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

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From the ancient, legendary terraces of the Sabaean highlands and the historic skyscrapers of Shibam to the sun-drenched, rugged peaks of the Albanian Alps, the journey for a citizen of Yemen in 2026 is one of profound resilience and meticulous preparation. As Yemeni travelers continue to connect with the Mediterranean for tourism, heritage, and business, the Republic of Albania has established a digital bridge through its Digital Pre-Clearance system (e-Visa), facilitating a structured and secure entry into the heart of the Balkans.

In 2026, entry into Albania is strictly governed by the e-Visa mandate for Yemeni passport holders. There is no "Visa on Arrival" facility at any border point. Whether you are departing from Aden International (ADE), Seiyun (GXF), or transiting through regional hubs like Cairo, Amman, or Istanbul, your travel authorization will be verified before you are permitted to board. Without a printed, approved e-Visa or a qualifying Western visa exemption, airlines will strictly deny boarding at your point of origin.

This guide is specifically tailored for Yemeni applicants, addressing the 2026 economic realities of the Yemeni Rial (YER), the mandatory Arabic-to-English translation of all official records, and the complex transit visa requirements for major aviation hubs.

Is a Visa Mandatory for Yemeni Nationals?

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

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 specific 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 "Prior Use" Condition: For this exemption to be valid, the Western visa (Schengen, US, or UK) must have been previously used at least once to enter the issuing country. If you have a brand new, unused US visa, you must still 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, or visiting family.

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

• Restriction: It is strictly for non-immigrant purposes and does not permit employment.

Yemen-Specific Documentation Checklist

Applicants from Yemen undergo the highest level of administrative vetting. Your documentation must be exhaustive and professional.

✅ Passport ValidityYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Ensure the scan is high-resolution and the machine-readable zone (MRZ) at the bottom is fully visible.

✅ Financial Proof (The 12-Month Rule)

• The Challenge: Due to the instability of the Rial, bank statements in YER are often scrutinized.

• The Recommendation: If possible, provide a statement from an account held in USD.

• The Rule: Albania strictly requires a full 12-month Bank Statement (income and expenses shown) for Yemeni applicants to prove long-term financial stability.

• Balance: You should demonstrate a balance equivalent to at least €50-€70 per day of your stay.

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

• Mandatory: Your Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Police Clearance (issued by the Ministry of Interior in Aden or recognized CID authorities), and Employment Letter must be translated into English by a Sworn Translator and notarized.

• Legalization: It is highly recommended to have these translations legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to ensure they are accepted without delay.

✅ Employment & Ties (Return Intent)

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

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

• Property: Documents proving property ownership or family residency in Yemen are vital to proving your intent to return.

✅ 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". Select the Embassy of Albania in Cairo, Egypt, as the consular authority responsible for Yemeni affairs.

Step 3: Document Uploads

Upload high-quality PDF scans. Your passport photo must be recent (last 6 months), with a plain white background (47 mm x 36 mm).

Step 4: Payment (International Solutions)

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

• The Banking Barrier: Most cards issued by local Yemeni banks will not work for international online payments.

• The Solution: Most applicants use international Visa or Mastercards from friends/family abroad or cards issued in Egypt, Jordan, or the UAE. The portal allows third-party payments.

Processing Expectations

• Standard Timeline: 9-15 Business Days.

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

• Yemen Specifics: Due to rigorous security vetting, processing times for Yemeni citizens typically range from 20 to 40 business days.

• Recommendation: Apply at least 10 weeks before your intended flight.

Transit & Border Protocols

Yemeni travelers must choose their transit route carefully to avoid being stranded in international terminals.

Required Border Documents:

1. Printed e-Visa: Mandatory.

2. Return Ticket: Confirmed flight out of Albania.

3. Accommodation: Valid hotel booking.

4. Cash: Carry Euros (€) or USD ($). Yemeni Rials cannot be exchanged in Albania.

Critical Transit Warning:

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): WARNING. As of 2026, Yemenis transiting through Istanbul (IST) often require an Electronic Airport Transit Visa (e-ATV) even for airside transit. Verify this on the Turkish e-Visa portal before booking.

• Via Cairo (EgyptAir): A common route. While the free 96-hour transit visa program is extended through April 2026, Yemenis usually require prior Security Approval to transit or enter Cairo.

• Via Europe: AVOID transiting through Schengen airports (e.g., Frankfurt, Paris) unless you have a valid Schengen Transit Visa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I submit my "Police Clearance" in Arabic?

No. It must be translated into English by a certified translator and notarized.

Can I pay with Al Kuraimi cards?

Usually no. Local cards linked to YER accounts are typically blocked for international web payments. You will need a card capable of international USD/EUR transactions.

Is there an Albanian Embassy in Yemen?

No. All Yemeni applications are processed through the Embassy of Albania in Cairo, Egypt.

What if my visa is refused?

The fee is non-refundable. Common reasons for Yemeni applicants include "Insufficient financial history" or "Incomplete proof of return intent."