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

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

This guide outlines the procedural workflow, specific solutions for payment restrictions due to sanctions, and the validation logic required for Syrian passport holders to successfully secure an Albania e-Tourist Visa.

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Do Syria Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

Yes. Syria is classified as a visa-required jurisdiction with high scrutiny. Holders of ordinary Syrian 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 Syria Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Syrian 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.
  Important Note: Passports with handwritten validity extensions are frequently rejected by the e-Visa system because the OCR cannot read the new expiry date. It is highly recommended to use a biometric passport with original validity.

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Proof of Financial Capacity (12-Month Rule)

Syrian 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 Syrian Pounds (SYP) are accepted but problematic due to the disparity between official and market exchange rates.

• Recommendation: If possible, submit a bank statement from a foreign bank account (e.g., in Lebanon, UAE, or Europe) or a statement in USD/Euro. This significantly increases the chances of approval compared to a local SYP statement.

• Translation: If the bank statement is issued strictly in Arabic, 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, but payment is the main hurdle for Syrian citizens.

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/French) 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.
   Sanctions Warning: Cards issued by Syrian banks (Commercial Bank of Syria, etc.) generally do not work on international gateways due to sanctions.
   Solution: You must use a valid Visa or Mastercard issued outside of Syria (e.g., by a relative or friend abroad). The name on the card does not need to match the applicant's name.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Syrian citizens are typically processed within 5 to 15 working days due to enhanced security background checks.

• 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 Syrian 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 strictly verify the printed visa, passport, return ticket, and accommodation. Be prepared to answer questions regarding your travel itinerary clearly.

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Syria Citizens

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

No. Albania does not offer Visa on Arrival for Syrian 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. Any official document (Civil Record, Marriage Certificate, Bank Statement) that is solely in Arabic must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

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Can I use a local Syrian bank card for payment?

No. Due to international banking sanctions, local Syrian cards are not accepted. You must use a foreign card (credit/debit) to pay the application fee.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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