Albania Visa and E-Visa: Complete Guide
Albania has modernized its visa system with the introduction of the e-visa platform, making it significantly easier for foreign nationals to apply for entry. Whether you need a tourist visa, business visa, or long-stay visa for work and investment, Albania Ekonomist provides professional assistance to ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted correctly the first time.
Our team has processed over 1,000 visa applications with a 95% approval rate. We serve clients from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, the Middle East, and dozens of other countries that require a visa to enter Albania.
Who Needs a Visa for Albania?
Albania has a liberal visa policy. Citizens of over 90 countries can enter Albania without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, nationals of many countries still require a visa.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of the following countries and territories can enter Albania without a visa for up to 90 days:
- European Union member states — all 27 EU countries
- United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Western Balkans — Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Turkey, Israel, Japan, South Korea
- Gulf states — UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman
- Latin America — Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, and others
Additionally, holders of a valid multi-entry Schengen visa, US visa, or UK visa can enter Albania without a separate Albanian visa, regardless of their nationality. This is a significant advantage for travelers from countries that normally require a visa.
Countries That Require a Visa
Citizens of the following countries (among others) must obtain a visa before traveling to Albania:
- South Asia — India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal
- China (unless holding a valid Schengen/US/UK visa)
- Southeast Asia — Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar
- Africa — most African countries
- Central Asia — Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan
If you are unsure whether you need a visa, contact Albania Ekonomist and we will verify your eligibility based on your nationality and travel documents.
Albania E-Visa System
The Albanian e-visa system allows eligible nationals to apply for a visa entirely online through the official portal at e-visa.al. There is no need to visit an Albanian embassy or consulate in most cases.
How the E-Visa Works
- Create an account on the e-visa.al portal
- Select the visa type (Type A, Type C, or Type D)
- Fill in the application form with personal, travel, and accommodation details
- Upload required documents (passport scan, photo, travel insurance, invitation letter, etc.)
- Pay the application fee online by credit or debit card
- Receive your decision via email, typically within 15 working days
- Download and print the approved e-visa
Albania Ekonomist handles the entire process for you. We prepare the application, ensure all documents meet the requirements, submit the application, and track it until approval.
Visa Types
Albania issues three main types of visas, each designed for different purposes and durations of stay.
Type A — Airport Transit Visa
This visa is required only for nationals of specific countries who need to transit through an Albanian airport. It does not allow entry into Albanian territory outside the airport transit zone.
- Purpose: transit through Tirana International Airport
- Duration: valid for the transit period only
- Fee: approximately €30
- Required by: very few nationalities
Type C — Short-Stay Visa
The most common visa type for tourists, business visitors, and short-term stays. It allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Purpose: tourism, business meetings, conferences, short-term training, medical treatment, visiting family
- Duration: up to 90 days within 180 days
- Entries: single or multiple entry
- Fee: approximately €60
- Processing time: up to 15 working days (often faster)
Type D — Long-Stay Visa
Required for stays exceeding 90 days. This visa is typically the first step before obtaining a residence permit.
- Purpose: employment, investment, studies, family reunification, long-term business
- Duration: up to 1 year (serves as the basis for a residence permit application)
- Fee: €50 to €150 depending on nationality and reciprocity agreements
- Processing time: 15 to 30 working days
Pro tip: If you hold a valid multi-entry Schengen visa, US visa, or UK visa, you can enter Albania without any additional visa for stays of up to 90 days. This applies regardless of your nationality and is one of the simplest ways to visit Albania for business or tourism.
