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Frequently Asked Questions

Albania Entry Policy Details

In recent years, Albania has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists seeking to experience its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. As a result, understanding Albania’s visa policy is essential for any traveler planning a visit to this Balkan gem. The policy outlines the requirements and procedures for various nationalities, with some able to enter visa-free for up to 90 days, while others need to secure a visa in advance through an Albanian consulate or embassy.

The Embassy Registration, an online service offered by the Albanian government, forms an integral part of the Albania visa policy, streamlining the process for travelers seeking entry into the country. This article will provide an overview of the key aspects of the visa policy of Albania, offering valuable guidance for prospective visitors.

Explaining the Albania eVisa

The Albania eVisa is an authorization printed electronically, generated with an electronic stamp, and supplied to the applicant over an email. Therefore, the applicant need not visit the Diplomatic or Consular offices of the Republic of Albania as it can be obtained easily online.

The Albanian government began the eVisa online application system to pre-screen visitors who want to go to Albania. Before traveling by air, land, or sea to Albania, they must finish the eVisa process. The Albania eVisa for Indian citizens is available online.

What is Required for Albania eVisa?

The full eVisa application process is administered by the Albanian government and is processed online. In addition to providing their biographical information, applicants must respond to queries regarding their eligibility for the VWP (Visa Waiver Program). A passport is required for entry. However, citizens of some nations or territories can travel without a visa using merely their ID cards instead of their passports. The following are some of the requirements to obtain an Albania eVisa:

• Passport validity of a minimum of three months from the date of entry into Albania
• Original vaccination card or certificate

Additional Documents:

If applicable, visitors need to carry the following additional documents depending on their visa type:

• Dimensions of the applicant’s picture should be 47 mm x 36 mm
• A statement made in accordance with the law, expressing parental or legal guardian consent for the minor’s travel in accordance with the applicable laws
• Travel health insurance
• Having a validity of at least three months longer than the duration of the necessary visa, a residence permit valid for more than a year must be given by the nation of residence.
• Hotel reservations or a certificate of lodging on Albanian soil
• Request letter
• Host’s signature on the invitation

Visitors with dual nationality should decide which of their nationalities will be listed on their travel documents. The Albania eVisa will be void if the travel document’s registered country of origin differs from the passport being used. Passports and ID cards (for the citizens of particular nations) are considered travel documents. Other travel documents cannot be used to apply for an eVisa for Albania. Children who don’t yet need their ticket for their travel must also obtain travel authorization.

Types of Electronic Visa (eVisa)

Three different types of visas for Albania are available electronically in the form of Albania eVisa as well as visitors have the option to get such visas stamped.

Airport Transit Visa or Type "A"

It is given to the holder in the form of a stamped visa or printed in electronic format. The airport transit visa for Albania allows travelers to enter and remain in an airport’s international zone until they need to board their next aircraft to their destination. This visa’s validity is determined by the length of time and the number of tickets the applicant has reserved for transit. One, two, or more entries may be allowed on Type "A" visas.

Additional Documents Required for Type A Albania Visa

• If a visa is required to enter the destination country, the visitor must carry a photocopy of that visa, as well as any additional paperwork that demonstrates a link to the country.

Visa for Short Stay or Type "C" Tourist Visa for Albania

It can be printed either electronically ( Albania eVisa) or issued as a stamped visa. It allows the bearer to enter and remain in the Republic of Albania for up to 90 days in 180 days beginning on the date of initial admission. There are different entry options for type "C" visas. One, two, or more entries may be included on a type "C" visa. The validity term cannot be longer than five years for this visa. The various sub-categories of Type C eVisas for Albania and the additional documents that are required for each subcategory are listed below.

Type C- Albania Visa for Tourism

Visitors are requested to carry the following additional documents for Albania Tourist Visa:

• Proof of employment from their country of birth or country of residency. If this criterion is not satisfied, the foreign national must offer sufficient proof that they will return to their country of origin or previous residence.
• Documents proving a reservation in a lodging establishment in accordance with tourist regulations or an invitation from the person, legal or natural, where they will be housed.
• Documents attesting the applicant’s financial stability, both during the stay and while departing for a third country where he/she is safe to enter or where he/she can access such resources legally in the Republic of Albania in compliance with this decision.
• Reservation form for a round-trip ticket, or to confirm the availability of personal transportation.

Type C-Visa needed for Scientific, Cultural, Sports, and Humanitarian Reasons

For this type of Albania visa, the following documents are required:

• A letter of invitation from a local organization involved in science, culture, sports, or humanitarian work, allowing the foreigner to participate in an activity for which the issuance of the relevant visa is necessary.
• The proof that the applicant’s nation of origin has successfully carried out long-term scientific, cultural, sporting, or humanitarian endeavors.
• Documents attesting the applicant’s financial stability, both during the stay and while departing for a third country where he/she is safe to enter or where he/she is able to access such resources legally in the Republic of Albania in compliance with this decision.

