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

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The immigration regulations of the Republic of Albania enforce a mandatory digital visa policy for all travelers holding passports from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Unlike the visa-free arrangements FSM citizens enjoy with the Schengen Area, Albania classifies Micronesia as a visa-required jurisdiction. Therefore, the electronic visa (e-Visa) is the compulsory authorization required to board any flight destined for Tirana, whether departing from Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, or Kosrae.

This guide provides a technical walkthrough of the application process, highlighting the USD currency advantage, the specific banking nuances between Bank of the FSM and Bank of Guam, and the flexible payment options (including Crypto/USDC) available for applicants.

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Do Micronesia Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

Yes. The Federated States of Micronesia is classified as a visa-required jurisdiction. Holders of ordinary FSM passports must obtain a valid e-Visa prior to departure.

Crucial Exemption: Many Micronesian travelers assume they are exempt due to the Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the USA or visa-free access to Europe. Be careful:

• COFA Status: Albania typically exempts holders of a valid, multiple-entry US Visa. Since FSM citizens enter the US without a visa (under COFA), you usually do not possess the physical US visa sticker required to trigger the Albanian exemption.

• Schengen Access: While you don't need a visa for the EU (Schengen), Albania is not a Schengen member and requires a visa from FSM citizens.

• Verdict: Unless you have a physical, used, multiple-entry visa sticker from the USA, UK, or Schengen Area in your passport, you must apply for the e-Visa.

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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 tourism, family visits, or short business trips.

• Duration: The visa typically permits a cumulative stay of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period.

• Processing Caution: Applications from the Pacific region are typically processed within 15 to 20 working days. It is advisable to apply at least 3 weeks before your intended travel date.

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Albania e-Visa Requirements for FSM Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The FSM 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 USD Advantage)

Micronesian applicants have a distinct advantage as the economy is dollarized.

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

• Currency: Since the US Dollar (USD) is the official currency, no exchange rate conversion is needed. This streamlines the assessment for consular officers.

• Balance: It must show a positive balance equivalent to the minimum daily subsistence requirement (approx. $60 USD per day).

• Language Advantage: Since English is the official language, bank statements (from Bank of Guam, Bank of the FSM) are issued in English by default. You do not need to pay for translations.

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Proof of Employment/Ties

To prove ties to the islands and reduce migration risk:

• Employees: A Letter of Employment from your employer and recent pay stubs.

• Self-Employed: A copy of your Business License or tax records (Social Security).

• 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. The uploaded policy must clearly state coverage for Albania or "Europe/Worldwide" and include medical emergency/repatriation costs.

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Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The application process is linear, but payment methods require attention.

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.
   Bank of Guam vs. Bank of FSM:
   Bank of Guam: Cards usually work internationally without major issues.
   Bank of the FSM: Debit cards may have restrictions on international e-commerce. You may need to call the bank to authorize a transaction to Europe.
   Crypto & USDC Accepted: If your local card is declined, we accept USDC and major cryptocurrencies. This is a reliable alternative.
   How to Pay: Please visit our Payment Methods page or message us directly to receive the wallet address.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for FSM citizens are typically processed within 15 to 20 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 Micronesian 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 (likely via Guam/Honolulu).

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Micronesia Citizens

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

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

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Do I need to translate my documents?

No. Documents issued in English are accepted without translation.

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Can I pay with Crypto (USDC/Bitcoin)?

Yes. We accept USDC and cryptocurrency payments. Please check our Payment Methods page or contact our support team to proceed with a crypto transfer.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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