV) on the payment page. Direct wallet-to-wallet transfer is not supported.

Do I need to translate my documents?

No. As long as your Ugandan documents are in English, they are accepted by the Albanian portal without translation.

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Kenya?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is valid only for Albania. Your EAC privileges apply only within East African member states.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons for Ugandan applicants include "Insufficient financial proof" or "Unclear purpose of visit." Ensure your bank statement is stamped and reflects active usage.