Albania e-Visa Application Guide for Sao Tome and Principe Citizens (2026)

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The immigration policy of Albania mandates that all travelers holding passports from Sao Tome and Principe secure a digital visa authorization well in advance of their intended travel dates. This electronic pre-clearance is enforced strictly, implying that Santomean nationals do not have the option to request a visa upon landing at Albanian border control points.

This guide clarifies the digital submission workflow, the specific translation protocols for Portuguese documentation, and the financial verification standards for STN (Dobra) accounts required for applicants from the islands.

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Do Sao Tome and Principe Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

Yes. Sao Tome and Principe is classified as a visa-required jurisdiction. Holders of ordinary Santomean passports must obtain a valid e-Visa prior to departure.

Crucial Exemption: Due to historical ties, many Santomeans hold valid visas for Portugal. If you possess a valid, multiple-entry visa from the Schengen Area (e.g., Portugal), 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: Applications from the islands are processed carefully. It is advisable to submit the request at least 20 days before the travel date.

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Albania e-Visa Requirements for Santomean Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Santomean 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)

Santomean applicants are subject to thorough financial scrutiny.

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

• Currency: Statements in São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN) are accepted. Consular officers convert the balance to Euros based on current exchange rates.

• Balance: It must show a positive balance equivalent to the minimum daily subsistence requirement (approx. 1,250 STN or €50 per day).

• Translation (Critical): Most statements from local banks (e.g., BISTP - Banco Internacional de São Tomé e Príncipe, Afriland First Bank) are issued in Portuguese. You must attach a certified English translation. Submitting untranslated Portuguese documents is the primary cause of rejection.

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Proof of Employment/Ties

To prove ties to the country and reduce migration risk:

• Employees: A Work Declaration (Declaração de Serviço) and recent payslips.

• Self-Employed: Commercial License and Tax 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 a significant hurdle due to limited international banking connectivity.

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 local debit cards ("Dobras cards") often do not work for international online payments.
   Solution: You must use an International Visa or Mastercard. If your local BISTP card is not enabled for international e-commerce, the most common solution is to have a relative abroad (e.g., in Portugal) make the payment on your behalf.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Santomean 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 (e.g., untranslated Criminal Record). 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 Santomean 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 (usually via Lisbon).

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Sao Tome and Principe Citizens

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

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

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Do I need to translate my documents from Portuguese?

Yes. The official language of the application is English. All supporting documents (Bank Statements, Employment Letters, Criminal Records) must be translated from Portuguese to English by a certified translator.

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Can I pay with my domestic BISTP card?

Likely no, unless it is a specific International Credit Card. Standard domestic debit cards will be declined.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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