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

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The official Albanian e-Visa system requires Iraqi nationals to complete a strict digital application process before traveling. For citizens of Iraq, 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, translation standards for Arabic/Kurdish records, and the strict validation logic required for Iraqi passport holders to successfully secure an Albania e-Tourist Visa.

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Do Iraq Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

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

However, specific conditional exemptions exist 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 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 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 Iraq Citizens

The application portal utilizes automated Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Iraqi applicants must adhere to the following technical standards to prevent system rejection, particularly regarding document translation.

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Iraqi 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 (Page 3).

• Critical Detail: The MRZ code (the two lines of text at the bottom) must be unobstructed. Ensure the scan is clear and legible.

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Proof of Financial Capacity (12-Month Rule)

Iraqi applicants are subject to rigorous financial scrutiny. You must provide a 12-month bank statement to prove financial stability.

• Document: A formal bank statement covering the last 12 months of transactions.

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

• Currency: Statements in Iraqi Dinar (IQD) or US Dollars (USD) are accepted. USD statements are preferred for faster processing.

• Translation: If the bank statement is issued strictly in Arabic, a certified English translation is mandatory. Many banks in Iraq (e.g., TBI, Bank of Baghdad) can issue statements directly in English upon request.

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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 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 the Latin script (English) section of your passport. Do not enter names in 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.
   Note: Payment requires an international Credit or Debit card (Visa/Mastercard). Local-only cards that do not support international e-commerce transactions will fail.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Iraqi 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., untranslated Arabic 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 Iraqi 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 Iraq Citizens

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

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

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Do I need to translate my documents from Arabic/Kurdish?

Yes. Any official document (ID, Birth Certificate, Bank Statement) that is solely in Arabic or Kurdish must be accompanied by a certified English translation to be accepted.

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Can I use a Qi Card or NassPay for the fee?

You can only use these cards if they are co-branded with Visa or Mastercard and enabled for international internet payments. Local-only cards are not accepted by the gateway.

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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.