Albania, a Balkan gem with a captivating blend of coastal beauty, ancient history, and welcoming culture, has streamlined its entry process with the introduction of the e-Visa system. This electronic visa simplifies travel for tourism, business, and short visits. 

The following guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Albania e-Visa application process, outlining eligibility criteria, necessary documentation, and step-by-step procedures to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience.

A Guide to Understanding the Albania E-Visa Process

The Albania e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows foreigners to enter Albania for various reasons, like work, tourism, or transit. This digital visa eliminates the need to go to an embassy or consulate, making the application process easy and quick.

Discover the Types of Albania E-Visas for Every Traveler

Albania provides three main types of e-visas to accommodate different travel needs. Each visa type is nicely laid out, briefly describing each subcategory.

Type A: Airport Transit Visa

Type A visas are intended for travellers who pass through Albania without entering the country.

In simpler terms: Imagine you have a connecting flight that stops at an airport in Albania. If you need to change planes but won't be leaving the airport building, you might need this type of visa. It basically gives you permission to be in the airport during your layover.

Type C: Short Stay Visa

Type C visas are excellent for travellers who intend to visit Albania for a short time of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. These visas are accessible for a variety of purposes.

Important Notes for all Type C Visas:

• Maximum Stay: 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Visa-free entry: Some nationalities may enter Albania without a visa for short stays. It's essential to check the specific requirements based on your citizenship.

Type D: Long Stay Visa 

People who plan to stay in Albania for longer than ninety days are eligible for type D visas. These visas are granted for a number of long-term objectives:

Key takeaway for Type D visas: These visas are for stays longer than 90 days. They require more extensive documentation than short-stay visas and are tied to a specific purpose, such as employment, study, or investment.

Family and Personal Reasons

Visas for family and personal reasons cater to individuals seeking to strengthen personal connections or enjoy their investments in Albania. Whether reuniting with family, retiring in tranquility, or residing in owned property, these visa options provide tailored pathways to make Albania your temporary or permanent home.

Special Activities

Albania offers specialized visa options for individuals pursuing humanitarian, cultural, or athletic endeavors, providing pathways to engage in meaningful experiences within the country.

Miscellaneous Purposes

Albania also offers visa options for various other specific purposes not covered by the standard categories, catering to unique circumstances.

• Diplomatic Visa or Visa Service (D)

  Diplomatic visa or visa service is issued to diplomats and international organization staff.

• Visa for Crew of Vessels (D)

  Issued to seafarers working on vessels docked in Albanian ports.

Make sure to check out the Albania visa type page for more information on the various types of visas. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an Albania e-Visa

With its e-Visa system, which enables online application in a few simple steps, Albania has simplified travel. To guarantee a successful application procedure, adhere to these easy steps.

Filling Out the Application Form

Access the Portal

Visit the Albania e-Visa portal and click on the “Apply for Albania e-Visa” option.

Enter Your Details: Provide accurate information as per your travel document, including:

• Nationality

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Gender

• travel document information (number, issue/expiry dates)

• Oc Bcupation

• Current city and contact details

Upload Documents: Attach the necessary documents, ensuring they are in the required format.

• A travel document that is valid for at least three months past the visa's required expiration date.
• Photo: Passport-sized, plain background.
• Fund Proof: Bank statement (last 12 months).
• Insurance: Travel health insurance.
• Accommodation: Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family), hotel booking, or rental agreement.
• Itinerary: Flight details (dates, times, airline).
• Residence permit: A residence permit from the applicant's home country that is valid for more than 12 months and for at least three more months after the required visa expires, if applicable.

Depending on the type of visa that the applicant is requesting, the applicant is required to provide different documents.

Note: To include additional applicants under the same application, click the ‘Add Applicant’ option before proceeding.

Processing Time Selection

Based on your urgency, select the ideal processing time:

• Standard Processing: Typically takes longer time to process application.
• Expedited Processing: Faster service available at an additional cost.

Application Submission

Review Your Details: Double-check all the entered information to ensure accuracy. Submit Your Application: Click “Submit & Review” and save your application reference number for future tracking.

Payment of Fee

Payment Method: Debit/credit card or online banking can be used to pay the application fee securely. Confirmation: After successful payment, wait for a confirmation email as proof of payment.

Albania Visa Fees and Pricing

Approval and e-Visa Delivery

The e-Visa will be mailed to your email address upon the approval of your application.

Download and Print: Keep both a digital and physical copy of your e-Visa. At the Border: Present your e-Visa along with your travel document to immigration authorities.

Who Can Enter Albania without a Visa? 

Regular passport holders from 84 countries do not need a visa to visit Albania for tourism purposes and are granted permission for a short-term stay upon arrival. 

Special Circumstances in which you do not need a Visa to enter Albania

You can travel to Albania visa-free and stay there for 90 days if: 

• You have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa and have previously used it in a Schengen country.

• You have a valid permit to stay in one of the Schengen states.

• You possess a valid multiple-entry US or UK visa that you have already utilized.

• You hold a valid permit to stay in the United States or the United Kingdom.

• You are a resident of the United Arab Emirates with a 10-year residence permit valid for at least one year from your intended entry into Albania.

• You are eligible for visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.

• Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Thailand can enjoy visa-free entry to Albania till December 31, 2024. To enter the country, these citizens simply need a valid passport.

• You hold travel documents issued by an EU Member State for refugees, stateless persons, or individuals with subsidiary protection.

Important Note: Regardless of the above conditions, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Albania.

Nationals Who Require Visa to Enter Albania 

Except for citizens of the countries and those who fulfil the previously mentioned requirements, citizens of all other nations must obtain a visa to enter Albania.

Can I get my Albania visa at the Embassy or Consulate? 

Yes, you can apply for an Albanian visa by visiting the Embassy or Consulate. Follow the steps to apply in person: 

How to get Albania visa: online or through the embassy

Note: To ensure accurate information and avoid potential inconvenience, it is strongly recommended to contact the nearest embassy or consulate to confirm the availability of visa services and specific requirements.

• Visit the embassy and consulate: Find and contact the Albanian embassy or consulate in your country. 

• Arrange an appointment: Arrange an appointment by adhering to the embassy's procedure.

• Prepare required documents: Gather your passport, completed visa application form, photo, financial proof, travel insurance, and any other necessary documents.

• Visa fee payment: Pay the visa fee and collect the receipt. 

• Submit your application: Attend the interview, complete the application, and provide biometric information if necessary.

• Wait for processing: Visa processing normally takes 15 to 30 days. 

• Collect your visa: Collect your visa once it has been approved and verify its details before travelling.

Documents for a Seamless Albani E-visa Application

The following documents are required in order to apply for an e-visa to Albania:

• Valid Travel Document 

  A passport or other legitimate travel document. Provide copies of prior visas if appropriate.

• Passport-Size Photo

  Provide a recent passport-size colour photo with a plain background that meets visa application standards. Get Overview of Photo Requirements for Albania Visa

• Bank Statement or Fund Proof 

  Submit a bank statement or fund proof from the last 12 months issued by your bank, proving financial stability to support your stay in Albania.

• Travel Health Insurance

  Not required, but will serve as proof to support you in the event of a medical emergency in Albania.

• Letter of Invitation (If Applicable)

  Include a letter from your host in Albania confirming they will accommodate you during your stay.

• Proof of Accommodation

  Submit documentation showing where you will stay in Albania, such as a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from your host.

• Booked Flight Itinerary

  Provide your flight itinerary detailing travel dates, flight times, and the airline you will be travelling with.

• Residence permit

  A residence permit from the applicant's home country that is valid for more than 12 months and for at least three more months after the required visa expires, if applicable.

Apart from the above-mentioned documents, an applicant will need other supporting documents based on the type of visit and occupation. To learn more about those documents, see the Albania visa requirements website. 

What's the validity period for an Albania e-Visa?

Tourist visas permit a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and may be issued for single, double, or multiple entries. For stays longer than 90 days, a long-stay (D) visa is necessary, but first, you must obtain a residence or unique permit.

Note: You will be prohibited from entering the Republic of Albania for five years if you remain there for more than ninety days on a tourist visa.

How can I check Albania's E-visa status? 

The Albania e-Visa statuscheck tool makes it simple to check the progress of your Albania e-Visa application online. Follow these steps: 

• Go to the Albania e-Visa status check page 
• Enter your application ID and travel document number. 
• Click on check status. 
• Verify your application's current status, such as whether it is being reviewed, accepted, or denied.

Can I get my Albania E-visa quickly? 

You can choose the faster option when applying for your Albanian eVisa to request expedited processing. With expedited processing, your e-visa application is usually handled in fewer working days compared to regular processing. Be sure to keep your application accurate and complete so you can steer clear of any delays!

Top Tourist Attractions in Albania

Located in the centre of the Balkans, Albania has a remarkable array of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. Let's examine some of its most popular locations, each of which offers visitors a distinctive experience.

Tirana: The Colorful Capital

With its blend of Ottoman, Italian, and communist traditions, Tirana is the energetic centre of Albania. Skanderbeg Square, the famous Pyramid of Tirana, and the serene Grand Park are some of its highlights. Tirana exemplifies Albania's rich culture and vibrant way of life with its lively bazaars and street art.

Berat: The Thousand-Window City

Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is well-known for its ancient elegance and Ottoman-style homes. Discover the city's ageless beauty by strolling through the Mangalem and Gorica neighbourhoods, exploring Berat Castle for expansive vistas, and visiting the Onufri Museum to see religious icons.

The City of Stone, Gjirokaster

Another UNESCO-listed treasure is Gjirokastër, which is well-known for its stone-built architecture. Its magnificent castle has a military museum and breathtaking views. The city's historic traditions can be seen through the cobblestone streets and the ethnographic museum.

Lake Ohrid: A Natural Wonder

One of the oldest lakes in Europe is Lake Ohrid, which is shared with North Macedonia. Pogradec is a lakeside town with a picturesque promenade and tranquil views. For those who enjoy the outdoors, nearby Drilon National Park is a serene location.

Albania is a memorable place because of its many attractions. There is something for everyone in this Balkan treasure, from its vibrant cities to its tranquil natural settings. Plan your journey now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: While this information is accurate as of January 2025, it is recommended that you double-check with appropriate authorities, embassies, and airlines for the most recent travel instructions.