Type C- Official Visit Visa

To obtain this visa for Albania, the visitor must produce the following documents:

• The host institution’s invitation letter
• Verbal note from the organization that the foreign employee works for

Type C- Visa for Medical Reasons

To obtain an Albania visa for medical reasons, visitors will need to submit the following documents:

• Medical diagnosis (original or replica) in Albanian given by a local physician.
• A declaration from a licensed hospital in the Republic of Albania (private or public) detailing the sort of medical care provided, when it will begin, how long it will last, how much it will cost, and who will be paying the bills.
• Documents demonstrating the availability of the necessary and adequate funds to pay for the associated medical costs, as well as those associated with the patient’s and his companion’s stay outside the healthcare system or repatriation to their country of origin.
• The patient’s companion(s) must have travel health insurance to pay for any necessary charges in the event of the patient’s emergency hospitalization, for his or her stay in Albania, as well as the costs of repatriation.

Type C-Commercial, Professional & Business Purposes Visa

For an Albania Business visa, applicants must be ready with the following paperwork:

• A document that attests to the professional or commercial activities in the destination nation along with the visit’s objectives.
• Vehicle’s international travel permit.
• Travel Permit for international circulation.
• Evidence of the driver’s competence on a global scale.
• Proof of lodging on Albanian soil.

Type C-Visa for Tourism, Organized in Tourist Groups - Invited by An Albanian Tourism Agency

The following documents are required for the above Albania visa:

• A photocopy of the passport page that documents the foreign national’s entry and authorized stay in the nation where they are currently making their visa application.
• Notarized and licensed photocopy of the foreign or Albanian tour operator, who is offering the travel package.

Visa for Long Stay or Type "D"

Foreign nationals who want to stay in Albania for more than 90 days within 180 days, must have a visa to Albania to get a residence permit. In this case, a Type D visa is issued in the form of a stamped visa or it can be printed electronically.

The following are the subcategories of Type D:

Type D- Visa for Study Purposes

Prospective students will need to provide the below-mentioned documents for an Albania study visa:

• A document attesting to the enrollment in or acceptance to an Albanian educational institution.
• Financial proof that living and educational costs are covered.
• Certificate attesting to the applicant’s linguistic proficiency to conduct studies. An interview with the person in charge of consular affairs at the embassy or consulate is another way to confirm language proficiency.
• A document attesting to lodging on Albanian soil.
• A document demonstrating the inviting entity’s legitimacy.

Type D-Family Reunion Visa

For issuance of Albania Family Reunion Visa, applicants will need to submit the following paperwork:

• Notarial declaration or notarial agreement of cohabiting persons indicating their cohabitation for more than 12 months. It should be supported by personal certificates proving the civil status of the partners without a married relationship. This certificate should be issued not more than one month before the visa application by the competent authorities in the country of origin.
• If necessary, include additional documentation, such as photos, videos, etc., demonstrating a long-term relationship with the person requesting the family reunion.
• Documents demonstrating the foreign host’s availability and compliance with housing requirements in Albania (notarized photocopies of lease agreements, proof of apartment ownership, etc.)
• A photocopy of the Albanian citizen’s identification card or a photocopy of the foreigner’s identification card, as well as a copy of their residence permit, if they want to be reunited with the applicant’s family.
• A notarized photocopy of the official document attesting that the foreign host (who is living in Albania) is working or self-employed. Proof of whether this individual has enough money to support the person or people he has invited and who may be in his care during his stay in Albania.
• A document proving that the foreign applicant has or once had at least one parent or grandparent who was an Albanian citizen. This document should be issued by Albanian institution or foreign institutions where the applicant is applying.

Type D-Visa for Humanitarian or Religious Activities

For Type D Albania visa for humanitarian and Religious activities, applicants must provide the following documents:

• A notarized copy of the license authorizing the performance of charitable or religious activities. Travelers must also submit a statement about the humanitarian organization’s goal in doing its work.
• In the case of Type D visa applications, a document demonstrating the applicant’s professional or commercial activity or competence in their home country is connected to the purposes for the applicant’s visa application.
• Proof of inviting entity’s legitimacy.
• Having a validity length of at least three months longer than the duration of the necessary visa. A residence permit valid for more than a year must be given by the nation of residence.

Type D-Diplomatic Visa or Visa Service

Travelers with Albania Diplomatic Visa need to provide the following papers:

• A statement made in accordance with the law, expressing parental or legal guardian consent for the minor’s travel in accordance with the applicable laws.
• A written note from the organization.
• An invitation from the host institution.

