Visa regime for foreign citizens

The visa regime for foreign citizens in the Republic of Albania is provided by Law No. 79/2021 “On foreigners” and by the Decision of the Council of Ministers No. 858, dated 29.12.2021, “On the definition of the criteria of procedures and documentation for entry, stay and treatment of foreigners in the Republic of Albania”.

VISA-FREE ENTRY INTO ALBANIA

             Applies to:

*Foreign nationals holding a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa that has previously been used in a Schengen Area country, or a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen Area country. They must leave the territory of the Republic of Albania no later than 3 (three) days before the expiry date of the visa or residence permit. This exemption does not apply to Iranian nationals, who are required to obtain a visa in all cases.

*Foreign nationals holding a valid multiple-entry visa or valid residence permit, including documents issued in electronic format, by a Member State of the European Union, the United States of America, or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The visa must have been used previously in the issuing country. The traveller must leave the territory of the Republic of Albania no later than 3 (three) days before the expiry date of the document. This exemption does not apply to Iranian nationals, who are required to obtain a visa in all cases.

*Nationals of countries that are permitted to enter and stay visa-free in Schengen Area countries.

*Foreign nationals holding a 10-year residence permit issued by the authorities of the United Arab Emirates, with at least one year of validity remaining on the date of entry into Albania.

*Nationals of Saudi Arabia and Qatar may travel visa-free, for tourism purposes only, from 15 April 2026 to 31 December 2026, upon presentation of a valid passport.

*Holders of the following travel documents for foreign nationals, issued by Member States of the European Union:

• • Alien’s travel document
  • Travel document for refugees (Geneva Convention of 28 July 1951);
  • Travel document for stateless persons (New York Convention of 28 September 1954);
  • Travel document for persons enjoying subsidiary protection.

VALIDITY OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

For nationals who do not require a visa: the passport or travel document must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Republic of Albania and must have been issued within the previous 10 years.

For nationals who require a visa: the passport or travel document must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiry date of the visa requested and must contain at least 2 blank pages for affixing the visa sticker. Photocopies of any pages containing information relevant to the journey must also be submitted.

 TYPE “C” VISA is a short-stay visa. It entitles the holder to enter and stay in the Republic of Albania for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, calculated from the date of first entry. The visa may be issued for one, two or multiple entries, and its validity may not exceed 5 years.

TYPE “D” VISA is a long-stay visa. It is issued to foreign nationals who intend to stay in the Republic of Albania for more than 90 days in any 180-day period and who are required to obtain a visa in order to apply for a residence permit.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR ENTRY INTO THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA

During border checks, the authorities may require a foreign national to present, as applicable, one or more of the following documents:

• an invitation from the guarantor or host in Albania, where the traveller has a host;
• a return ticket or return travel reservation;
• a document confirming accommodation for the duration of the stay;
• an electronic visa or visa sticker, for nationals subject to visa requirements;
• financial means in Albanian lek or convertible foreign currency, or other forms of payment accepted in the Republic of Albania, such as cheques, credit cards, etc.;
• a document demonstrating sufficient financial means for the stay and return to the country of origin, or for transit to a third country where the traveller will be admitted. Evidence may include, among other documents, bank statements or a savings passbook. The indicative amount is ALL 5,000 (five thousand) for each day of stay for adults and ALL 2,500 (two thousand five hundred) for each day of stay for minors;
• an international vaccination certificate, where the traveller arrives from a country affected by an epidemic or a disease for which Albanian legislation requires vaccination.

CHECK WHETHER YOU REQUIRE A VISA

https://punetejashtme.gov.al/en/informacione-mbi-regjimin-e-vizave-te-shtetasve-te-huaj/

If your nationality is not included in the visa-regime table, you must obtain a visa before travelling to Albania. Applications may be submitted to the Albanian diplomatic mission or consular post nearest to your country of origin or residence.

FOR THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AND TO APPLY FOR A VISA ONLINE, PLEASE VISIT:

https://e-visa.al/