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

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The official Albanian e-Visa system requires Yemeni nationals to complete a rigorous digital application process before traveling. For citizens of Yemen, 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 banking limitations, and the validation logic required for Yemeni passport holders to successfully secure an Albania e-Tourist Visa.

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Do Yemen Citizens Need a Visa for Albania?

Yes. Yemen is classified as a visa-required jurisdiction with enhanced security scrutiny. Holders of ordinary Yemeni passports must obtain a valid e-Visa prior to departure.

Crucial Exemption: Many Yemeni travelers typically hold visas for other regions. 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 security checks, Yemeni applications may take longer than the standard timeframe. Apply at least 20-30 days in advance.

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Albania e-Visa Requirements for Yemen Citizens

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

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Passport Validity & Format (Critical)

• Validity: The Yemeni passport must remain valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended date of departure from Albania.

• Handwritten Extensions: Passports with handwritten validity extensions (common in some regions) are NOT accepted. The expiration date printed on the biographical page must be valid. The OCR system cannot read handwritten notes.

• Scan Quality: A clear, full-color PDF or JPG of the biographical data page. The MRZ code must be unobstructed.

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Proof of Financial Capacity (Strict)

Yemeni applicants are subject to strict financial scrutiny.

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

• Currency: Statements in Yemeni Rial (YER) are often rejected due to extreme exchange rate instability and the disparity between North/South rates.

• Recommendation: It is highly advisable to submit a bank statement in USD or Saudi Riyal (SAR). If you hold a bank account outside Yemen (e.g., in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, or Malaysia), submitting a statement from that foreign bank significantly increases approval chances.

• 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 major obstacle for Yemeni 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) 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.
   Banking Blockade: Cards issued by local Yemeni banks (Tadhamon, CAC, Kurimi, etc.) generally do not work on international payment gateways due to banking restrictions.
   Solution: You must use a valid Visa or Mastercard issued outside of Yemen. You can legally use a card belonging to a friend, relative, or travel agent abroad to pay the fee on your behalf.

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

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Processing Timelines & Status

• Standard Processing: Applications for Yemeni citizens typically take longer, often between 10 to 20 working days, due to detailed 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. 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 Yemeni 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 Yemen Citizens

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

No. Albania does not offer Visa on Arrival for Yemeni 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. All official documents (Family Card, Birth Certificate, Bank Statement) that are solely in Arabic must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

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Can I use a handwritten extended passport?

No. The e-Visa system requires a machine-readable passport. If your passport has expired and was extended by hand or stamp, you must obtain a new biometric passport before applying.

How can I pay if I don't have a foreign bank card?

This is the most common challenge. You must find a trusted relative or friend living abroad (e.g., in KSA, Europe, or USA) to make the €60 online payment for you. The cardholder's name does not need to match the applicant's name.