Type D-Visa for Seasonal Employment Purposes

Applicants with the above visa for Albania, need to submit the following documents:

• Document demonstrating the registration of a foreign applicant for a visa with the authorized employment institutions in the applicant’s country of origin who is employed seasonally.
• A certificate from the National Employment and Skills Agency stating that the applicant meets the requirements for prior employment authorization under the law on foreigners.
• Proof of accommodation.
• A legitimate employment agreement for seasonal job activity with a definite term of up to six months, in line with the laws in effect that regulate labor relations in the Republic of Albania.

Type D-Visa for Unpaid Trainee

To obtain the above type of visa for Albania, an unpaid trainee needs to provide the following:

• A certificate demonstrating basic language proficiency with which the visa applicant will finish their instruction.
• Admission certificate to a private or public training facility with a vocational training license.
• Proof of accommodation on Albanian soil.
• For Type D visa requests, a document demonstrating the applicant’s professional or entrepreneurial activity in their home country that is connected to the purposes for the visa application is required.
• A document demonstrating the inviting entity’s legitimacy.

Type D-Visa for Au Pairs

For issuance of Albania Au Pairs Visa, applicants must be ready with the following documents:

• Agreement with the host family outlining the job hours, regular payments, and course participation.
• A statement of financial support from the host family or au pair program.
• A certificate attesting to the applicant’s proficiency in the language of the activity. The interviewer in charge of consular affairs at the embassy or consulate will also verify the language proficiency of the applicant.

Type D-Visa Required for Youth Exchanges

Individuals applying for Albanian Youth Exchange Visa must submit the following proof:

• Authentication that the foreigner is a beneficiary of youth exchange programs from the institution or organization.

Type D- Visa for Research

Those applying for Albania Research Visa must meet the following visa requirements:

• Agreement or contract reached with an Albanian research institution for the aim of conducting scientific research.
• In the case of Type D visa applications, a document demonstrating the applicant’s professional or commercial activity or competence in their home country is connected to the purposes for the applicant’s visa application.
• Proof of the inviting entity’s legal standing.

Type D- Visa as An Employee

Individuals needing an Albania Visa to work as an employee need to provide the following documents:

• For Type D visa requests, a document demonstrating the applicant’s professional or entrepreneurial activity in their home country that is connected to the purposes for the visa application is required.
• A certificate from the National Employment and Skills Agency stating that the applicant meets the requirements for prior authorization to work in the categories specified by the law on foreigners.

Type D- Visas for In-House Transferees

For issuance of Albania visa for in-house transferees, the following statement will be required:

• An internal transfer statement is required.

Type D-Visa for Athletes

To obtain a visa for athletes, Albanian authorities will need the following proof:

• Contract for employment with the sports organization.
• The court’s judgment approving the legal entity’s registration or the extract of the registration in the NBC for the sports club or employer depending on where the employee would be working.

Type D-Visa for Vocational Training

For Albania’s visa for vocational training, applicants must provide the following certificate

• Certification of professional competence, which is related to the approval of vocational training. It could be a degree, certificate, training, or other kinds of credentials.

Type D- Visa for Highly Qualified Employees

Individuals applying for Albania visa for highly qualified employees will need to provide the following paperwork:

• A higher education credential diploma.
• A legal employment agreement that complies with the laws in place that control labor relations in the Republic of Albania.

Type D-Visa for Voluntary Service

For Albania’s Voluntary Service visa type, the following documents need to be submitted:

• In the case of Type D visa applications, a document demonstrating the applicant’s professional or commercial activity or competence in their home country. It should be connected to the purposes of the applicant’s visa application.
• A certificate from the National Employment and Skills Agency stating that the applicant meets the requirements for a prior employment clearance under the law on foreigners.

Type D-Visa for Digital Mobile Workers

Digital mobile workers seeking Albania visa must provide the following papers:

• Valid employment agreements with foreign employers or service agreements with foreign clients or contractors who are willing to perform specific operations without a fixed headquarters. It must also permit the use of information technology equipment.

Type D- Visa for the Crew of Vessels

Individuals applying for visa for the Crew of Vessels must provide the following proof:

• A legitimate employment agreement that complies with the laws currently in existence that control labor relations in the Republic of Albania.
• In the case of Type D visa applications, a document demonstrating the applicant’s professional or commercial activity or competence in their home country is connected to the purposes for the applicant’s visa application.

