Albania e-Visa Application Guide for DR Congo Citizens (2026)

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The official Albanian e-Visa system requires Congolese nationals (DRC) to complete a rigorous digital application process before traveling. For citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, securing an electronic visa authorization is a mandatory pre-travel requirement, as there is absolutely no option to obtain a visa upon arrival at the Albanian border.

This guide outlines the procedural workflow, financial verification standards for USD/CDF accounts, and the specific documentation strategies required for Congolese passport holders to successfully secure an Albania e-Tourist Visa.

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Do DR Congo Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

Yes. The DR Congo is classified as a visa-required jurisdiction with high scrutiny. Holders of ordinary Congolese passports must obtain a valid e-Visa prior to departure.

Crucial Exemption: Many Congolese travelers qualify for exemptions based on third-party visa holdings. If you possess a valid, multiple-entry visa from the Schengen Area (e.g., Belgium, 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.

• Processing Caution: Due to security protocols, applications from DRC often undergo enhanced background checks. It is highly advisable to apply at least 20 days in advance.

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Albania e-Visa Requirements for DR Congo Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Congolese 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)

Congolese applicants are subject to strict financial scrutiny, but the dollarized economy offers an advantage.

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

• Currency Recommendation: While Congolese Franc (CDF) statements are accepted, it is strongly recommended to submit a statement from a USD account. Major banks like EquityBCDC, Rawbank, TMB, or Ecobank issue statements in USD. This proves stable international purchasing power and is preferred by consular officers.

• Translation: Most statements are issued in French. You must attach a certified English translation. Even if the numbers are clear, the headers (Date, Description, Balance) must be in English.

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Proof of Employment & Ties (Critical)

To overcome the "migration risk" assessment, you must prove strong ties to Kinshasa/DRC:

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

• Self-Employed: RCCM (Registre de Commerce et du Crédit Mobilier) and Tax ID (Numéro Impôt).

• Assets: If you own property, attaching a land title (Certificat d'Enregistrement) significantly strengthens the application.

• Translation: All 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. Unlike some neighbors, DRC banking infrastructure is relatively robust for international payments.

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.

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.
   Reliable Cards: Cards issued by EquityBCDC, Rawbank (Illicocash), and UBA generally work seamlessly for international online payments. Ensure your card is activated for e-commerce.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for DRC citizens typically take 10 to 15 working days due to security checks.

• 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 Congolese 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 strictly verify the printed visa, passport, and return flight ticket. You may be asked to show proof of accommodation and cash/cards.

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for DR Congo Citizens

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

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

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Do I need to translate my documents from French?

Yes, absolutely. The official language of the application is English. Submitting an Attestation de Service or Relevé Bancaire solely in French is the #1 reason for delay. You need a certified translation.

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Can I use my Illicocash card?

Yes, provided it is a Virtual or Physical Visa/Mastercard loaded with sufficient funds. Local-only cards will not work.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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