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

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The strict border control measures of the Republic of Albania stipulate that all travelers bearing Somali passports must secure an official electronic travel authorization well before their scheduled flight. This digital visa requirement is absolute, meaning there are no provisions for visa issuance upon arrival for Somali nationals, regardless of the purpose of their visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the application protocol, the unique financial verification process involving USD-denominated bank statements, and the specific payment solutions for applicants residing in Mogadishu, Hargeisa, or Puntland.

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Do Somalia Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

Yes. Somalia is classified as a high-scrutiny visa-required jurisdiction. Holders of ordinary Somali passports must obtain a valid e-Visa prior to departure.

Crucial Exemption: Many Somali travelers, particularly those in the diaspora, qualify for exemptions 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 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: Due to rigorous security vetting, applications from Somalia often take longer than average. It is strongly recommended to submit your application at least 30 days before your travel date.

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Albania e-Visa Requirements for Somali Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Somali 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 (The USD Advantage)

Somali applicants must provide solid proof of financial solvency.

• Document: A formal bank statement covering the last 6 to 12 months.

• Currency: Due to the dollarized nature of the Somali economy, most formal bank statements (from Premier Bank, IBS Bank, Salaam African Bank) are issued in US Dollars (USD). This is advantageous as it requires no currency conversion explanation for the consular officer.

• Balance: It must show a positive balance equivalent to the minimum daily subsistence requirement (approx. $60 USD per day).

• Language Advantage: Bank statements from major Somali banks are typically issued in English. You do not need to pay for translations for these specific documents.

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Proof of Employment/Ties

To prove ties to the country and reduce migration risk:

• Employees: An Employment Letter on company letterhead and a copy of the company's registration.

• Self-Employed: Business License (Ganacsi) and Chamber of Commerce registration.

• Translation: If these documents are in Somali, they must be translated into English by a certified translator. English documents are accepted "as is."

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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 the primary hurdle as mobile money wallets do not work directly.

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.
   Mobile Money Limitation: You cannot pay directly using EVC Plus, Zaad, or Sahal USSD codes. The portal requires a card number.
   Solution: You must use a physical or virtual Visa/Mastercard issued by Premier Bank, IBS Bank, or Dahabshiil (e-Dahab card). These cards draw funds from your account but allow online processing. Alternatively, a relative abroad can pay for you.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Somali citizens are typically processed within 15 to 30 working days due to security protocols.

• 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 Somali 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 strictly verify the printed visa, passport, return flight ticket, and hotel booking.

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Somalia Citizens

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

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

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Do I need to translate my documents?

Only if they are in Somali. Most bank statements and formal business documents in Somalia are issued in English; these do not need translation.

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Can I pay with EVC Plus?

Not directly. You need to get a Premier Bank Visa Card or IBS Mastercard linked to your account to pay the fee online.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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