Traveling to Albania
The Republic of Albania is a country that boasts over 3 million visitors a year. Some foreign nationals may enter the Republic of Albania visa-free, while citizens of other countries are required to apply for an Albania visa, regardless of the purpose of their visit. The Albania visa is a single entry or multiple entry visa, with a permitted stay of 90 days within the 180-day validity period. Travelers wanting to stay beyond 90 days must apply for a long-stay Type-D Albania visa.
Albania visa types
There are three types of Albanian visas:
- Type “A” Albania Visa is for transit purposes
- Type “C” Albania visa grants the right to stay in the country for 90 days within a period of 180 days, for the following Albania visas:
- Tourist Visa
- Visa for tourism, organized in tourist groups – invited by an Albanian tourism agency
- Visa for scientific, cultural, sports and humanitarian reasons
- Official visit Visa
- Medical reasons Visa
- Professional, commercial and business purposes Visa
- Type “D” Albania visa is for foreign nationals who wish to stay in Albania for a period exceeding 90 days and obtain a residence permit after entering the country. The following Albania visas included under this type are:
- Visas for economic activities
- Visas for professional activities
- Commercial activity visa
- Visa for employment activities
- Visa for study purposes
- Family Reunion Visa
- Visas for economic activities
Albania visa requirements
The following is required for all Albania visas:
Application form
A completed, printed and signed Albania application form
Personal photo
One passport-size photograph, taken within the last 6 months, 47 x 36 mm in size
Passport photo
Photocopy of passport, valid for at least 3 months from the validity period of the requested Albania visa
Medical insurance
Travel medical insurance documents for the duration of the visa
Documents for minors
In the case of travel with minors under 18 years of age, a statement expressing consent for the trip by the child’s parent or legal guardian
Invitation
Host invitation with a passport copy (if the host is a foreigner, they will also need to present their residence permit in Albania)
Additional information may be required, depending on the purpose of your trip to Albania and the type of Albania visa being applied for.
Albania visa application
The following steps are required to apply for an Albania e-Visa and Albania sticker visa:
- Complete Albania visa application online
• Visit e-visa.al to create an account.
• Log in and select Albania visa type.
• Fill out Albania visa application.
• Upload required documents. - Wait for Albania visa resolution
The Albanian government will evaluate your case and email their resolution. You will receive a tracking number to check the status of your case.
- Pay Albania visa application fee
If application is accepted, you will be notified of the fees to be paid and other requirements to be met.
- Wait for Albania visa decision
• Use tracking number to check status of your case.
• If approved, you will be notified.
• If Stamp visa was ordered, go in person to the Albania embassy or representation office where you applied to retrieve Albania visa.
• Verify that the information is correct and matches your passport
Where to Apply for Albania Visa
Albania e-Visa
The Albania e-Visa application is an online procedure through the e-Visa service provided by the Albanian government. If approved, the e-Visa is an electronic authorization stamp that is emailed to the applicant, without the need to appear in person at the Albania embassy or representation office.
Albania sticker visa
The Albania sticker visa is an authorization on the applicant’s passport. Once the Albania visa application has been approved, the applicant will be required to go in person to the Republic of Albania embassy, consulate, or representation office where they applied in order to receive their approved Albania sticker visa.
Albania Visa Processing Time
The Albania visa processing time is normally up to 15 days from the acceptance of the application, but could take up to 30 days in some cases. It is advised to apply for your Albania visa at least 1-2 months before your trip, as additional documents may be required or delays may occur.
