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

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The official Albanian e-Visa system requires Madagascan nationals (Citizens of Madagascar) to complete a strict digital application process before traveling. For citizens of Madagascar, 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 MGA accounts, and specific solutions for international payment and translation challenges faced by applicants from Antananarivo and other regions.

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Do Madagascar Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

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

Crucial Exemption: Many Madagascan travelers qualify for exemptions based on third-party visa holdings. If you possess a valid, multiple-entry visa from the Schengen Area (e.g., France), 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 Madagascar Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Madagascan 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 İki satırlı metin at the bottom) must be unobstructed.

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Proof of Financial Capacity (12-Month Rule)

Madagascan applicants are subject to thorough financial scrutiny.

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

• Currency: Statements in Malagasy Ariary (MGA) are accepted. Consular officers convert the balance to Euros based on international exchange rates.

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

• Translation (Critical): Most statements from local banks (e.g., BNI Madagascar, Bank of Africa (BOA), Societe Generale Madagasikara) are issued in French. You must attach a certified English translation. Submitting untranslated French or Malagasy documents is the primary cause of rejection for Madagascan applicants.

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Proof of Employment/Ties

To prove ties to Madagascar and reduce migration risk:

• Employees: A Work Certificate (Attestation de Travail) and recent payslips (Bulletins de Paie).

• Self-Employed: Business Registration (RCS/Statistique) and Tax ID (NIF).

• Translation: These documents must be translated into English by a sworn translator.

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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).

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Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The application process is linear, but payment can be a hurdle due to domestic card restrictions.

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 section of 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.
   Banking Note: Standard local debit cards used for domestic MGA transactions often do not work for international online payments.
   Solution: Use an International Visa or Mastercard (e.g., BNI Gold/Visa, BOA Visa International). Ensure your "e-commerce" and "international spending" limits are active. If your local card fails, having a relative abroad (e.g., in France or Reunion) make the payment is an accepted workaround.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Madagascan citizens are typically processed within 7 to 14 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 French Attestation). 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 Madagascan 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, and return flight ticket. Be prepared to show financial means.

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Madagascar Citizens

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

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

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Do I need to translate my documents from French?

Yes. The official language of the application is English. All supporting documents must be translated into English and notarized.

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Can I pay with my BNI or BOA card?

Only if it is an International Visa/Mastercard. Standard domestic-only cards will be declined.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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