Albania Visa

Albania, a beautiful Balkan country, requires a visa for many foreign nationals planning to enter for tourism, business, or work purposes. The Albanian visa application process includes submitting an online form, providing supporting documents, and paying a fee. Applicants should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and have all necessary documents before applying. Visas can be single-entry or multiple-entry, and their validity ranges from 30 to 90 days. It’s essential to apply well in advance of travel to allow sufficient processing time.

Important informations

Do I Need a Visa for Albania?

Citizens of some countries require a visa to enter Albania, while citizens of others can travel visa-free for short stays. The Albanian government has implemented an electronic visa system (e-Visa) for certain nationalities. To determine if you need a visa for Albania, check your country’s status on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora website (mfa.albania.al). If a visa is necessary, apply for the e-Visa through the online platform well in advance of your travel dates. The processing time may take up to 7 days. Always ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Albania.

Types of Albanian Visas

Albania offers various types of visas to cater to different purposes of entry. The most common ones include:

1. **Tourist Visa**: Allowed for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Intended for travelers seeking to explore Albania’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and tourist attractions.

2. **Business Visa**: Intended for individuals planning to engage in business activities, attend conferences, or negotiate contracts in Albania. The duration can range from 30 to 90 days.

3. **Work Visa**: Required for individuals who have secured a job offer from an Albanian employer. The visa is usually valid for one year and can be extended.

4. **Student Visa**: Issued to students enrolled in Albanian educational institutions. The visa is typically valid for the duration of the academic year.

5. **Family Reunion Visa**: Allows family members of Albanian citizens or residents to join them in Albania. The visa is usually valid for six months, with the possibility of extension.

6. **Transit Visa**: Intended for individuals passing through Albania en route to another country. The duration is usually up to 5 days.

7. **Diplomatic and Service Visas**: Granted to diplomats, their families, and other official representatives. The visas are usually valid for the duration of their assignment.

It is essential to apply for the correct visa based on the purpose of travel to ensure a smooth entry into Albania.

Albania Visa Requirements

Albania requires a visa for citizens of certain countries to enter the country. The types of visas include tourist, business, study, work, and family reunification. To apply for a visa, applicants must submit required documents, such as a valid passport, completed application form, passport-sized photos, proof of financial means, and travel itinerary. The application process can be done online or at the Albanian embassy or consulate. Visa fees vary depending on the type and length of stay. It is recommended to apply for a visa well in advance of travel to allow sufficient processing time. For the most up-to-date information on Albania visa requirements, please check the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

How to Apply for an Albania Visa?

To apply for an Albania visa, follow these steps:

1. Determine the type of visa you need. Albania issues various types of visas, including tourist, business, study, work, and family reunification visas.
2. Check the requirements. Each visa type has specific requirements. For instance, tourist visas may require proof of travel arrangements and sufficient funds, while work visas may require a job offer and work contract.
3. Fill out the application form. Download the application form from the Albanian embassy or consulate website. Complete it accurately and in full.
4. Gather the necessary documents. Prepare all required documents, such as a valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of travel arrangements, and proof of financial means.
5. Pay the application fee. Pay the application fee, which varies depending on the visa type and your nationality.
6. Submit the application. Submit your completed application, along with all required documents and the application fee, to the Albanian embassy or consulate in your country.
7. Wait for processing. The processing time for a visa application can vary, so be patient. You can check the status of your application online or by contacting the embassy or consulate.
8. Receive the visa. If your application is approved, you will receive your visa. Attach it to your passport before traveling to Albania.

How Long Does It Take to Process an Albania Visa?

Processing an Albania visa typically takes between 15 to 30 business days. However, in some cases, it may take longer, up to 60 days or more, depending on the embassy or consulate’s workload and the completeness of the application. Applicants are advised to submit all required documents at the time of application to avoid delays. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee and requires submitting all necessary documents and proof of travel plans. It’s essential to check the Albanian embassy or consulate website for the most up-to-date information on processing times.

What Is the Validity of an Albanian Visa?

An Albanian visa’s validity refers to the period during which it allows the holder to enter and stay in Albania. The validity can range from 30 to 90 days, depending on the type of visa issued. Once in Albania, the length of stay is determined by the immigration authorities upon entry, which can be up to the visa’s validity period. It’s essential to note that overstaying the authorized stay can result in fines or legal consequences. A visa can also be extended for an additional period under certain circumstances, such as for work or study purposes. It’s recommended to check the Albanian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information regarding visa validity and extension policies.

