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

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The official Albanian e-Visa system requires Egyptian nationals to complete a rigorous digital application process before traveling. For citizens of Egypt, 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 EGP/USD accounts, and specific solutions for international payment restrictions (CBE limits) currently affecting Egyptian banking cards.

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Do Egypt Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

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

Crucial Exemption: Many Egyptian travelers qualify for exemptions based on third-party visa holdings. If you possess a valid, multiple-entry visa from the Schengen Area, USA, or UK that has been previously used to enter the issuing country, you are 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 Time: Due to high demand and security checks, Egyptian applications should be submitted at least 20 days in advance.

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Albania e-Visa Requirements for Egyptian Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Egyptian 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. Do not scan the "Profession" page unless specifically asked; the Bio-page is primary.

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Proof of Financial Capacity (Critical)

Due to currency fluctuation and strict scrutiny, this is the most important document.

• Document: A formal bank statement covering the last 6 to 12 months.

• Currency: Statements in Egyptian Pounds (EGP) are accepted, but consular officers are aware of the inflation rates. It is highly recommended to submit a statement from a Foreign Currency Account (USD/Euro) if available (e.g., from CIB, HSBC Egypt, QNB) to prove stable purchasing power.

• Balance: It must show a closing balance equivalent to the minimum daily subsistence requirement (approx. €50 per day).

• Translation: Most bank statements in Egypt are bilingual (English/Arabic). Ensure you upload the English version. If your statement is solely in Arabic (e.g., from Banque Misr or NBE local branches), a certified translation is mandatory.

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Proof of Employment/Ties

To prove ties to Egypt and reduce migration risk:

• Employees: An HR Letter (Certificate of Employment) stamped by the company, stating salary and approved leave.

• Self-Employed: Commercial Register (Segel Togari) and Tax Card (Beta'a Dareebiya).

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

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Travel Health Insurance

Proof of valid travel health insurance is a mandatory field. 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 major hurdle for Egyptians.

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 (English) 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 Restrictions: Due to Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) regulations, most Debit Cards (linked to EGP accounts) and Prepaid Cards (like Meeza or Telda) are blocked for international payments.
   Solution 1: Use a Credit Card (CIB, NBE, etc.) that has an active international limit. Check your limit before paying, as it may be restricted to $50-$250/month depending on the bank.
   Solution 2: Use a USD Debit Card linked to a foreign currency account.
   Solution 3 (Most Common): Have a relative or friend living abroad (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia, Europe) pay the fee using their card.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Egyptian citizens are typically processed within 10 to 15 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 HR letter). 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 Egyptian 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, passport, return flight ticket, and hotel booking. Be prepared to show cash (USD/EUR) to prove financial means.

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Egyptian Citizens

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Can I apply for a visa on arrival with an Egyptian passport?

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

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Do I need to translate my "Segel Togari" (Commercial Register)?

Yes. Documents in Arabic are not accepted. You must translate your Commercial Register and Tax Card into English through a certified translation office.

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Can I pay with my Meeza card or Telda?

No. Local cards like Meeza and most fintech cards (Telda, Instapay connected cards) are blocked for international foreign currency transactions. You need a Credit Card or a foreign card.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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