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

✧

The official Albanian e-Visa system requires Gambian nationals to complete a digital application process before traveling. For citizens of The Gambia, 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 GMD accounts, and the documentation benefits (English language) for applicants from the Smiling Coast.

✧

Do Gambia Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

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

Crucial Exemption: Many Gambian 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 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.

✧

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.

✧

Albania e-Visa Requirements for Gambia Citizens

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

✧

Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Gambian 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.

✧

Proof of Financial Capacity

Gambian applicants must provide proof of financial solvency.

• Document: A formal bank statement covering the last 3 to 6 months.

• Currency: Statements in Gambian Dalasi (GMD) are fully accepted. The consular officer will convert the balance to Euros based on current exchange rates.

• Balance: It must show a positive balance equivalent to the minimum daily subsistence requirement (approx. 3,500 GMD or €50 per day).

• Language Advantage: Since English is the official language of The Gambia, bank statements (from GTBank Gambia, Trust Bank, Ecobank, Zenith Bank) are issued in English by default. Unlike applicants from Francophone West Africa, you do not need to pay for translations for these standard documents.

✧

Proof of Employment

To prove ties to The Gambia:

• Employees: An Employment Letter on company letterhead stating salary and leave approval.

• Self-Employed: Business Registration Certificate and Tax Clearance.

• Language: These documents are accepted "as is" since they are in English.

✧

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.

✧

Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The application process is linear. Banking integration in The Gambia is generally reliable for international Visa/Mastercard 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 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 Credit or Debit card (Visa/Mastercard).
   Card Note: Cards issued by GTBank (Visa), Ecobank (Visa/Mastercard), and Trust Bank typically work well. Ensure your card is activated for online international transactions.

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

✧

Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Gambian citizens are typically processed within 5 to 9 working days.

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

✧

Handling "Action Required" Status

During the review phase, a consular officer may pause the application if a document is deemed insufficient. 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.

✧

Entry Procedures for Gambian 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.

✧

FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Gambia Citizens

✧

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

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

✧

Do I need to translate my documents?

Generally, no. Documents issued in English (standard in The Gambia) are accepted without translation.

✧

Can I pay with my local card?

If your card is a generic ATM card without a Visa/Mastercard logo, it will not work. You need an International Debit/Credit card.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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