Type D- Visa for Investors

Those wishing to apply for Albania’s investor Visa must submit the following documents:

• In the case of Type D visa applications, a document demonstrating the applicant’s professional or commercial activity or competence in their home country that is connected to the purposes for the applicant’s visa application is required.
• A certificate from the National Work and Skills Agency stating that the applicant meets the criteria for employment and has received prior approval, as required under the law on foreigners.

Type D-Visa for Contracting Services

Individuals applying as contractors need to submit the following:

• A certificate attesting the professional qualifications for performing the service in accordance with the law that is now in effect.
• Certificate of approval from the National Work and Skills agency.
• A service agreement with the organization based in Albania.

Type D-Visa for Use of Owned Immovable Property

For the above Albania visa type, the applicant must provide the following evidence:

• An ownership certificate must be submitted.
• Proof that the applicant has the money to cover the expenses for the required length of time.
• A personal statement regarding the reason for staying in Albania

Type D-Visa for Pensioners (Retired)

Pensioners applying for an Albania visa need to provide the following proof:

• A Pension certificate issued by the nation of residence or origin
• Evidence of yearly income must be provided, with a minimum of one million two hundred thousand coming ONLY from pensions received in the country of origin.

Type D-Visa for Self-Employed People

For the above visa to Albania, the following documents should be provided by self-employed people:

• Certification of professional ability pertaining to the approval of self-employment in the form of a diploma, certificate, training, or other qualifications.
• The statement of the entity’s legal status.
• A document attesting accommodations on Albanian soil.
• A certificate from the National Employment and Skills Agency stating that the applicant meets the requirements for prior employment authorization under the law on foreigners.

Note: All the above visas can be obtained electronically as well. For more updates on Albania eVisa, it is best to reach out to the embassy officials.

Exemptions

Certain nationals can travel to Albania visa free. Law No. 108/2013 "On Foreign Citizens,", and the Council of Ministers Decision No. 513/2013- "On Criteria and Procedures for Entry, Stay, and Treatment of Foreign Citizens," as amended, form the foundation of Albania’s visa policy. Albania’s visa regulations are comparable to those of the Schengen Area. Most Schengen-annexed nations, as well as Australia, the United States of America, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom, are among the nationalities that can enter without a visa.

The following belong to the visa-exempt category:

• Foreign nationals who possess a valid, multiple-entry UK or USA visa that has already been used in the respective country of issuance or those who possess a valid US or UK stay permit.
• Foreign nationals who enter and remain in the Schengen region without a visa.
• Foreign nationals who possess a genuine, multiple-entry Schengen visa that has been previously used in a Schengen state. Furthermore, foreign nationals who possess a current, valid stay authorization in a Schengen state.
• Foreign nationals who have a 10-year residency permit that has been issued by the United Arab Emirates’ competent body and is still valid at least a year after admission.
• Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Thailand are permitted to enter Albania without a visa for the period between April 20, 2023, and December 31, 2023, provided they possess a valid passport.
• Holders of a legitimate Green Card, those who possess resident permits issued by a Schengen nation, and refugees or applicants with stateless travel credentials issued by an EU or EFTA member state are also exempt from requiring a visa.
• For a maximum stay of 90 days within 180 days, anyone of Albanian ancestry may enter Albania without a visa.

All other nationals can request a visa at the embassy of Albania that is geographically close to their home country or place of residence.

Albania Visa Processing Time

In Albania, visa processing time can vary depending on the type of visa being applied for and the specific requirements of each applicant. Generally, the processing time for an Albanian visa can take anywhere from 5 to 15 working days. However, it is important to note that this is an approximate time frame and actual processing times may be shorter or longer, depending on various factors.

Applicants are advised to submit their visa applications well in advance of their intended travel date to avoid any potential delays or complications. During peak travel seasons or holidays, the processing time may take longer due to an increased volume of applications. Additionally, incomplete or incorrect documentation can result in further delays, as the applicant may be required to resubmit their application with the correct information.

In the case of the Albania eVisa, the processing time is generally shorter, with many applications being approved within 48 to 72 hours. However, similar factors can impact the processing time for eVisas, such as peak seasons or incomplete documentation. It is always recommended that applicants double-check their information and ensure they have provided all necessary documents before submitting their application.

While the average visa processing time for an Albanian visa ranges from 5 to 15 working days, applicants should be aware of potential delays and plan accordingly. Applying well in advance, providing complete and accurate documentation, and being aware of peak travel seasons can help ensure a smoother visa application process.

Moreover, a key feature that distinguishes Albania’s visa policy is its openness towards specific countries or territories, allowing for visa-free travel and entry with ID cards instead of passports. This flexible approach demonstrates Albania’s commitment to fostering international relations, promoting tourism, and encouraging economic growth. Additionally, the introduction of the Albania eVisa system streamlines the visa application process for eligible travelers, making it more accessible and convenient.