Required Documents
The exact documentation depends on the visa type, but the following are required for most applications:
For All Visa Types
- Valid passport (at least 3 months validity beyond the planned departure date, with at least 2 blank pages)
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photograph (white background, 35x45mm)
- Travel health insurance valid in Albania (minimum coverage €30,000)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host)
- Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements for the last 3 months)
- Round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary
Additional Documents for Business Visa (Type C)
- Invitation letter from the Albanian company or business partner
- Company registration certificate of the inviting company
- Letter from the applicant's employer confirming the business purpose of the trip
- Business registration of the applicant's company (if self-employed)
Additional Documents for Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
- Employment contract or letter of appointment (for work visas)
- Proof of investment (for investor visas)
- Enrollment confirmation (for student visas)
- Criminal background check (apostilled and translated into Albanian)
- Medical certificate confirming no communicable diseases
- Marriage or birth certificates (for family reunification)
Processing Times and Fees
The Albanian e-visa system has significantly reduced processing times compared to traditional embassy applications:
- E-visa (Type C) — up to 15 working days, often processed within 48 to 72 hours
- E-visa (Type D) — 15 to 30 working days
- Embassy application — similar timeframes, but requires an in-person appointment
Visa fees vary by nationality due to reciprocity agreements:
- Type A (transit) — approximately €30
- Type C (short-stay) — approximately €60
- Type D (long-stay) — €50 to €150
Fees are non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome. This is why accurate preparation is critical, and Albania Ekonomist ensures your application is correct before submission.
Extending Your Stay
If you need to stay longer than your visa allows, you have several options:
Visa Extension
In certain circumstances, a Type C visa can be extended at the Border and Migration Department in Tirana. Extension is not guaranteed and is typically granted only for exceptional reasons (medical emergency, force majeure, etc.).
Residence Permit Application
If you entered Albania with a Type D visa and wish to stay beyond its validity, you should apply for a residence permit. This must be done before your visa expires. Albania Ekonomist can transition your visa into a residence permit application seamlessly.
Exit and Re-Entry
If you are on a visa-free regime (90 days within 180 days), you must leave Albania before the 90-day limit. You can return after the 180-day period resets. Overstaying can result in fines and entry bans.
Warning: Overstaying your visa or visa-free period in Albania can result in fines of up to 200,000 ALL (approximately €2,000) and an entry ban of up to 5 years. Always plan your stay within the authorized period or apply for an extension or residence permit before your authorized stay expires.
Albania Ekonomist E-Visa Service
Our professional visa service covers everything from initial assessment to approved visa delivery:
- Eligibility check — we verify your nationality, visa requirements, and document readiness
- Document preparation — we review, translate, and format all documents to meet Albanian requirements
- Application submission — we complete and submit the e-visa application on your behalf
- Tracking and follow-up — we monitor the application status and respond to any additional requests from the authorities
- Delivery — we send the approved e-visa to you electronically, ready to print
The service is available in English, Albanian, and Italian, and covers applicants from any nationality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Citizens of over 90 countries can enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This includes all EU member states, the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Gulf states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc.), and most Latin American countries. Additionally, holders of valid multi-entry Schengen, US, or UK visas can enter visa-free regardless of nationality.
The application is submitted online through the official portal at e-visa.al. You create an account, select the visa type, fill in the application form, upload required documents (passport, photo, insurance, invitation letter), and pay the fee by card. Albania Ekonomist handles the entire process for you — we prepare documents, complete the application, submit it, and track it until you receive your approved e-visa.
The official processing time is up to 15 working days for Type C (short-stay) visas. In practice, many applications are processed within 48 to 72 hours. Type D (long-stay) visas may take 15 to 30 working days. We recommend applying at least 1 to 2 months before your travel date, especially during peak seasons or for applicants from countries with high application volumes (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh).
Type C visas can sometimes be extended at the Border and Migration Department for exceptional reasons. If you entered with a Type D visa, you should apply for a residence permit before it expires. For visa-free visitors, the 90-day limit within 180 days is strictly enforced. Overstaying can result in fines and entry bans. Contact Albania Ekonomist if you need to extend your stay — we can advise on the best legal option.
Yes. Holders of a valid multi-entry Schengen visa can enter Albania without a separate Albanian visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The same applies to holders of valid US and UK visas. The visa must be multi-entry and currently valid at the time of entry. This is one of the easiest ways to visit Albania if you already hold one of these visas.
Visa fees depend on the type: Type A (transit) is approximately €30, Type C (short-stay) is approximately €60, and Type D (long-stay) ranges from €50 to €150 depending on nationality and reciprocity agreements. Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Professional service fees from Albania Ekonomist are separate and cover document preparation, application submission, and tracking.
Need help with your Albania visa application?
Contact us for a free eligibility check. We will verify your visa requirements, prepare all documents, and submit your application for the fastest possible processing.