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

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The immigration authorities of the Republic of Albania enforce a mandatory digital visa policy for all travelers holding Samoan passports. This regulation dictates that obtaining an electronic visa (e-Visa) is a prerequisite for entry, with no exceptions for "Visa on Arrival" at Albanian border points. Whether departing from Faleolo International Airport (APW) or transiting through Auckland, Sydney, or Fiji, possession of this digital authorization is required to board your flight.

This guide provides a technical walkthrough of the application process, highlighting the acceptance of Samoan Tala (WST) financial records, the documentation advantages of Samoa’s English-speaking administration, and the flexible payment options (including Crypto/USDC) available for applicants.

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Do Samoa Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

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

Crucial Exemption: Many Samoan travelers qualify for exemptions based on third-party visa holdings. If you possess a valid, multiple-entry visa from the USA, UK, or Schengen Area 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 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 10 to 15 working days. It is advisable to apply at least 20 days before your intended travel date.

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Albania e-Visa Requirements for Samoa Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Samoan 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 (WST Accepted)

Samoan applicants must provide proof of financial solvency.

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

• Currency: Statements in Samoan Tala (WST) are fully accepted. Consular officers convert the balance to Euros based on current exchange rates (approx. 3.0 WST = 1 EUR).

• Balance: It must show a positive balance equivalent to the minimum daily subsistence requirement (approx. 150 WST or €50 per day).

• Language Advantage: Since English is an official language of Samoa, bank statements (from ANZ Samoa, BSP - Bank South Pacific, NBS - National Bank of Samoa, SCB) are issued in English by default. You do not need to pay for translations for these standard documents.

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Proof of Employment/Ties

To prove ties to the islands and reduce migration risk:

• Employees: A Confirmation of Employment letter and your SNPF (Samoa National Provident Fund) contribution statement. The SNPF record is highly valued as proof of stability.

• Self-Employed: Valid Business License from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL).

• 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. Policies from local insurers like Samoa Life or Tower are accepted if they include an international certificate.

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Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The application process is linear, offering robust payment flexibility.

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.
   Crypto & USDC Accepted: We accept USDC and other major cryptocurrencies. This is a reliable option if your local bank imposes restrictions on foreign transactions.
   How to Pay: Please visit our Payment Methods page or message us directly to receive the wallet address and secure payment instructions.
   Credit/Debit Cards: You can also use a standard Visa or Mastercard (e.g., ANZ Visa Debit, BSP Visa).
   Security Note: Pacific banks often block "Card Not Present" transactions in Europe to prevent fraud. You may need to call ANZ or BSP to authorize the specific payment amount before clicking "Pay."

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Samoan citizens are typically processed within 10 to 15 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 Samoan 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 Auckland or Nadi).

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Samoa Citizens

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

No. Albania does not offer Visa on Arrival for citizens of Samoa. 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 (official in Samoa) 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.