Albania is rapidly emerging as one of the most attractive destinations in the Balkans, welcoming more than 10 million international visitors in 2025 thanks to its stunning Riviera coastline, rich historical heritage, and significantly lower travel costs compared to many neighboring European countries. However, before traveling to Albania, citizens of many countries are required to obtain an eVisa. In most cases, the visa category required is the Albania Type C Visa. So, what is an Albania Type C Visa, who is it intended for, and what documents are required for the application? In this guide, Global Offshore explains everything you need to know before applying for an Albania eVisa.

Albania Visa Categories: Type A, Type C, and Type D

Albania classifies visas into three main categories based on the purpose and duration of stay:

• Type A Visa – Airport Transit Visa: Issued exclusively to travelers who remain within the transit area of an Albanian airport without passing through immigration control.

• Type C Visa – Short-Stay Visa: The most commonly issued visa category. It allows visitors to stay in Albania for up to 90 days for purposes such as tourism, business, medical treatment, participation in sports events, scientific activities, and other civilian purposes.

• Type D Visa – Long-Stay Visa: Designed for individuals intending to remain in Albania for more than 90 days. This visa category is typically associated with residence permit applications.

If you are traveling to Albania for tourism, a short business trip, or an event, the Type C Visa is generally the visa you need to apply for.

What Is an Albania Type C Visa?

The Albania Type C Visa is an electronic short-stay visa issued by the Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs through the official online portal at e-visa.al. It serves as the legal entry authorization for citizens of countries that are required to obtain a visa before entering Albania for stays of less than 90 days.

There are three key characteristics of the Albania Type C Visa that applicants should understand:

• 90/180-Day Rule: The total period of stay in Albania must not exceed 90 days within any rolling 180-day period, calculated from the date of first entry.

• Not a Residence Permit: A Type C Visa does not permit employment, long-term residence registration, or enrollment in long-term educational programs in Albania.

• Flexible Entry Options: Depending on the applicant's profile and travel purpose, the visa may be issued as a Single-entry, Double-entry, or Multiple-entry visa.

Note: Overstaying the permitted period may result in penalties and could affect future travel to Albania.

Types of Albania Type C Visas by Travel Purpose

A Type C Visa is not a one-size-fits-all visa. Albania requires applicants to select the category that accurately reflects their actual purpose of travel. Choosing the wrong category may result in visa refusal or entry denial at the border.

Independent Tourism Visa

For travelers visiting Albania for tourism, leisure, or to visit friends and relatives in a personal capacity.

Required Documents:

• Passport copy: Valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiry date of the requested visa and containing at least 2 blank pages. Copies of pages bearing relevant visa stamps should also be included.

• Passport photo: Size 47 mm × 36 mm (555 px × 435 px, 300 DPI), white background, full-face view, neutral facial expression, eyes clearly visible, and taken within the last 6 months.

• Proof of employment or other supporting documentation: In English or Albanian, demonstrating strong ties to the country of residence and the intention to return after the trip.

• Bank statements: Statements covering the previous 12 months, showing a complete history of incoming and outgoing transactions.

• Accommodation confirmation: Hotel booking confirmation or an accommodation invitation letter from the host individual or organization.

• Round-trip flight reservation or proof of personal transportation.

• Proof of legal residence: A residence permit valid for more than 12 months and remaining valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiry date of the Albania visa; a valid or previously used Schengen, US, or UK visa; or a previously issued Albania eVisa.

Business and Professional Visa

For travelers entering Albania to attend conferences, sign contracts, conduct market research, seek business partners, or participate in short-term commercial activities.

Required Documents

• Passport and passport photo (same standards as above).

• Documentation proving professional or business activities in the country of origin, clearly stating the purpose of the visit (in English or Albanian).

• An official signed invitation letter from the Albanian host organization or business partner.

• Personal or company bank statements covering the previous 12 months.

• Valid proof of legal residence (same requirements as the tourism visa category).

Scientific, Cultural, Sports, and Humanitarian Visa

For individuals participating in sporting events, scientific research projects, cultural exchange programs, humanitarian activities, or officially organized events in Albania.

Required Documents

• Passport and passport photo (same standards as above).

• Official invitation letter from the relevant scientific, cultural, sports, or humanitarian organization in Albania specifying the nature of the activity.

• Documentation demonstrating the applicant's ongoing involvement in the relevant field within their country of residence.

• 12-month bank statements and accommodation confirmation.

• Valid proof of legal residence.

• Parental consent for minors.

Medical Visa

For individuals traveling to Albania to receive medical treatment, including accompanying persons acting as patient escorts.

Required Documents

• Passport and passport photo (same standards as above).

• Confirmation from the Albanian medical institution specifying:

• Treatment method.

• Treatment start date.

• Expected treatment duration.

• Estimated costs.

• Responsible party for payment.

• Medical records from a physician in the applicant's country of origin (original or copy, in Albanian).

• Evidence of sufficient financial means to cover:

• Medical expenses.

• Accommodation costs.

• Repatriation expenses for both the patient and the accompanying person.

• Travel medical insurance for the accompanying person, including:

• Emergency hospitalization coverage.

• Repatriation coverage.

• Valid proof of legal residence.

• Parental consent for minors.

Group Tour Visa

For travelers participating in package tours organized and sponsored by a licensed tour operator.

Required Documents

• Passport and passport photo (same standards as above).

• Notarized copy of the operating license of the Albanian or foreign tour operator organizing the trip.

• List of tour participants together with a detailed travel and accommodation itinerary.

• Evidence of lawful residence in the country where the application is submitted.

• Bank statements covering the previous 12 months.

• Valid proof of legal residence.

• Parental consent for minors.

5 Important Rules When Applying for an Albania Type C Visa

Submit Your Application Within 90 Days Before Entry

Albania only accepts visa applications submitted within the 90 days preceding the intended date of entry. Applications submitted earlier than this timeframe will not be accepted by the system.

A Valid eVisa Is Required for Both Entry and Exit

Albania requires travelers to present a valid eVisa not only upon entry but also upon departure. This differs from many other countries. Losing access to your eVisa or failing to present it may cause significant issues at the border, even when leaving Albania.

Apply From Outside Albania

The entire eVisa application process must be completed while you are outside Albanian territory. Applications cannot be submitted from within Albania.

Carry a Printed Copy of Your eVisa and Original Supporting Documents

Although the visa is issued electronically, travelers are required to present a printed copy of the eVisa at the border, together with the original versions of supporting documents submitted during the application process.

Monitor Your Length of Stay Carefully

Exceeding the 90-day limit within 180 days—even by a single day—may result in substantial fines, entry bans lasting several years, and potential complications with future Schengen visa applications.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Albania Type C Visa

Conclusion

Overall, the Albania Type C Visa is the visa category used for most short-term trips to Albania, including tourism, business, medical treatment, cultural activities, and sporting events. Understanding the eligibility requirements, selecting the correct visa category, and preparing the appropriate supporting documents can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes during the eVisa application process.

If you need assistance verifying your eligibility, preparing your documents, or completing the Albania eVisa application process, the Global Offshore team is ready to support you every step of the way, helping you save time and prepare for your trip with confidence.