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

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The official Albanian e-Visa system requires Djiboutian nationals to complete a strict digital application process before traveling. For citizens of Djibouti, 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 DJF accounts (pegged to the USD), and the documentation strategies required for Djiboutian applicants.

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Do Djibouti Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

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

Crucial Exemption: Due to strong ties with France, many Djiboutian travelers hold valid Schengen visas. 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 Djibouti Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Djiboutian 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)

Djiboutian applicants are subject to financial scrutiny, but the currency stability is an advantage.

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

• Currency Advantage: Statements in Djiboutian Franc (DJF) are widely accepted. Since the DJF is pegged to the US Dollar, the financial assessment is straightforward and stable compared to other regional currencies.

• Balance: It must show a positive balance equivalent to the minimum daily subsistence requirement (approx. 9,000 DJF or €50 per day).

• Translation (Critical): Most statements from local banks (e.g., BCIMR, BOA, Exim Bank) are issued in French. You must attach a certified English translation. Submitting untranslated French documents is the primary cause of delays.

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Proof of Employment/Ties

To prove ties to Djibouti and reduce migration risk:

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

• 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. Banking in Djibouti is relatively integrated with international systems compared to neighbors, making payment slightly easier.

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.
   Payment: Use a valid international Visa or Mastercard.
   Card Tip: Cards issued by BCIMR (linked to BRED France) and BOA generally work well for international payments. Ensure your card has "e-commerce" enabled. If you do not have a card, you can use a relative's card abroad.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Djiboutian citizens are typically processed within 5 to 10 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 Djiboutian 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 Djibouti Citizens

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

No. Albania does not offer Visa on Arrival for Djiboutian 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 many Djiboutian documents are in French (or Arabic), they must be translated into English and notarized to be accepted by the Albanian system.

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Can I use my BCIMR card to pay?

Yes, usually. BCIMR Visa cards are internationally recognized. Ensure you have sufficient funds and that online payments are not blocked by the bank.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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