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

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

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

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Do Philippines Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

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

Crucial Exemption: Many Filipino travelers may be exempt. 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 typically do not need an Albanian e-Visa. 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 (tourism, visiting Kababayans/family).

• 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 Philippines Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Philippine 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: The MRZ code (the two lines of text at the bottom) must be unobstructed. Ensure the signature on the passport is signed.

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Proof of Financial Capacity (12-Month Rule)

Filipino applicants are subject to strict financial scrutiny to prove capability to fund the trip.

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

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

• Currency: Statements in Philippine Peso (PHP) are fully accepted. The consular officer will convert the balance to Euros based on the current exchange rate.

• Format: Download the official PDF from your online banking (BDO, BPI, Metrobank, UnionBank) or request a "Bank Certificate with Statement of Account" from your branch.

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Proof of Employment/Ties (Avoid "Offloading")

While Albania requires this for the visa, these documents are also critical for passing the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) check at NAIA/Clark.

• Employees: Certificate of Employment (COE) with compensation details and approved Leave of Absence (LOA).

• Self-Employed: DTI/SEC registration and latest ITR (Income Tax Return - BIR Form 1701/2316).

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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 your passport.
   Middle Name Handling: If the form asks for "Given Names" and "Surname" only, include your Middle Name in the "Given Names" field ONLY if it appears in the MRZ code of your passport. Otherwise, follow the specific field instructions.

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 Methods: Major Credit/Debit cards (BDO/BPI/Citi) work.
   E-Wallets: You can use GCash or Maya ONLY if you use their virtual Visa/Mastercard card details. Direct QR scanning is not supported.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Filipino 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 Filipino Travelers

Possession of an e-Visa does not guarantee entry; it authorizes the holder to proceed to a port of entry.

1. Philippine Departure (BI Check): Before leaving the Philippines, ensure you have your return ticket, hotel booking, and e-Visa printed. The Bureau of Immigration officers may ask for these to prevent "offloading."

2. Albania Entry: At the Albanian border, present the printed e-Visa and passport.

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Philippines Citizens

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

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

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Do I need to translate my documents?

Generally, no. Since English is an official language in the Philippines, standard documents (Bank Statements, COE, PSA Birth Certificates) issued in English are accepted without translation.

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Can I use my GCash/Maya for the payment?

Yes, but only by using the Virtual Card (Visa/Mastercard) numbers provided inside the app. You cannot use the "Scan QR" feature.

Do I need an ITR (Income Tax Return)?

It is highly recommended. Uploading your ITR (BIR Form 2316 or 1701) strengthens your application significantly by proving strong economic ties to the Philippines.