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

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The official Albanian e-Visa system requires Pakistani nationals to complete a rigorous digital application process before traveling. For citizens of Pakistan, securing an electronic visa authorization is a mandatory pre-travel requirement, as there is absolutely no option to obtain a visa upon arrival at the Albanian border.

This guide outlines the procedural workflow, strict financial verification standards for PKR accounts, and the validation logic required for Pakistani passport holders to successfully secure an Albania e-Tourist Visa.

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Do Pakistan Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

Yes. Pakistan is classified as a visa-required jurisdiction with high scrutiny. Holders of ordinary Pakistani 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 Pakistan Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Pakistani 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 (Page 2).

• Critical Detail - Naming Convention: Many Pakistani passports list the full name under "Given Name" and leave "Surname" blank, or vice versa.
  Rule: You must enter the name exactly as the system requests. If your passport separates the names, follow that. If it combines them, ensure your entry matches the MRZ code (the bottom two lines) logic.

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Proof of Financial Capacity (12-Month Rule)

Pakistani applicants are subject to strict financial scrutiny. You must provide a 12-month bank statement (Account Maintenance Certificate alone is NOT enough).

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

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

• Currency: Statements in Pakistani Rupee (PKR) are accepted. However, due to exchange rate volatility, the consular officer will calculate the Euro equivalent at the current rate. It is advisable to hold a buffer amount above the minimum.

• Format: The PDF must be an official download from your bank (e.g., HBL, Meezan, SCB) or a scanned copy stamped by the branch manager.

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Employment & Ties to Home

To reduce the risk of rejection based on "migration risk," Pakistani applicants are strongly advised to upload:

• Employment Letter: On official company letterhead.

• FRC (Family Registration Certificate): While not strictly mandatory for solo travelers, uploading an FRC (translated if in Urdu) helps prove strong family ties to Pakistan.

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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 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 (English) section of your passport. Do not use Urdu script.

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 Issue: Many Pakistani debit cards are blocked for international transactions by default. You must call your bank to activate "International eCommerce Session" before attempting the payment, or use a credit card.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Pakistani citizens are typically processed within 5 to 9 working days, sometimes longer due to detailed background checks.

• 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., unclear bank statement). 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 Pakistani 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, return flight ticket, and hotel booking.

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Pakistan Citizens

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

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

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Do I need to translate my Urdu documents?

Yes. Any official document (Nikah Nama, Property Deeds, etc.) that is solely in Urdu must be accompanied by a certified English translation and notarized.

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My bank statement is in PKR. Is that okay?

Yes, PKR statements are accepted. Ensure the closing balance, when converted to Euros, is sufficient for your stay (min €50/day).

Why does my card get declined for the €60 fee?

Most Pakistani banks (HBL, UBL, Meezan) block international payments by default. You must call your helpline to activate "International Online Transaction" for 1 hour before paying.