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

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The official Albanian e-Visa system requires Indian nationals to complete a strict digital application process before traveling. For citizens of India, 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, document standards for Indian passports, and the validation logic required for Indian passport holders to successfully secure an Albania e-Tourist Visa.

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Do India Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

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

However, a significant number of Indian travelers qualify for exemptions based on third-party visas. 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 may be 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 (tourism, family visits) where the individual does not intend to reside or work.

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

• Validity Distinction: The "Validity Period" (when you can enter) is different from the "Duration of Stay" (how long you can sit). For a detailed breakdown, refer to our guide on Visa Validity vs. Duration of Stay.

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Albania e-Visa Requirements for India Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Indian 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 (first and last page if address is relevant, though bio-page is primary).

• Critical Detail: The MRZ code (the two lines of text at the bottom) must be unobstructed. Glare or fingers covering this code will cause OCR failure.

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Proof of Financial Capacity (12-Month Rule)

Indian applicants are subject to rigorous financial scrutiny to ensure sufficient means of subsistence.

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

• Requirement: The statement must clearly display the account holder's name and a positive balance equivalent to the minimum daily subsistence requirement (approx. €50 per day).

• Currency: Statements in Indian Rupee (INR) are fully accepted. The consular officer will convert the closing balance to Euros based on current exchange rates.

• Format: Download the official PDF statement from your Net Banking portal. Scanned passbooks are often rejected if they are not legible.

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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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Proof of Accommodation

• Standard: A confirmed hotel booking voucher (PDF) covering the entire duration of the stay.

• Private Stay: If staying with a host, a notarized invitation letter from the Albanian resident is required, accompanied by a copy of their ID.

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Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The application process is linear and requires precision to avoid data mismatches.

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.
   Note for Indian Names: Ensure your "Given Name" and "Surname" are entered exactly as divided in the passport's MRZ code to avoid mismatches.

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 Methods: We accept major international credit/debit cards and other integrated payment solutions suitable for international transactions.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Indian 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.

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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., bank statement covering only 3 months). 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 Indian 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 India Citizens

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

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

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I have a valid US B1/B2 visa. Do I need an e-Visa?

If your US (or UK/Schengen) visa is valid, multiple-entry, and has been used at least once to enter the issuing country, you are likely exempt from the Albanian e-Visa. However, always check the latest regulations before travel.

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Is an INR bank statement accepted?

Yes. Official bank statements in Indian Rupees (INR) are accepted. The authorities will calculate the Euro equivalent.

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Is travel insurance mandatory?

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