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

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

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Do Maldives Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

Yes. The Maldives is classified as a visa-required jurisdiction for Albania. Holders of ordinary Maldivian 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 Maldives Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Maldivian passport must remain valid for at least three (3) 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. Ensure the scan is clear and includes the full page.

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Proof of Financial Capacity

Maldivian applicants must provide proof of financial solvency.

• Document: A formal bank statement covering the last 3 to 6 months.

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

• Currency: Statements in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) or US Dollars (USD) are accepted. Since USD is widely used in the Maldives, submitting a USD statement is often preferred.

• Language: Most statements from major banks (e.g., Bank of Maldives - BML, Maldives Islamic Bank) are issued in English. These are accepted directly without translation. If a document is solely in Dhivehi, a certified English translation is mandatory.

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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 section of your passport.
   Naming Convention: If you have a mononymous name (single name) or a long chain of names common in the Maldives, ensure the entry matches the logic of the MRZ code at the bottom of your passport page.

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: Use a valid international Credit or Debit card (Visa/Mastercard/Amex). BML cards enabled for online USD transactions work seamlessly.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Maldivian 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. 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 Maldivian 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 Maldives Citizens

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

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

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Do I need to translate my BML (Bank of Maldives) statement?

No. Bank of Maldives statements are issued in English by default. You can download the PDF directly from internet banking and upload it without translation.

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Can I use MVR funds as proof?

Yes. The consular officer will convert the MVR balance to Euros using the current exchange rate. Ensure the total value meets the €50/day requirement.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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