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

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The official Albanian e-Visa system requires Basotho nationals (Citizens of Lesotho) to complete a digital application process before traveling. For citizens of Lesotho, 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 LSL accounts, and the documentation benefits (English language) for applicants from the Mountain Kingdom.

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Do Lesotho Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

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

Crucial Exemption: Many Basotho 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 Lesotho Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Lesotho 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 (The ZAR Peg Advantage)

Basotho applicants must provide proof of financial solvency.

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

• Currency Stability: Statements in Lesotho Loti (LSL) are fully accepted. Since the LSL is pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand (ZAR), it is viewed as a stable currency by consular officers.

• Balance: It must show a positive balance equivalent to the minimum daily subsistence requirement (approx. 1,000 LSL or €50 per day).

• Language Advantage: Since English is an official language of Lesotho, bank statements (from FNB Lesotho, Standard Lesotho Bank, Nedbank) are issued in English by default. You do not need to pay for translations for these standard documents.

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Proof of Employment/Ties

To prove ties to Lesotho and reduce migration risk:

• Employees: An Employment Confirmation letter and recent payslips.

• Self-Employed: Business Registration and Tax Clearance from the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA).

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

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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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Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The application process is linear. Lesotho's banking integration with the Common Monetary Area (CMA) makes payments reliable.

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.
   Payment: Use a valid international Credit or Debit card (Visa/Mastercard).
   Card Note: Cards issued by FNB Lesotho and Standard Lesotho Bank work seamlessly for international transactions, provided "Online Global Payments" are enabled on your digital banking profile.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Basotho citizens are typically processed within 5 to 10 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, and upload the requested documentation to resume the approval workflow.

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Entry Procedures for Basotho 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 Lesotho Citizens

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

No. Albania does not offer Visa on Arrival for Basotho 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 (standard in Lesotho) are accepted without translation.

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Is a Loti (LSL) bank statement accepted?

Yes. The authorities recognize the currency and its direct peg to the South African Rand.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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