Albania (AL)

• A tourist visa for Albania is valid for up to 90 days
• No visa is required for EU, Schengen, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand citizens
• Visa on arrival available for some nationalities
• Check visa requirements before travel

Part 1. Complete Your Application Online

 
1. The visa application for Albania must be completed online.

2. Make sure you are outside the territory of Albania before applying and paying the visa fee.

Part 2. Pre-Verification by Consul

Your application form and uploaded documents will be reviewed by the Albanian consul.

Possible Outcomes

1. If your application is accepted. You will receive a notification to pay the visa fee, based on the visa type requested.

2. Corrections Needed. If there are issues with your application, you'll be asked to upload the correct documents following provided instructions.

3. Application Rejected. If your application doesn’t meet the required criteria, it will be rejected according to the legal framework.

Part 3.  Pay the Visa Fee

The visa fees are outlined for your reference, you can find the details about visa types and fees here.

After Payment Is Made

1. You will receive an email confirming that your application is in the "evaluation process".

2. The processing time is usually up to 15 working days, but in special cases, it may take up to 30 working days.

Part 4. Receiving the Decision

1. If your visa is approved, the e-Visa system will generate and email you the electronic visa.

2. You must present this visa at the Border Crossing Point of Albania when entering and leaving the country.

3. If your visa is rejected, you will receive an email with the legal reasons for the decision.

Important Notes to Keep in Mind

1.  You must apply for your visa within 90 days of your intended travel date. Applications made too far in advance will be rejected.

2. Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

3. Documents from your home country or country of legal residence must be translated into Albanian or English, certified, and legalized as per international agreements.

4.  Holding a visa does not guarantee entry into Albania.

5. Communication with Albanian authorities during the application process is not allowed unless they contact you directly.

Special Guidelines

1. If the visa fee is not paid within 15 days, the application status will change to “Not paid” and will be automatically rejected.

2. Visa applications for children under 18 must be submitted by a parent, legal guardian, or legal carer.

3. After a visa rejection, you can reapply only after all appeal procedures are completed or three months have passed since the rejection.

4. You have the right to appeal a visa rejection within 5 working days by sending your arguments and evidence to visa@mfa.gov.al.

For Dual Citizens

1. When applying, choose the nationality of the passport you will use for travel.
The travel document used for the e-Visa must match the document presented during travel.

2. Only a passport or an identity card (for specific residents) is acceptable for an e-Visa application.

Need Help?

The Directorate for Consular Affairs at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is the only body authorized to handle appeal requests.

1.  Albania Tourist Visa Application Portal

2.  Albania Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. Valid passport

2. Two recent passport-sized photos

3. Completed visa application form

4. Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter)

5. Travel itinerary (including flight reservations)

6. Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during the stay

7. Travel Insurance

8. Proof of employment or enrollment in school

9. Bank statements for the last three months

10. Letter of invitation (if applicable)

11. Copy of previous visas (if applicable)

12. Medical insurance covering the entire duration of the trip.

Click here to find the official visa cost per country 

If you wish to extend your visa in Albania, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Visit the local office of the Department of Border and Migration to inquire about the extension process.

2. Apply for a visa extension at least 15 days before your current visa expires.

3. Provide all necessary documents, including a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during the extended stay, and a letter explaining the reason for the extension.

4. Pay the required fee for the visa extension.

5. Attend any interviews or appointments scheduled by the immigration office.

6. Wait for a decision on your visa extension application. If approved, you will receive a new visa with an extended validity period.

It is important to follow all instructions carefully and provide accurate information to avoid any delays or complications in the visa extension process.

Travelers to Albania are not required to have any specific medical exams or vaccination certificates. However, it is recommended to be up to date on routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), and influenza.

It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses while abroad. In case of any medical emergencies, the healthcare system in Albania may not be as advanced as in some other countries, so it is important to be prepared.

Overall, there are no special requirements or conditions for travelers to Albania in terms of medical exams or vaccinations. Just make sure to take basic health precautions, such as drinking bottled water and avoiding street food, to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

Travelers to Albania should be aware of the following local laws and customs:

1. Drinking age - The legal drinking age in Albania is 18 years old. It is illegal for anyone under this age to purchase or consume alcohol.

2. Dress code - When visiting religious sites or rural areas, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully. This means covering shoulders and knees, especially for women.

3. Smoking - Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and public transportation. Be mindful of designated smoking areas.

4. Currency - The official currency in Albania is the Albanian lek. It is best to exchange money at authorized exchange offices or banks to avoid counterfeit bills.

5. Photography - Always ask for permission before taking photos of locals, especially in rural areas. Some people may be uncomfortable with having their picture taken.

6. Respect for elders - Albanian culture places a strong emphasis on respecting elders. It is customary to greet older individuals with a handshake.

Albania is a small country located in Southeastern Europe, known for its stunning coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The country is home to a rich history, with ancient ruins such as Butrint and Gjirokastër Castle.

Albania is also famous for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like fërgesë, a spicy baked dish with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese. The country is also known for its traditional music and dance, with the polyphonic singing style recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Albania has a diverse landscape, with rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and charming villages waiting to be explored. The capital city, Tirana, is a vibrant hub of culture and history, with colorful buildings and bustling markets. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or delicious food, Albania has something for everyone to enjoy.