Albania Visa Guide: Types, Documents & Application Steps

Key Takeaways:

• Albania offers short-term visas for 90 days and long-term visas for up to one year, with required residence permits for longer stays.
• Citizens from all EU countries, the US, the UK, Canada, and several others do not need a visa to enter Albania.
• Visa exemptions include holders of valid Schengen, UK, or US visas and specific nationals like Saudis, and Indians from April to December 2022.

Dreaming of exploring the stunning landscapes and rich history of Albania? Whether you’re planning to visit the pristine beaches along its Ionian coastline, wander through the ancient streets of Berat, or hike in the rugged Albanian Alps, understanding the visa requirements is your first step. Albania, a gem tucked in the Balkans, welcomes countless tourists each year, but if you’re not from certain countries, you’ll need to secure a visa before you can enjoy all that this vibrant country has to offer.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the different types of visas available for Albania, detailing the application process, necessary documentation, and specific criteria to help you determine whether you need a visa based on your country of origin. Whether you’re looking for a short-term stay of 90 days or intend to delve deeper into the Albanian lifestyle with a long-term visa, this guide ensures you’re well-prepared for your journey. For some, visa exemptions might simplify the process, and we’ll cover these scenarios as well, making your travel plans as smooth as possible. Let’s embark on this adventure together, ensuring your visit to Albania is nothing short of remarkable.

Albania Visa Guide

Discover the essentials for obtaining an Albania visa, including types of visas, necessary documentation, and application steps.

Overview of Albania

Albania is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant tourist attractions. Foreign nationals interested in exploring Albania must acquire an Albanian visa.

Types of Visas for Albania

Visas for Albania are categorized based on the duration of the intended stay:

• Short-term Visa: This visa type is suitable for stays up to 90 days.
• Long-term Visa: This visa allows a stay of up to one year in Albania.

Additional Requirements

For those planning an extended stay:

• “If you plan to stay longer than three months with a long-term visa, you must apply for a residence permit.“

Application Steps for an Albanian Visa

To successfully apply for an Albanian visa, follow these critical steps:

1. Determine the appropriate visa type based on your stay duration.
2. Gather required documents as specified for the short-term or long-term visa application.
3. Complete the visa application process through the designated channels.

Embark on your journey to Albania by starting with the right visa application!

Do I Need a Visa for Albania?

If you are planning a trip to Albania, it’s essential to know whether you require a visa. Citizens from numerous countries do not need a visa to stay in Albania. Here is a detailed list:

Visa-Free Entry for Citizens from:

• All EU countries 🇪🇺
• China 🇨🇳
• North Macedonia 🇲🇰
• Andorra 🇦🇩
• Hungary 🇭🇺
• Norway 🇳🇴
• Armenia 🇦🇲
• Ireland 🇮🇪
• Poland 🇵🇱
• Australia 🇦🇺
• Iceland 🇮🇸
• Portugal 🇵🇹
• Austria 🇦🇹
• Italy 🇮🇹
• Cyprus 🇨🇾
• Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
• Israel 🇮🇱
• South Korea 🇰🇷
• Argentina 🇦🇷
• Japan 🇯🇵
• Czechia 🇨🇿
• Barbados 🇧🇧
• Canada 🇨🇦
• Romania 🇷🇴
• Belgium 🇧🇪
• Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
• San Marino 🇸🇲
• Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦
• Kosovo 🇽🇰
• Vatican City 🇻🇦
• Brazil 🇧🇷
• Chile 🇨🇱
• Serbia 🇷🇸
• United Kingdom 🇬🇧
• Croatia 🇭🇷
• United States 🇺🇸
• Bulgaria 🇧🇬
• Latvia 🇱🇻
• Singapore 🇸🇬
• Estonia 🇪🇪
• Liechtenstein 🇱🇮
• Slovakia 🇸🇰
• Denmark 🇩🇰
• Lithuania 🇱🇹
• Slovenia 🇸🇮
• Finland 🇫🇮
• Luxembourg 🇱🇺
• Spain 🇪🇸
• France 🇫🇷
• Malaysia 🇲🇾
• Sweden 🇸🇪
• Germany 🇩🇪
• Malta 🇲🇹
• Taiwan 🇹🇼
• Greece 🇬🇷
• Montenegro 🇲🇪
• Turkey 🇹🇷
• Netherlands 🇳🇱
• Monaco 🇲🇨
• Ukraine 🇺🇦
• Bahamas 🇧🇸
• Switzerland 🇨🇭
• New Zealand 🇳🇿

Plus many more from the European region, including non-EU members.

