For citizens of Albania, the connection to Egypt is growing stronger. Whether flying from Tirana International Airport (Nënë Tereza) for a summer holiday in Sharm El Sheikh or exploring the historic streets of Cairo, Egypt is a top destination for Albanian travelers.
However, despite the short flight distance, Albanian citizens generally require a visa to enter Egypt. The days of mandatory embassy visits are largely over. The Egypt e-Visa for Albanian citizens allows you to secure your entry permission entirely online, bypassing the uncertainty of airport queues.
This guide provides a complete, step-by-step walkthrough of the 2025 application process, including critical rules about passport validity, lost documents at the airport, and strict regulations for children.
Do Albanian Citizens Need a Visa for Egypt?
Yes. Citizens of Albania are required to hold a valid visa to enter the Arab Republic of Egypt. You generally have three main options:
e-Visa (Highly Recommended): Applied for online before you travel. It is the safest and most efficient method.
Visa on Arrival: Purchased at a bank kiosk upon landing in Egypt (cash only).
Sinai Only Permit: A free 15-day stamp valid only if you are staying in Red Sea resorts and not visiting Cairo.
What is the Egypt e-Visa for Albanians?
The Egypt e-Visa is an official electronic travel authorization linked to your Albanian passport.
Purpose: Valid for tourism, leisure, and visiting friends or relatives.
Format: You receive a PDF document via email, which you must print.
Convenience: It allows you to clear immigration faster, as your data is already pre-screened by Egyptian authorities.
Can I Enter Egypt with a Passport Valid for 5.5 Months?
No. This is the most common reason for denied boarding at Tirana Airport.
The Strict Rule: Egypt enforces a hard 6-month validity rule. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the day you arrive in Egypt.
The Consequence: Even if your passport is valid for 5 months and 29 days, the airline system will flag it, and you will likely be refused boarding in Albania. If you somehow reach Cairo, immigration officers will deny you entry and send you back on the next flight.
Solution: You must renew your Albanian passport before applying for the visa if it has less than 6 months remaining.
What Visa Types Are Available?
Depending on your travel plans, you can choose between two specific visa categories:
Travelers planning to visit nearby countries (Jordan/Saudi) and return
Can a Child Travel on a Parent's Single Entry Visa?
No. This is a critical misunderstanding that can ruin a family trip.
Individual Visa Rule: The "Single Entry" status applies to the person, not the group. You cannot bring a child as a "plus one" on your visa.
Mandatory Application: Every Albanian traveler, whether they are 2 months old or 10 years old, must have their own separate visa application.
Procedure: You must file a separate form for your child. If they do not have their own passport and are registered on yours, you still need to generate a separate e-Visa application using your passport number but their personal details (name, date of birth).
What If I Lose My Passport Before Getting the Entry Stamp?
If you realize you have lost your passport on the plane or in the airport terminal before you pass through immigration control, the situation is urgent.
Alert Airline Staff: Immediately tell the ground staff of the airline you flew with (e.g., Air Albania, EgyptAir). They can radio the crew to check the seat pocket.
Do Not Exit Transit: You strictly cannot cross the border without a passport. You will be stuck in the "airside" transit area.
Emergency Contact: You must contact the Albanian Embassy in Cairo (+20 2 2736 1815) immediately. They may need to come to the airport to issue an emergency travel document.
The Risk: If an emergency document cannot be issued quickly, Egyptian authorities may force you to return to Albania on the next available flight as an "inadmissible passenger."
How to Apply for the Egypt e-Visa from Albania
The Egypt Visa application process is designed to be user-friendly and takes just a few minutes:
Fill the Form: Enter your personal data exactly as it appears on your passport.
Upload Documents: Attach the clear scan of your passport bio page.
Select Processing: Choose how quickly you need the approval.
Pay Fees: Securely pay the government and service fees.
Download & Print: Once approved, print at least one physical copy.
What is the Fee Structure for Albanian Citizens?
The total Egypt Visa cost is transparent and broken down into two parts:
Government Fee: The mandatory non-refundable fee charged by the Egyptian government.
Processing Fee (Service Fee): The fee paid to the agency for reviewing your application, fixing photo formats, and providing 24/7 support to ensure approval.
What is the price difference between the official site and the agency site?
This table provides a direct comparison of the key features, costs, and risks associated with applying through the official Government Website versus the assisted service provided by :-
Is the "Sinai Only" Visa Exemption Available for Albanians?
Yes. If you fly directly to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba, Albanian citizens can get a free 15-day entry stamp upon arrival.
Restrictions: You cannot leave the Sinai Peninsula (you cannot go to Cairo or see the Pyramids). You must stay less than 15 days.
Warning: If you change your mind and want to visit Cairo, you cannot just "upgrade" this stamp easily. You must go to the airport to buy a full visa.
Can I Extend My Visa to Stay Longer?
Yes, but the rules have changed in 2025.
Where: You must visit the Passports, Emigration and Nationality Administration (Abbassia, Cairo).
The "Bank Receipt" Rule: You are now required to present an official receipt from an Egyptian bank showing that you have exchanged foreign currency (Euros/Dollars) into Egyptian Pounds to pay for your residency fees. Cash payments without this exchange receipt are rejected.
Do I Need a Visa for a Connecting Flight (Transit)?
Layover < 48 Hours: If you stay inside the airport transit area, you do not need a visa.
Leaving Airport: If you want to leave the airport to visit the Pyramids during a layover, you must have a valid visa (e-Visa or VOA).
EgyptAir Offer: If flying EgyptAir with a layover of 8-96 hours, ask at the transit desk for a free 96-hour transit visa (conditions apply).
Conclusion
Visiting Egypt is a journey through history, and the Egypt e-Visa for Albanian citizens makes that journey easier than ever. By preparing your documents, ensuring your passport has the full 6 months of validity, and securing a separate visa for your children, you can ensure a smooth arrival.
Ready to explore the Nile? Check the latest fees and apply for your Egypt e-Visa today with Super Rush processing.
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