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

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From the ancient, limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay and the bustling, neon-lit streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the pristine turquoise waters of the Albanian Riviera, the journey for a Vietnamese citizen is a bridge between two worlds of profound history and natural beauty. As Vietnam continues its rapid global integration in 2026, the Republic of Albania has modernized its borders through a sophisticated Digital Pre-Clearance system (e-Visa), ensuring that travelers from Southeast Asia can secure their passage with administrative clarity.

In 2026, there is no "Visa on Arrival" facility for Vietnamese passport holders at Albanian borders. Whether you are departing from Noi Bai (HAN) or Tan Son Nhat (SGN)—typically connecting through Istanbul, Dubai, or Doha—airlines will strictly verify your travel authorization. Without a printed, approved e-Visa or a qualifying Western exemption, you will be denied boarding at the check-in counter.

This guide is specifically tailored for Vietnamese applicants. It addresses the specific 2026 realities: the new National ID (CCCD) banking protocols, the mandatory translation of Vietnamese documents, and the strategic transit hubs that link the Orient to the Balkans.

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 Vietnamese Nationals?

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

To verify specific eligibility details and check permitted stay durations for your nationality, please visit the Vietnam Citizens e-Tourist Visa page.

The "Used Visa" 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.

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 San Francisco or New York, 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 visits.

• 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.

Vietnam-Specific Documentation Checklist

Applicants from Vietnam must provide robust 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 blue-cover Vietnamese passport.

✅ Financial Proof & The 2026 Banking Protocol

• The Rule: Submit an official Bank Statement for the last 12 months.

• Banking Transition: As of January 1, 2026, Vietnamese banks (like Vietcombank, BIDV, and Techcombank) have shifted strictly to the Chip-embedded ID Card (CCCD) for transaction verification. Ensure your bank records are updated with your current ID to avoid delays in obtaining your official statement.

• Accepted Banks: Statements from Vietcombank, Techcombank, HSBC Vietnam, or ACB are standard.

• Balance: Ensure your closing balance is sufficient to cover approximately €50 (roughly 1.4 million VND) per day of stay.

✅ Translation Requirements (Vietnamese to English)Albania requires all supporting documents to be in English or Albanian.

• Mandatory Translations: Your Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, and Police Clearance (Lý lịch tư pháp No. 1) must be translated into English by a certified translator and notarized.

• Employment Letter: Must be on company letterhead in English (or translated), stating your position, salary, and authorized leave.

✅ Employment & Ties

• Employees: A letter from your employer and a copy of your Social Insurance (BHXH) history printout (via the VssID app) is highly recommended as proof of stable ties.

• Business Owners: A copy of your Business License (Giấy phép kinh doanh), translated into English.

✅ Travel InsuranceA mandatory policy covering medical repatriation (min. €30,000). Insurers like Bao Viet, PVI, or Liberty Insurance provide valid certificates.

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 Vietnamese 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 (International Cards)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

• Cards: Visa or Mastercards from Techcombank, Vietcombank, or HSBC are reliable.

• Verification: Ensure your card is enabled for "International Online Transactions" and that your bank can send the 3D Secure OTP to your Vietnamese mobile number while abroad.

• Troubleshooting: Albania e-Visa Payment Issues.

Processing Expectations

• Standard Timeline: 9-15 Business Days.

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

• Vietnam Specifics: Processing typically takes 15 to 25 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 8 weeks before your intended flight to account for vetting.

Transit & Border Protocols

The most common routes from Vietnam to Tirana involve transiting through the Middle East or Turkey.

Required Border Documents:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight back to Vietnam.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): THE BEST ROUTE. Vietnamese citizens generally enjoy seamless airside transit in Istanbul. If you do not leave the transit lounge, a transit visa is not required.

• Via Dubai (Emirates/flydubai): Safe and efficient. If you have a long layover (over 24 hours), you may need a UAE transit visa, which can be arranged through the airline.

• Via Europe (Paris/Frankfurt): WARNING. Vietnamese citizens often require a Schengen Transit Visa for certain EU airports. Do not book these routes unless you have a valid Schengen visa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit my documents in Vietnamese?

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

Can I pay the fee using MoMo or ZaloPay?

No. The portal only accepts international Visa or Mastercard.

Do I need a transit visa for Turkey?

Not for airside transit (staying in the terminal). If you wish to exit the airport to explore Istanbul, you must check the current 2026 e-visa rules for Vietnamese citizens in Turkey.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons for Vietnamese applicants include "Insufficient proof of financial means" or "Lack of notarized English translations."