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

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The official Albanian e-Visa system requires Turkmen nationals to complete a strict digital application process before traveling. For citizens of Turkmenistan, 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, specific solutions for international payment restrictions, and the validation logic required for Turkmen passport holders to successfully secure an Albania e-Tourist Visa.

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Do Turkmenistan Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

Yes. Turkmenistan is classified as a visa-required jurisdiction. Holders of ordinary Turkmen 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 Turkmenistan Citizens

The application portal utilizes automated Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Turkmen applicants must adhere to the following technical standards to prevent system rejection, particularly regarding document translation and financial proof.

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Passport Validity & Format

• Validity: The Turkmen passport must remain valid for at least three (3) months (ideally 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. Note that for the new biometric passports, the bio-page is rigid; ensure no glare obscures the photo.

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Proof of Financial Capacity (12-Month Rule)

Turkmen 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 Recommendation: While Turkmen Manat (TMT) statements are technically accepted, the disparity between official and market exchange rates can complicate assessments. It is highly recommended to submit a bank statement in USD or Euro (e.g., from Vnesheconombank) to prove actual international purchasing power.

• Translation: If the bank statement is issued strictly in Turkmen or Russian, 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 primary obstacle for Turkmen 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 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.
   Critical Payment Warning: Standard local cards (e.g., "Altyn Asyr" salary cards) do not work for international online payments.
   Solution: You must use an International Visa or Mastercard issued by Vnesheconombank that is specifically enabled for internet payments, or use a card belonging to a relative/friend abroad.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Turkmen 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., untranslated 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 Turkmen 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 and proof of return travel.

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FAQ: Albania e-Visa for Turkmenistan Citizens

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

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

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Do I need to translate my documents from Turkmen/Russian?

Yes. Any official document (Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Bank Statement) that is solely in Turkmen or Russian must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

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Can I use my Altyn Asyr card to pay the fee?

No. Local salary cards are restricted to domestic terminals. You cannot use them on the international e-Visa gateway. You must use an international Visa/Mastercard.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

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