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

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The official Albanian immigration framework for Saudi nationals (KSA citizens) operates on a Seasonal Visa-Free basis. It is critical to check the current dates before applying.

• During Season (Typically May 1 – December 31): Saudi citizens are usually exempt from visas and can enter with just a passport.

• Outside Season (January – April): If the seasonal waiver is not active, you must apply for an e-Tourist Visa before traveling.

This guide outlines the procedural workflow for the periods when the e-Visa is required, including financial verification standards for SAR accounts and Mada payment rules.

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Do Saudi Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

It depends on the time of year.

1. Seasonal Waiver: Albania traditionally grants visa-free entry to Saudi citizens during the tourist season. For 2026, this period is expected to be from April/May until December 31st. During these months, you do not need an e-Visa.

2. Off-Season Requirement: If you travel outside this waiver period, you are classified as visa-required and must obtain an e-Visa.

3. Permanent Exemptions: Regardless of the season, if you hold a valid, multiple-entry visa from the Schengen Area, USA, or UK that has been previously used to enter the issuing country, you are exempt from the Albanian e-Visa year-round.

To verify if the waiver is currently active for your travel dates, please check our live status page or the official Ministry announcements.

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Understanding the e-Tourist Visa Category

When the visa waiver is not active, you must apply for the e-Tourist Visa (Type C).

• Scope: Valid for short-term visits (tourism, business meetings).

• Duration: Typically permits a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Processing Time: Apply at least 15 days before your trip to account for processing delays.

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Albania e-Visa Requirements for Saudi Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: Your Saudi passport must remain valid for at least three (3) months beyond your 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

When applying for the e-Visa, you must provide proof of financial solvency.

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

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

• Currency: Statements in Saudi Riyal (SAR) are fully accepted.

• Language: Most major Saudi banks (e.g., Al Rajhi, SNB, Riyad Bank) offer the option to download statements in English. You must submit the English version. If you upload a statement solely in Arabic, it will require a certified translation, delaying your application.

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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. Many Saudi insurance providers (e.g., Tawuniya, Bupa) offer compliant travel certificates.

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Proof of Accommodation

• Standard: A confirmed hotel booking voucher covering the entire duration of the stay.

• Private Stay: If staying with a host, a notarized invitation letter from the Albanian resident is required.

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Step-by-Step Application Workflow

The application process is linear and requires precision.

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 enter names in Arabic 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.
   Mada Cards: You can use your Mada card if it has the Visa/Mastercard logo and is enabled for international online purchases (check your banking app settings). Apple Pay is generally not supported on the government portal; direct card entry is safer.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications 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

If an officer finds an issue (e.g., an Arabic-only document), your status will change to Action Required Status.

This is not a refusal. It means you must log in, read the note, and upload the corrected document (e.g., the English bank statement) immediately.

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Entry Procedures for Saudi Travelers

Possession of an e-Visa (during off-season) does not guarantee entry.

1. Physical Copy: If traveling on an e-Visa, you must print the PDF.

2. Border Validation: Immigration officers will verify your passport and return ticket.

3. GCC Residents: Note that being a resident (Iqama holder) of Saudi Arabia does not grant visa-free access to Albania unless you hold a specific passport eligible for waivers. This guide applies to Saudi Citizens only.

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Saudi Citizens

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Can I apply for a visa on arrival?

No. There is no Visa on Arrival for Saudi citizens. You are either visa-exempt (during the summer season) or you must have an e-Visa (off-season).

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Do I need to translate my Absher documents?

Documents generated from Absher are often in Arabic. If you are using them for visa purposes (like family records), they must be translated into English and notarized.

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Can I pay with Apple Pay?

The government portal primarily accepts direct Credit/Debit card entry (Visa/Mastercard). It is more reliable to enter your card details manually than to rely on browser-based wallets.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

Yes. You cannot submit the e-Visa application without uploading a valid travel insurance policy.