Albania Visa Fees

Albania imposes visa fees on applicants from certain countries. The exact amount varies depending on the type of visa and the length of stay. For example, a short-term tourist visa costs €60 for a single entry and €120 for multiple entries. Business visas and long-term visas have higher fees. Applicants should check the Albanian embassy or consulate website for the most up-to-date visa fee information. These fees are non-refundable and must be paid in full at the time of application.

Can My Albanian Visa Be Rejected?

An Albanian visa application may be rejected for several reasons. The most common reasons include providing incomplete or incorrect information on the application form, failing to meet the eligibility requirements, having a criminal record or previous visa violations, and not providing sufficient proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Albania. Additionally, if your purpose of travel is not clear or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that you may pose a threat to public order or security, your application may also be denied. It is important to carefully review the visa requirements and instructions before submitting your application to avoid any potential issues.

How Can I Request a Residence Permit for Albania?

To request a residence permit in Albania, you must first obtain a legal stay in the country. This can be achieved through various means such as work permits, student visas, or family reunification. Once you have a legal stay, you can apply for a residence permit at the local police station or the Directorate General of Border Police within 15 days of entering Albania.

The application requires several documents including a valid passport, proof of legal stay, two passport-sized photos, and payment of the application fee. The fee amount varies depending on the type and duration of the residence permit.

The processing time for a residence permit application can take up to 30 days. During this period, you are required to reside in Albania and be available for any necessary interviews or document verifications.

It’s important to note that failure to apply for a residence permit within the required time frame may result in fines or even deportation. Therefore, it’s recommended to apply as soon as possible after obtaining a legal stay in Albania.

Is Albania in Schengen?

Albania is not yet a part of the Schengen Area, despite being an European Union candidate country since 2014. The Schengen Agreement enables free movement between 26 European countries without internal borders, but Albania’s accession is subject to meeting certain criteria, including adherence to the EU’s justice and home affairs policies. Albania has made progress in implementing necessary reforms, but challenges remain in areas such as border control, judicial independence, and corruption. Until these issues are fully addressed, Albania will not be able to join the Schengen Area.

Eligible countries

• 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
• Saudi Arabia
• Bahrain
• India
• Qatar
• Oman
• Thailand
• Citizens with a valid Schengen visa with multiple entries
• Citizens with a valid multiple-entry UK or US visa who still have a valid visa
• Citizens with a 10-year validity of the United Arab Emirates residence permit and is still valid for not less than one year after the date of entry in Albania
• Citizens from the EU and have a valid residence permit in one of the EU countries

Summary

Albania is a country that requires foreign visitors to obtain a visa, depending on their nationality. Here are the key points about Albanian visas:

1. Visa-exempt countries: Citizens of 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, and Switzerland are exempt from applying for a visa to Albania.

2. Types of Albanian visas: Albania offers short-term (C) visas, which allow a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days, and long-term (D) visas, which allow a stay of one year.

3. Albania visa requirements: To apply for an Albanian visa, you need a valid passport, one passport-style photo, a completed application form, a bank statement, travel health insurance, an invitation letter, proof of accommodation, and a booked flight itinerary. Children under 18 must also submit a document signed by both parents or legal guardians.

4. How to apply for an Albanian visa: To apply for an Albanian visa, you must fill out the application form online, submit all required documents, pay the visa fee, and wait for a response. The processing time is 15 working days, but it can take up to 30 days.

5. Albanian visa fees: Albania has a new rule for its visa fees, which requires citizens to pay the same fee that Albanian citizens pay in their home country.

6. Rejected visas: Albanian visas can be rejected if the application does not meet all the requirements, such as incomplete documents, false information, or missed appointments.

7. Residence permits: If you plan to stay in Albania longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit after 30 days of entering the country.

8. Albania and the Schengen Agreement: Albania is not a part of the Schengen Agreement, but holders of a Schengen visa can visit Albania for 90 days. Citizens of Albania can apply for an ETIAS starting from May 2025 to visit Schengen countries for tourism, business purposes, etc.