Visa Required? YES 

Cost:  Euro 30

Processing Time: 5 - 15 days (up to 30 days if queries or special circumstances)

 

A Type C visa is required for South African citizens intending to visit Albania for up to 90 days out of a 180 day period*.

Unless:

 

Exemptions:

• You have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa which has been used previously in one of the Schengen states;

• You have a valid permit of stay in one of the Schengen states;

• You have a valid, multiple-entry US or UK visa, which has been previously used in the respective country of issuance;

• You have a valid permit of stay in the US or UK.

 

* If you intend to stay for more than 90 days during a 6 month period, you need a long term visa (Type D) and have to apply for a residency permit from the migration office.

 

You can now apply for the visa electronically, and receive it via email according to the official Albanian Government website. There is also an option to get your visa stamped in your passport. The website application page does say that you can receive it electronically, however the visa page states that you still need to appear in person once approved. 

As we have not applied for this visa, we cannot attest to the accuracy or correct procedures. (Please let us know if you did apply).

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Albania Tourist Visa Requirements for South African citizens

 

• Confirmation of return flights. (You can check out out blog post here on how to get an Exit Ticket or Proof of Onward Travel if you want to book a one-way ticket or you're not sure of your dates.)

• Confirmation of Hotel booking or documents with information regarding your accommodation for the duration of your stay.

• Proof of employment. In case of this criteria not being met, the foreign citizen has to provide sufficient evidence that they will return to their country of birth or country of residence.

• Proof  of sufficient funds (bank statements, usually 3 months).

• One passport sized photo 5cm by 4cm,

• Photocopy of a valid travel document/passport,

• Travel health insurance documents for the duration of the visa.

• For children under 18 years: A statement expressing the consent of a parent or legal guardian of the child for the trip, or the person responsible.

• An invitation from the host accompanied with a photocopy of their passport

• A copy of your residence permit, with an expiration date no less than 3 months after the requested visa date.

 

You can now apply online here: https://e-visa.al/apply

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Steps to apply (application process):

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1. Click on the link https://e-visa.al/apply to open the official application site.

2. Select Electronic Visa or Stamped Visa

3. Select "Visa Type C - Short Stay" - this is for tourism purposes of 90 days or less.

4. A list of required documents will appear. Click "Apply" after the list.

5. You will be redirected to a login screen. You have to register first to be able to apply and upload documents.

6. Click "Register" in the top right corner.

7. Complete the form and click "register".

8. You will receive further instructions on how to verify your account.

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For the actually application, you will fill out the form and upload and submit the documents.

You will receive confirmation email as well as an application tracking code to track the progress of your application.

The Consulate will review your application and documents. Once accepted, you will receive instructions on how to pay. Payment is made via bank transfer according to the website.

Once payment is made and your visa is approved, you will either get the option to make an appointment to appear in person, or you will receive it via email.

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Albania Transit visa

 

Transit visa required? YES

 

South African citizens need a transit visa (Type A) to transit through Albania. Same procedure and requirements are to be followed as for Tourist visa.