Albania e-Visa Application Guide for Sri Lanka Citizens (2026)

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

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

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Do Sri Lanka Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

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

However, specific conditional exemptions exist 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 may be 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.

• 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 Sri Lanka Citizens

The application portal utilizes automated Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Sri Lankan applicants must adhere to the following technical standards to prevent system rejection.

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Sri Lankan 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 scan includes the alterations page if any crucial data (like surname change) is recorded there.

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Proof of Financial Capacity (12-Month Rule)

Sri Lankan applicants are subject to strict financial scrutiny. You must provide a 12-month bank statement to prove financial stability.

• 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 Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) are accepted. However, due to exchange rate volatility, the consular officer will calculate the Euro equivalent at the current market rate. It is highly advisable to hold a buffer amount significantly above the minimum.

• Language: Statements from major banks (e.g., Commercial Bank, HNB, Sampath, NTB) are typically issued in English and are preferred. If a document is solely in Sinhala or Tamil, a certified English translation is mandatory.

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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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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, accompanied by a copy of their ID.

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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 the Latin script (English) section of your passport.

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.
   Important for Sri Lankans: Many local Debit/Credit cards have restrictions on foreign currency transactions. You may need to call your bank to authorize the specific €60 payment or use a dedicated "Travel Card" / pre-paid dollar card.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Sri Lankan 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 (e.g., blurred text or insufficient funds). 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 Sri Lankan 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 by border control.

2. Border Validation: At the port of entry, immigration authorities will verify the printed visa against the passport, return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds (cash or card).

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Sri Lanka Citizens

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Can I apply for a visa on arrival with a Sri Lankan passport?

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

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Do I need to translate my documents?

Yes. Any official document (Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Land Deed) that is solely in Sinhala or Tamil must be accompanied by a certified English translation (sworn translator).

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My card was declined for the payment. What do I do?

This is common due to forex restrictions. Contact your bank's card center to enable "International Online Transactions" for the specific amount, or use a credit card issued by a foreign bank if possible.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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