Additional Visa Exemptions:

Apart from country-specific exemptions, there are other conditions under which individuals may enter Albania without a visa:

• Holders of Schengen Visa:
• “If you are a foreign citizen who has a valid Schengen visa with multiple entries.”
• Holders of UK or US Visas:
• “If you are a foreign citizen with a valid multiple-entry UK or US visa who still has a valid visa.”
• Holders of Long-Term Residence Permits:
• “If you are a foreign citizen from the EU and have a valid residence permit in one of the EU countries.”
• “If you are a foreign citizen who has a 10-year validity United Arab Emirates residence permit and it is still valid for not less than one year after the date of entry in Albania.”
• Temporary Visa-Free Entry (Valid from 20 April 2022 to 31 December 2022) for citizens from:
• Saudi Arabia
• Bahrain
• India
• Qatar
• Oman
• Thailand

The provided information should aid in determining whether you need to apply for a visa before traveling to Albania. Always check the most current conditions as policies can change.

Types of Albanian Visas

Albania offers two primary types of visas for foreigners wishing to enter the country: short-term visas and long-term visas. Each serves different purposes and durations of stay.

Short-Term Visa Type (C)

A short-term visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This type of visa caters to several intents, specifically:

• Tourism: For visitors coming to explore Albania’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
• Medical Purposes: For those requiring medical treatment in Albania.
• Cultural, Scientific, Sports, and Humanitarian Activities: For individuals participating in events or missions related to these fields.
• Official Visits: For dignitaries and officials on formal visits.

Long-Term Visa Type (D)

Long-term visas permit an extended stay of up to one year in Albania and are typically sought by individuals planning to apply for a residence permit post-arrival. These visas encompass a broader range of purposes, including:

• Student Visa: For international students enrolled in Albanian educational institutions.
• Family Reunion Visa: For family members seeking to live with relatives in Albania.
• Work Visa: For professionals and workers employed in Albania.
• Diplomatic or Service Visa: For diplomats and government officials working in embassies or consulates.
• Humanitarian or Religious Activities Visa: For participants in humanitarian missions or religious activities.
• Seasonal Employment Visa: For those engaged in seasonal work in sectors like agriculture or tourism.
• Retirement Visa: For retirees who choose to spend their retirement years in Albania.

Albanian visas are designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors, each with unique reasons for their travel or stay, ensuring that their entry norms align with their specific needs and purposes.

Albania Visa Requirements

If you’re planning a trip to Albania, you’ll need to prepare the following documents for your visa application. Ensuring you have all the required documents will streamline your application process.

Required Documents for an Albanian Visa Application:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must:
• Remain valid for at least three months beyond your return date.
• Be in good condition.
• Include a copy of any previous visas (if applicable).
• Passport Style Photo:
• One recent passport-sized photo.
• Must have a blank background and be in color.
• Application Form:
• Fill out the application form carefully, ensuring all requested information is provided.
• Avoid leaving any fields empty. “Make sure you fill out the application form correctly and do not leave any empty spaces,” emphasizes clarity in application submissions.
• Bank Statement:
• Provide a recent bank statement from the last six months.
• Must demonstrate your financial stability and ability to support yourself during your stay in Albania.
• Travel Health Insurance:
• Proof of valid health insurance.
• Must cover at least €30,000, accounting for any potential medical issues during your stay in Albania.
• Invitation Letter (if applicable):
• Must be issued by a friend or family member in Albania, should you be visiting them.
• The letter should confirm their willingness to host you.
• Proof of Accommodation:
• Provide documentation confirming your accommodation arrangements in Albania.
• This could be a rental agreement, hotel reservation, or an invitation letter if staying with a friend or family.
• Booked Flight Itinerary:
• Submit a detailed flight itinerary including:
  • Travel dates and times.
  • Flight route.
  • Airline information.
• For Children Under 18:
• A legal document signed by both parents or legal guardians.
• This document must authorize the child’s travel to Albania.

Following these detailed requirements will help ensure a successful application for your Albania visa. Each document plays a crucial role in confirming your preparedness and legitimacy as a traveler.

How to Apply for an Albania Visa?

To successfully apply for an Albania visa, you need to complete several key steps:

• Online Application Submission:

• Navigate to the E-Visa online page.
• Register for a new account or log in to an existing one.
• Fill out the visa application form online.

• Document Collection:

• Collect all necessary documents as listed under ‘Albania Visa Requirements’.
• Submit these documents in PDF format via the website.

• Payment of Visa Fee:

• Pay the Albania visa fee at a designated bank.
• Attach the payment receipt to your other submitted documents.

• Await Response:

• Await notification via text or email from the Consul regarding the approval or denial of your visa.

Processing Time for an Albania Visa

It typically takes 15 working days to process an Albanian visa. Depending on the application period, this duration may extend up to 30 days.

