VISA TO ALBANIA

Based on DCM no 214/2021, can enter Albania without visa (up to 90 days, for purpose equivalent to those of the type C visa, provided in Law no 103/2013 "On aliens" amended)

Foreign citizens from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, India, Qatar, Oman, Russia and Thailand, can enter in Albania without visa, for short term stay, with the passport document, from 01 May 2022 until 30 September 2022.

In accordance with the legislation on foreigners (law nr. 108/2013 "On aliens" amended), the alien intending to enter into, stay and transit through and exit from the Republic of Albania, must appear in person at the border crossing point following the fulfilment of the conditions:

• Valid travel document;
• Invitation of the guarantor / inviter in Albania (or a contact number in Albania);
• Round trip ticket;
• Evidence of accommodation;
• Financial means, Albanian or foreign currency, that can be exchanged in an exchange agency in the Republic of Albania, in the amount of 50 euros per day of stay for adults and 25 euros for minors;

Exemption of visa to enter and stay in the Republic of Albania for up to 90 days in 180 days

• Foreign nationals that have a valid multiple entry Schengen visa, with the condition that the visa must have been used previously in one of the countries of the Schengen area or persons have a valid residence permit in one of the countries of the Schengen area.
• Foreign nationals that have a valid multiple entry visa or a valid residence permit issued by United States of America, Great Britain or Northern Ireland, with the condition that visa issued must have been used previously in the issued country.
• Foreigners who are provided with a 10-year residence permit, issued by the authorities of the United Arab Emirates, valid not less than one year from the moment of entry.
• Foreign citizens from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, India, Qatar, Oman, Thailand, can enter in Albania without visa,for short term stay, with the passport document, from 20 April until 31 December
• Foreign citizens from Egypt and Russia, can enter in Albania without visa,for short term stay, with the passport document, from 01 May until 30 September.
• Foreign citizens who enter and stay without visa in the Schengen area

Foreign nationals holding a standard UAE resident visa must apply for a pre-arranged e-visa via the official website https://e-visa.al

A visa is issued up to 15 days from the acceptance of the application and in exceptional cases may take up to 30 days.

Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Somalia and Syria must be able to provide a clear reason for travel and intentions during their stay and hold the additional documents mentioned below when travelling to Albania:

• a valid return ticket with the same booking confirmation number (PNR);
• a valid UAE residence visa issued at least 6 months before departure and must be valid for at least 3 months on the return to Dubai.
• a confirmed hotel booking or tour itinerary for the duration of stay in Albania;
• supporting documents, such as an invitation letter if travelling for business;
• sufficient funds for the duration of stay.
• Passengers who do not comply with the above mentioned requirements will be denied boarding.

E-Visa application process

1. The application process is carried out online
2. The initial verification process is carried out by the Consul, which includes checking the application form, all documents attached, and with the continuation of verifying the following:
3. If the application meets all the requirements, a message is sent to the applicant informing that their application has been accepted , and informs them of the fee to be paid and other procedures that must be followed
4. If there are irregularities in the application, the relevant notification is sent to the applicant and they are required to upload the relevant additional document requested
5. If the application does not meet all the requirements than the applicant is informed that their application for a visa has been refused , with the relevant explanation
6. When the Consul accepts the application and the relevant fee has been paid, the following procedures are followed:
7. The Consul informs the applicant if the visa application is approved
8. If the visa is refused, the Consul submits to the applicant the standard refusal message with the relevant explanation

Documents required:

1. Visa application form, completed by the applicant, which is available online free of charge (the application form is completed online during the application, is generated and downloaded by the sistem)
2. Proof of employment from their country of birth or country of residence. In case of this criteria not being met, the foreign citizen has to provide sufficient evidence that they will return to their country of birth or country of residence.
3. Photograph of the applicant, with dimensions 47 mm x 36 mm
4. Photocopy of the valid travel document
5. Statement according to the legal provisions, where the consent of the parent or legal guardian is expressed according to the legislation in force for the travel of the minor.
6. Invitation signed by the host.
7. Round-trip ticket reservation document, or to certify the possibility of personal transport.
8. Documents showing a booking in an accommodation facility, according to the legislation on tourism or invitation from the person, natural or legal, where they will be accommodated
9. Documents showing that the applicant has sufficient financial means for living, both for the duration of the stay and for returning to a third country, in which he is safe to enter or which is able to enjoy such financial and legal means in the Republic of Albania, in accordance with the provisions of this decision
10. Document certifying accommodation in the territory of the Republic of Albania.
11. Residence permit more than 12 months, issued from the country of residence, with a validity period of at least 3 addition months than the duration period of the required visa.

Notes:

• For children under 18 years, a statement expressing the consent of a parent or legal guardian of the child for the trip, or the person responsible is required.
• After the rejection of the stamp visa and e-visa, the foreigner has the right to reapply only after he has closed the appeal procedures, in case he has exercised this right or, if three months have passed from the date of receipt of the refusal decision.
• Obtaining a visa is not a guarantee that a foreigner is allowed to enter the Republic of Albania.
• Foreigners coming from countries affected by the epidemic or disease, at the Border Crossing Point can be requested to provide the original international vaccination card.
• People with dual nationality should choose the nationality according to the passport to be used for the travel. If the country of travel document registered on the e-visa is different than the passport carried; the e-Visa will be invalid. By travel document, we mean passports and ID cards(for the citizens of specific countries) . Other travel documents are not acceptable for an e-Visa application.
• Referring to article 28 (5), law 79/2021 “On foreigners”: Payment for visa stamp and e-visa and service is not returned in cases of refusal to issue a visa stamp and e-visa.

Holders of passports of the following 88 jurisdictions can enter Albania without a visa:

European Union All European Union citizens
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Australia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Barbados
Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Georgia
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Hong Kong
Iceland
Israel
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kosovo
Kuwait
Liechtenstei
Macau

Malaysia
Mauritius
Mexico
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
New Zealand
Nicaragua
North Macedonia
Norway
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Saint Kitts and Nevis
San Marino
Serbia
Seychelles
Singapore
South Korea
Switzerland
Taiwan
Trinidad and Tobago
Turkey
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Vatican City
Venezuela

For more information about visa please visit:

https://punetejashtme.gov.al/en/regjimi-i-vizave-per-te-huajt/