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

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For passport holders of Niger, entry into the Republic of Albania is conditional upon the successful acquisition of an electronic visa prior to embarkation. The Albanian border authorities strictly enforce a "no visa on arrival" policy for Nigerien nationals, making this digital authorization a non-negotiable prerequisite for all travel plans originating from Niamey and other regions.

This technical guide clarifies the submission protocols, the translation requirements for French-language documentation, and the specific banking solutions required to process payments from XOF accounts.

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Do Niger Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

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

Crucial Exemption: Many Nigerien 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.

• Processing Caution: Due to regional security vetting, applications from Niger may undergo enhanced scrutiny. It is highly advisable to submit your application at least 20-25 days before your intended flight.

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Albania e-Visa Requirements for Niger Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Nigerien 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)

Nigerien applicants are subject to strict financial verification.

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

• Currency: Statements in West African CFA Franc (XOF) are accepted. Since the CFA is pegged to the Euro, the currency is considered stable for assessment.

• Balance: It must show a positive balance equivalent to the minimum daily subsistence requirement (approx. 33,000 XAF or €50 per day).

• Translation (Critical): Most statements from local banks (e.g., SONIBANK, BAGRI, BOA Niger, Ecobank) are issued in French. You must attach a certified English translation. Submitting untranslated French documents is the #1 cause of rejection for applicants from Niger.

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Proof of Employment/Ties

To prove ties to Niger and reduce migration risk:

• Employees: A Work Certificate (Certificat de Travail), Employer’s Authorization to Travel, and recent payslips.

• Self-Employed: Commerce Register (RCCM) and Fiscal 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.

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Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The application process is linear, but payment is the primary hurdle due to low credit card penetration.

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 GIM-UEMOA cards often do not work for international online payments outside the WAEMU zone.
   Solution: You must use an International Visa or Mastercard. The most reliable methods are the Ecobank Xpress Card (Prepaid) or UBA Prepaid Cards available in Niamey. Alternatively, asking a relative in France or Europe to 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 Nigerien citizens are typically processed within 10 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 (e.g., untranslated French text). 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 Nigerien 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, passport, and return flight ticket.

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Niger Citizens

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

No. Albania does not offer Visa on Arrival for citizens of Niger. 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 (Bank Statements, Employment Letters, etc.) must be translated from French to English by a certified translator.

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Can I pay with my SONIBANK card?

Only if it is specifically an International Visa Card and not a regional GIM card. If unsure, use a prepaid card or foreign card.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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