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

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The official Albanian e-Visa system requires Kenyan nationals to complete a comprehensive digital application process before traveling. For citizens of Kenya, 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 KES accounts, and the specific solutions for international payments (including M-Pesa GlobalPay) available to Kenyan applicants.

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Do Kenya Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

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

Crucial Exemption: Many Kenyan 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.

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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 Kenya Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Kenyan 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)

Kenyan applicants must provide solid proof of financial solvency.

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

• Currency: Statements in Kenyan Shilling (KES) are fully accepted. Officers convert the balance to Euros based on current exchange rates (approx. 1 EUR = 150 KES in 2026).

• Balance: It must show a positive balance equivalent to the minimum daily subsistence requirement (approx. 7,500 KES or €50 per day).

• Language Advantage: Since English is the official language of Kenya, bank statements (from KCB, Equity Bank, NCBA, Stanchart) are issued in English by default. You do not need to pay for translations for these documents.

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Proof of Good Conduct (Criminal Record)

For Kenyan citizens, a Police Clearance Certificate (commonly known as a Certificate of Good Conduct issued by the DCI) is a standard requirement.

• Validity: The certificate must have been issued within the last 3 to 6 months.

• Upload: A clear scan of the original certificate with the QR code visible for verification.

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Proof of Employment/Ties

To prove ties to Kenya and reduce migration risk:

• Employees: An Employment Letter/NOC from your employer and recent payslips.

• Self-Employed: Business Registration Certificate (CR12) and Tax Compliance Certificate from KRA.

• Language: These documents are accepted in English without translation.

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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 (€30,000 minimum coverage).

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Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The application process is linear. Kenya's advanced digital payment infrastructure offers a unique advantage.

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 (Max 5MB).

4. Fee Payment: Complete the administrative fee payment of €60.
   Standard Method: Use a valid international Credit/Debit card (Visa/Mastercard).
   M-Pesa Solution: You can use the M-Pesa GlobalPay Virtual Visa Card. This is the most convenient method for Kenyans without a traditional credit card. Simply generate the CVV in the M-Pesa App and pay the fee in EUR (the equivalent in KES will be deducted from your M-Pesa wallet).

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Kenyan citizens are typically processed within 5 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. 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 (e.g., "Upload a more recent bank statement"), and submit the requested file to resume the approval workflow.

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Entry Procedures for Kenyan 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 at Tirana International Airport.

2. Border Validation: At the port of entry, immigration authorities will verify the printed visa, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking.

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Kenya Citizens

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

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

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Do I need to translate my documents?

Generally, no. Documents issued in English (official in Kenya) are accepted "as is."

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Can I pay with M-Pesa?

Yes, but only via the M-Pesa GlobalPay Virtual Visa Card. You cannot use the standard "Lipa na M-Pesa" Paybill number on the Albanian government portal.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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

Would you like me to provide a step-by-step guide on how to activate your M-Pesa GlobalPay card specifically for this visa payment?