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

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From the majestic blue-tiled domes of Registan Square in Samarkand and the ancient, sun-baked walls of Khiva to the pristine turquoise waters of the Albanian Riviera, the journey for an Uzbek citizen is a transit between two historical crossroads of the world. As the Silk Road of Central Asia meets the rugged coastlines of the Balkan Peninsula, the Republic of Albania has modernized its entry protocols, ensuring that travelers from Tashkent, Bukhara, and beyond can secure their passage through a sophisticated Digital Pre-Clearance system.

In 2026, entry into Albania is strictly governed by the e-Visa mandate for holders of a standard Uzbekistan passport. There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility at the border. Whether you are departing from Tashkent International Airport (TAS)—most commonly connecting through the bustling terminals of Istanbul or Dubai—your travel authorization will be verified before you are permitted to board. Without a printed, approved e-Visa or a qualifying Western exemption, you will be denied boarding at your point of departure.

This guide is specifically tailored for Uzbek applicants. It addresses the financial realities of using Uzbekistani Som (UZS) proofs, the mandatory translation of Uzbek and Russian documents, and the strategic advantages of the visa-free transit through Turkey.

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

Is a Visa Mandatory for Uzbekistan Nationals?

Yes.As of 2026, all holders of a standard Uzbekistan passport must obtain a C-Type e-Visa prior to travel. Albania does not currently grant automatic year-round visa-free entry to citizens of Uzbekistan unless specific exemptions apply.

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.

4. You possess a 10-year residence permit for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), valid for at least one year at the time 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 Tashkent's sister city, Seattle, 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 entry permit for short-term stays.

• 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.

Uzbekistan-Specific Documentation Checklist

Applicants from Uzbekistan must provide clear evidence of financial stability and local ties.

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

✅ Financial Proof (UZS vs. USD)

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

• Accepted Banks: Statements from National Bank of Uzbekistan (NBU), Ipak Yuli Bank, Hamkorbank, TBC Bank Uzbekistan, or Kapitalbank are standard.

• Format: Most modern Uzbek banks can issue statements in English through their mobile apps. Always use the English version if available.

• Balance: Ensure your closing balance is sufficient (equivalent to roughly €50 per day of stay).

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

• Mandatory Translations: Your Police Clearance Certificate (issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs), Birth Certificate, and Marriage Certificate must be translated into English by a certified translator and notarized.

• Note: Documents issued strictly in Uzbek or Russian without a notarized translation will be rejected.

✅ Employment & Ties

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

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

• Proof of Return: Documents showing property ownership in Uzbekistan or family ties are excellent supporting evidence.

✅ 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 entirely digital 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.

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 (International Cards)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

• Cards: Visa or Mastercards from Ipak Yuli, Kapitalbank, or Anorbank generally work well for international payments.

• Verification: Ensure your card is enabled for International Online Transactions and that you can receive the SMS for 3D Secure verification.

• Currency: The charge will be in Euros; your bank handles the conversion from Som.

• Troubleshooting: Albania e-Visa Payment Issues.

Processing Expectations

• Standard Timeline: 9-15 Business Days.

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

• Uzbekistan Specifics: Due to rigorous vetting, processing times typically take 15 to 25 business days.

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

Transit & Border Protocols

The primary route for Uzbekistan citizens involves transiting through Turkey.

Required Border Documents:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to TAS.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): THE BEST ROUTE. Uzbekistan citizens currently enjoy 90-day Visa-Free entry to Turkey. This makes Istanbul (IST) the most seamless hub, as you can easily transit or even exit the airport if you have a long layover.

• Via Dubai (flydubai): A reliable hub. Transit via Dubai is generally airside, but if you have a long layover, ensure you check current UAE transit visa requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit my documents in Russian?

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

Can I pay the fee with a local "Humo" or "Uzcard"?

No. These are local networks. You must use a Visa or Mastercard with international payment capabilities.

Do I need to visit an embassy in Tashkent?

No. Albania does not have a resident embassy in Uzbekistan. The entire process is online, and your e-Visa will be sent to your email as a PDF.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons for Uzbek applicants include "Insufficient proof of ties to home" or "Inconsistent travel dates." Ensure your bank statement is clear and active.