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

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The Albanian government strictly mandates that all travelers holding Sudanese passports must secure a verified electronic visa before initiating any travel plans. Due to rigorous border control protocols, there is absolutely no provision for visa issuance upon arrival for Sudanese nationals, regardless of whether they are traveling from Port Sudan, Cairo, or other transit hubs.

This detailed guide addresses the complex application landscape, emphasizing the necessity of translated Arabic documentation, the challenges of SDG financial verification, and the specific payment solutions required to bypass local banking restrictions.

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Do Sudan Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

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

Crucial Exemption: Many Sudanese travelers, particularly those residing in the Gulf or Europe, 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 the current geopolitical situation and security vetting, applications from Sudanese citizens undergo enhanced scrutiny. It is strongly recommended to apply at least 30 to 45 days in advance.

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Albania e-Visa Requirements for Sudan Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Sudanese 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)

Sudanese applicants face significant hurdles regarding financial verification due to currency volatility.

• Document: A formal bank statement covering the last 12 months of transactions.

• Currency: While statements in Sudanese Pounds (SDG) are technically accepted, the rapid devaluation makes them weak evidence. It is highly recommended to submit statements from a foreign currency account (USD/EUR/SAR) if available.

• Translation (Critical): Most statements from local banks (e.g., Bank of Khartoum, Omdurman National Bank) are issued in Arabic. You must attach a certified English translation. Submitting untranslated Arabic documents is the primary cause of rejection.

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Proof of Employment/Ties

To prove ties and reduce migration risk:

• Employees: An Employment Certificate (Shahada al-Amal) stating salary and position.

• Self-Employed: Commercial Registration and Tax License.

• Translation: All documents issued in Arabic must be translated into English by a sworn translator and legally notarized.

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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 most significant obstacle due to the isolation of the Sudanese banking sector.

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. Do not use Arabic script.

3. Document Upload: Upload supporting documents in PDF or JPG format (Max 5MB).

4. Fee Payment: Complete the administrative fee payment of €60.
   Banking Blockade: Local cards, including Bank of Khartoum (Bankak) or cards using the national switch, do not work for international online payments.
   Solution: You generally cannot pay from within Sudan using local means. You must use an International Visa or Mastercard held by a relative or friend abroad (e.g., in UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Europe).
   Process: Enter the card details of the payer on the payment page. The cardholder does not need to be the applicant.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Sudanese citizens are typically processed within 20 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 (e.g., untranslated Arabic text). 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 Sudanese 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 proof of accommodation.

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Sudan Citizens

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

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

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Do I need to translate my documents from Arabic?

Yes. The official language of the application is English. All supporting documents (Bank Statements, Employment Letters, etc.) must be translated into English and notarized.

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Can I pay with my Bankak (Bank of Khartoum) app?

No. The application portal requires a valid Visa or Mastercard number. Bankak transfers or local debit cards are not accepted.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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