Albania e-Visa Application Guide for Comoros Citizens (2026)

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The official Albanian e-Visa system requires Comorian nationals to complete a strict digital application process before traveling. For citizens of Comoros, securing an electronic visa authorization is a mandatory pre-travel requirement, as there is currently no option to obtain a visa upon arrival at the Albanian border.

This guide outlines the procedural workflow, financial verification standards for KMF accounts (pegged to the Euro), and the specific solutions for payment and documentation challenges faced by applicants from the archipelago.

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Do Comoros Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

Yes. Comoros is classified as a visa-required jurisdiction. Holders of ordinary Comorian passports must obtain a valid e-Visa prior to departure.

Crucial Exemption: Many Comorian travelers qualify for exemptions based on third-party visa holdings. If you possess a valid, multiple-entry visa from the Schengen Area (e.g., France), USA, or UK that has been previously used to enter the issuing country, you are likely exempt from the e-Visa requirement. To verify your specific status, please consult our technical guide on Visa Exemptions: Schengen, US, UK & Transit Rules.

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Understanding the e-Tourist Visa Category

The e-Tourist Visa (Type C) is a short-stay authorization issued strictly for non-immigrant purposes.

• Scope: Valid for short-term visits where the individual does not intend to establish residence or employment.

• Duration: The visa typically permits a cumulative stay of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period.

• Validity Distinction: It is critical to distinguish between the visa's validity window (entry period) and the permitted duration of stay. For a detailed breakdown, refer to our guide on Visa Validity vs. Duration of Stay.

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Albania e-Visa Requirements for Comoros Citizens

The application portal utilizes automated Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Comorian applicants must adhere to the following technical standards.

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Comorian passport must remain valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended date of departure from Albania.

• Scan Quality: A clear, full-color PDF or JPG of the biographical data page.

• Critical Detail: The MRZ code (the two lines of text at the bottom) must be unobstructed.

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Proof of Financial Capacity (12-Month Rule)

Comorian applicants must prove financial stability.

• Document: A formal bank statement (Relevé Bancaire) covering the last 12 months of transactions.

• Currency: Statements in Comorian Franc (KMF) are accepted. Since the KMF is pegged to the Euro (approx. 492 KMF = 1 EUR), the financial assessment is straightforward for consular officers.

• Balance: It must show a positive balance equivalent to the minimum daily subsistence requirement (approx. 25,000 KMF or €50 per day).

• Translation (Critical): Most statements from local banks (e.g., Exim Bank Comores, BDC, SNPSF) are issued in French. You must attach a certified English translation. Submitting untranslated French documents is the primary cause of rejection for Comorian applicants.

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Proof of Employment/Ties

To prove ties to Comoros and reduce migration risk:

• Employees: A Work Certificate (Attestation de Travail) and recent payslips.

• Self-Employed: Business License (Patente) and Tax ID (NIF).

• Translation: These documents must be translated into English by a sworn translator.

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Travel Health Insurance

Proof of valid travel health insurance is a mandatory field in the application portal. The uploaded policy must clearly state coverage for Albania or "Worldwide" and include medical emergency/repatriation costs.

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Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The application process is linear, but payment is the primary hurdle for Comorian citizens due to limited international banking options.

1. Portal Registration: Create a secure user account on the e-Visa portal using a valid email address.

2. Biographical Data Entry: Enter personal details exactly as they appear in the Latin script section of your passport. Do not use Arabic script.

3. Document Upload: Upload supporting documents in PDF or JPG format. Ensure individual file sizes do not exceed 5MB.

4. Fee Payment: Complete the administrative fee payment of €60.
   Banking Blockade: Many local debit cards in Comoros are not enabled for international e-commerce.
   Solution: You must use an International Visa or Mastercard. If your local card fails, it is highly recommended to have a relative or friend abroad (e.g., in France or Dubai) make the payment using their international card. The payer's name does not need to match the applicant's name.

5. Submission: Upon successful payment, the application status transitions to "Under Review."

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Comorian citizens are typically processed within 7 to 14 working days.

• Status Tracking: Applicants can monitor the real-time status of their request through the portal's tracking dashboard.

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Handling "Action Required" Status

During the review phase, a consular officer may pause the application if a document is deemed insufficient (e.g., untranslated French text). This triggers an Action Required Status.

This status indicates a request for correction, not a refusal. Applicants must log in to the portal immediately, review the officer's specific annotation, and upload the requested documentation to resume the approval workflow.

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Entry Procedures for Comorian Travelers

Possession of an e-Visa does not guarantee entry; it authorizes the holder to proceed to a port of entry.

1. Physical Copy: Applicants must print the approved e-Tourist Visa PDF. Digital copies on mobile devices are frequently not accepted by border control.

2. Border Validation: At the port of entry, immigration authorities will verify the printed visa against the passport and proof of return travel.

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Comoros Citizens

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Can I apply for a visa on arrival with a Comorian passport?

No. Albania does not offer Visa on Arrival for Comorian citizens. You must possess the approved e-Visa authorization before boarding.

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Do I need to translate my documents from French/Arabic?

Yes. The official language of the application is English. While Comorian passports often have French/Arabic text, any supplementary document (Bank Statement, Employment Letter) must be translated into English and notarized.

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Can I use my SNPSF or Meck card to pay?

Usually, no. These are typically domestic network cards. You require a card with the Visa or Mastercard logo that is authorized for international internet transactions.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

Yes. The application form has a mandatory upload field for travel insurance. You cannot submit the form without it.