Validity and Regulations of an Albanian Visa

The tourist visa for Albania is valid for 90 days within a 180-day period and offers options for one, two, or multiple entries. Key points on the visa validity include:

• Standard tourist visa: Allows a stay of up to 90 days.
• Long-stay visas: Issued for durations up to one year, suitable for those wishing to remain longer than 90 days.

It is crucial to abide by visa regulations as “If you stay longer than 90 days with a tourist visa in the Republic of Albania, you will be banned from Albania and not be allowed to enter Albania for five years.“

By following these guidelines and preparing adequately, applicants can streamline their process of obtaining an Albania visa.

Albania Visa Fees Explained

As of March 2020, Albania has implemented a reciprocal visa fee system. Citizens from other countries are required to pay the same visa fee that Albanian citizens are charged when entering their countries. For instance:

• Example: If it costs an Albanian citizen €80 to enter Argentina, then an Argentine citizen will also pay €80 for an Albanian visa.

Reasons Why an Albanian Visa Might Be Rejected

An Albanian visa application could be denied if it does not meet the necessary criteria. Common reasons for visa rejection include:

• Incomplete documents
• Submission of false information
• Failure to attend the visa appointment on time
• Discrepancies between information in documents and responses provided during the interview

If your visa is rejected, you have the option to reapply or appeal the decision.

How to Apply for a Residence Permit in Albania

To stay in Albania for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit. This can be for various purposes such as work, study, or family reunion. The application process begins online within 30 days of your arrival in Albania. Here’s how to apply:

1. Visit the E-Albania portal and select the ‘Residence Permit’ button.
2. Fill out the application with all the required information.
3. Upload all required documents in PDF format.
4. The application is then processed by the Police State office following an electronic notification.

When applying, ensure:

• All criteria are met.
• All documents are provided, original, legalized, and translated into Albanian.

After completing the online steps, you must visit the Migration Office of Regional in person to finalize your application. It generally takes 30 days to receive a response. Once approved, you can pick up your residence permit at the same office where you submitted your application.

Albania’s Status with the Schengen Agreement

Albania is not a member of the Schengen Agreement. However:

• From May 2025, Albanian citizens will be eligible to apply for ETIAS allowing them to visit Schengen countries for up to 90 days for tourism or business.
• Meanwhile, Schengen visa holders can visit Albania for up to 90 days without requiring an additional visa.

This bilateral system benefits both Albanian citizens and visitors ensuring equitable visa practices and straightforward residence procedures.

Below are the structured and detailed external resources that correspond directly to the subject matter of the “Albania Visa Guide: Types, Documents & Application Steps”:

1. Official Government and Immigration Resources

a. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania

• Website: Official Website
• Description: Provides detailed information on Albania’s foreign policy, including visa regulations, diplomatic representations, and bilateral agreements. This site is crucial for obtaining the most recent and authoritative information on visa requirements and processes.

b. Albanian Embassy/Consulate Locator

• Website: Embassy Locator
• Description: Useful for finding the nearest Albanian diplomatic mission where visa applications can be filed or specific queries regarding travel requirements can be addressed.

2. Visa Information and Application Forms

a. E-VISA Albania (Online Visa Application Portal)

• Website: E-VISA Portal
• Description: This official electronic visa application system allows users to apply for an Albanian visa online. The site includes details on required documentation, application steps, and fee payments.

b. VFS Global (Visa Application Center)

• Website: VFS Global
• Description: VFS Global manages visa application centers for Albania around the world where you can submit visa applications and receive detailed counseling on the required documents and processes.

3. Residence Permit Application

a. E-Albania (Electronic Services)

• Website: E-Albania Portal
• Description: Official portal providing electronic services for various administrative processes in Albania. It includes the application for residence permits and checking the status of applications.

4. Specific Visa-Free Entry Conditions

a. Schengen Visa Information

• Website: Schengen Visa Info
• Description: Offers detailed information about the Schengen visa, which is relevant since Albania allows Schengen visa holders certain exemptions. This source is instrumental for those who have a Schengen visa and wish to understand how it applies to entering Albania.

5. Health and Travel Information

a. International Air Transport Association (IATA)

• Website: IATA Travel Centre
• Description: Provides information on passport, visa, and health requirements based on your travel details. It’s helpful for ensuring that all travel requirements are met before departure.

6. Legal and Document Authentication

a. Albanian Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs – Legalization

• Website: Legalization Services
• Description: Official source for the legalization of documents that will be used in Albania. This is crucial for foreign documents that need acceptance in Albanian administrative procedures.

By using these resources, applicants can access accurate and up-to-date information on visa applications, entry requirements, and residency procedures in Albania, which will aid in a well-prepared and compliant travel or stay in the country.