Albania continues to be one of Europe’s most accessible destinations for international travelers. With visa-free access for most European countries and many global passport holders, visiting Albania in 2026 is straightforward for tourism, leisure, cultural trips, and short-term stays.
This guide focuses exclusively on tourist entry requirements, explaining who can enter visa-free, who needs a visa, the types of visas available, and what travelers should know before arriving in Albania.
Visa-Free Entry to Albania
Albania maintains an open and traveler-friendly entry policy, especially for European visitors. Citizens of the European Union, Schengen Area, EEA countries, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom can visit Albania without a visa for short stays.
In most cases, EU and Schengen nationals may enter Albania using either a valid passport or a national ID card, making entry particularly simple for European travelers. Visa-free stays are permitted for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, in line with common European travel rules.
Similarly, travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many other Western countries can also enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or short visits.
In practice, Albania’s visa policy closely mirrors the Schengen Annex II list, meaning that nationals who are visa-exempt for the Schengen Area are also visa-exempt for Albania for short stays.
Who Can Enter Albania Without a Visa?
EU / Schengen / EEA / UK citizens
Citizens of these countries may enter Albania with a passport or, where applicable, a national ID card, provided it is valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure. No visa is required for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea (and similar countries)
Nationals of these countries do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Official travel advisories confirm visa-free entry for short stays.
Schengen, US, or UK visa and residence permit holders
Foreign nationals who hold a valid, multiple-entry Schengen visa or residence permit, provided it has been used at least once, may enter Albania without obtaining an Albanian visa. The same exemption applies to holders of multiple-entry US or UK visas or long-term US or UK residence permits. In practice, this allows travelers from countries such as India to visit Albania visa-free if they already hold a valid Schengen, US, or UK visa.
UAE long-term residents
Holders of a 10-year UAE residence permit, valid for at least one year at the time of entry, are exempt from Albanian visa requirements.
Temporary seasonal exemptions
Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Thailand, and Indonesia may enter Albania visa-free for tourism purposes (up to 90 days) during the period 15 April – 31 December 2025. These exemptions are strictly seasonal and apply only to tourism.
Additional notes
Holders of EU-issued refugee or stateless person travel documents are also eligible for visa-free entry. In general, anyone who does not require a visa to enter the Schengen Area can also enter Albania without a visa for short stays.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Albania?
Travelers whose nationality is not included in the visa-exempt categories above must obtain an Albanian visa before traveling.
This applies to many countries in Asia, Africa, and parts of Eastern Europe. For example, Russian and Belarusian citizens require an Albanian visa, unlike most Western European nationals.
Albania does not generally offer visas on arrival for tourists. Travelers who need a visa must apply in advance, either through an Albanian embassy or via the official online visa system. All required visas must be secured before arrival.
Types of Albanian Tourist Visas
Albania offers two main visa types relevant to visitors:
Type C (Short-Stay Visa)
This is the standard tourist visa, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa and may be valid for up to five years, although the stay limit per visit remains 90 days.
Type D (Long-Stay Visa)
This visa is intended for travelers planning to stay in Albania for more than 90 days. While often associated with work or study, it is also the required entry visa for those who plan to apply for a residence permit after arrival. A Type D visa alone does not allow unlimited stay; it enables legal residence procedures once in Albania.
(Type A – Airport Transit): A limited transit visa that applies if you are simply connecting through an Albanian airport. Tourists rarely need Type A unless explicitly transiting.
How to Apply for an Albanian Visa?
Online e-Visa (Type C/A): Albania offers a fully digital visa application system for short stays. Tourists (and business visitors) apply through the official e-Visa portal (https://e-visa.al) . Submissions are only online. Applications should be made well in advance of travel (up to 90 days prior). Processing normally takes about 15 working days (up to 30 in peak season). Once approved, you receive an electronic visa by email, which must be presented on entry and exit.
E-Albania (Type D): Long-stay visa (Type D) applications are handled via Albania’s e-Albania system. If staying longer than 90 days, apply online before travel for a Type D visa or plan to apply for a residence permit from within Albania.
Embassy/Consulate: If you cannot apply online (or if required by your situation), submit your application at the nearest Albanian diplomatic mission. (Many countries refer applicants to embassies in nearby capitals.) In any case, applicants must be outside Albania when applying and paying.
Processing: Visa applications are adjudicated by Albanian consulates (sometimes via regional embassies such as in Beijing, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul). Normal turnaround is up to 15 working days, with a possible extension in exceptional cases. Receipt of a visa allows travel but does not guarantee entry – border officials may deny admission if requirements are unmet.
Entry Document Requirements
All visitors need a valid travel document. Passport requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you exit Albania. (Embassies often advise a validity about 6 months beyond stay.) The passport should have been issued within the last 10 years (for visa-exempt entry). If you require a visa, your passport must also have at least 2 blank pages for the visa sticker. Albanian authorities may also request a photocopy of passport pages of interest (e.g. previous visas). ID cards: EU/EEA citizens may enter on a valid national ID card alone, and it must also meet the 3-month validity rule.
In summary, Albania’s visa policy (governed by Law No. 79/2021 and related regulations) is unusually traveller-friendly. Most Europeans and citizens of Western or visa-exempt countries need no advance visa, enjoying 90‑day stays on their passport or even ID card. Non‑exempt nationals must obtain an Albanian visa (Type C for short visits) via the online portal or embassy. Always check the latest official sources or the e-Visa site, as Albania has been expanding its exemptions (e.g. the 2023 China agreement).
Length of Stay and Extensions
Tourists entering Albania—whether visa-free or with a Type C visa—are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Albania does not offer automatic extensions for tourist stays. Travelers wishing to remain longer must apply for a residence permit, usually after entering Albania with a Type D visa.
Overstaying a tourist stay can result in fines, administrative penalties, and future entry restrictions, so travelers should carefully monitor their length of stay.
Digital Nomads and Long-Term Visitors
Tourist entry to Albania does not grant the legal right to work, including remote work for foreign employers.
Travelers planning long-term stays, including digital nomads, must follow the Type D visa and residence permit route to remain compliant with Albanian regulations. Working while on a tourist stay is not legally permitted, even if income is earned abroad.
Entry by Air, Land, and Sea
Albania applies the same visa and entry rules regardless of how travelers arrive.
Whether entering via international airports, land borders, or ferry connections from Italy or neighboring countries, visa requirements remain identical. However, border checks at land crossings may be more detailed, and travelers should ensure all documents are readily available.
Common Visa and Entry Mistakes to Avoid
Many travelers face issues due to misunderstandings rather than strict rules. Common mistakes include assuming Albania is part of the Schengen Area, expecting a visa on arrival, traveling with insufficient passport validity, or misunderstanding the 90/180-day rule.
Albania is not part of Schengen, but it applies similar short-stay rules. Travelers should always verify their eligibility before departure.
Final Notes and Official Sources
Visa policies can change, especially regarding exemptions and special agreements. Travelers are strongly advised to consult official Albanian government sources or the e-Visa portal before traveling.
Read our complete guide to Money in Albania – Cash, Cards & ATMs Explained (2026 Guide) to understand how payments work, where cash is still essential, and what to expect from ATMs and card usage during your trip.
