Albania Visa requirements

Do I Need a Visa for Albania?

You do not need a visa for Albania if you are from one of the following countries:

All EU countries	China (Hong Kong)	Macedonia
Andorra	Hungary	Norway
Armenia	Ireland	Poland
Australia	Island	Portugal
Austria	Italy	Cyprus
Azerbaijan	Israel	Republic of Korea
Argentina	Japan	The Czech Republic
Barbados	Canada	Rumania
Belgium	Kazakhstan	San Marino
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Kosovo	Vatican- the Holy See
Brazil	Chile	Serbia
The United Kingdom	Croatia	United States of America
Bulgaria	Latvia	Singapore
Estonia	Lichtenstein	Slovakia
Denmark	Lithuania	Slovenia
Finland	Luxemburg	Spain
France	Malaysia	Sweden
Germany	Malta	Taiwan (China)
Greece	Montenegro	Turkey
Netherlands	Monaco	Ukraine
Bahamas	Switzerland	New Zeland

Other Visa Exemptions

You are also exempt from applying for a visa to Albania in the following instances:

• • If you are a foreign citizen who has a valid Schengen visa with multiple entries

• • If you are a foreign citizen with a valid multiple-entry UK or US visa who still has a valid visa.

• • If you are a citizen from one of the countries listed below, you will travel to Albania visa-free from 20 April 2022 to 31 December 2022:
    • • Saudi Arabia
    • • Bahrain
    • • India
    • • Qatar
    • • Oman
    • • Thailand

• • If you are a foreign citizen who has a 10-year validity of the United Arab Emirates residence permit and is still valid for not less than one year after the date of entry in Albania.

• • If you are a foreign citizen from the EU and have a valid residence permit in one of the EU countries.

Is Albania in Schengen?

The Republic of Albania is not a part of the Schengen Agreement. Citizens of Albania can apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) and visit the Schengen countries for 90 days for tourism, business purposes, etc.

However, holders of a Schengen visa are eligible to visit Albania for 90 days.

Types of Albanian Visas

Here are all the Albanian visa types:

Short-Term Visa Type (C)

A short-term visa will allow you to stay in Albania for 90 days within 180 days. This visa is issued more for the purposes listed below:

• • Visa for tourism.  

• • Visa for medical purposes. 

• • Visa for scientific, cultural, sports, and humanitarian reasons.

• • Visa for official visits.

Long-Term Visa Type (D)

A long-term visa will allow you to stay in Albania for one year. It is also issued if you plan to obtain a residence permit after entering Albania. Depending on the purpose of your stay, this type of visa is given for the purposes listed below: 

• • Student visa.

• • Family reunion visa.

• • Work visa. 

• • Diplomatic visa or service visa. 

• • Humanitarian or religious activities visa. 

• • Seasonal employment visa.

• • Retirement visa.

How Can I Request a Residence Permit for Albania?

A residence permit will allow you to stay in Albania longer than 90 days. Depending on your stay purpose, you can apply for a residence permit for work, study, family reunion, etc. You must apply for a residence permit after 30 days of entering Albania. The application procedure is online; you must apply online at the E-Albania. Follow these steps:

• • Click on the ‘Residence Permit’ button and complete the application with all the requested information.

• • Update all the other requested documents in PDF format.

• • An electronic notification arrives at the Police State office, and they start to process the application.

The application must prove that:

• • You fulfil all the requested criteria.

• • You have all the requested documents.

• • Your documents are original, legalized, and translated into the Albanian language.

After finishing all the demanded steps online, you must appear at the Migration Office of Regional in person and apply for a residence permit there. The local Migration Office will process your visa application. It takes 30 days to receive an answer.

After receiving an answer, you can collect your residence permit at the same office where you have submitted your visa application.

Albania Digital Nomad Visa

To attract more digital nomads, the Albanian government has introduced a legislative framework that will allow foreign remote workers to live in the country for a long time and introduced the Albania digital nomad visa, also known as the Unique Permit. As of September 2022, the visa’s implementation was delayed. It is still a draft law, and it’s not yet clear when it will finally be launched. But if you’re interested to know about it, here’s what we know about the Albania digital nomad visa so far.

The Albania digital nomad visa is a residency permit that allows remote workers to live in the country for up to a year, with an option to request an extension for the second year. After the second year, they can extend it for five more years. After that, they can apply for permanent residency. It is ideal for those who have plans to settle in Albania permanently.

If you are coming to Albania to work remote – check Out Nomad Island Tirana Coliving.

Albania Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility

The Albania digital nomad visa is open to a broader group of applicants, which include the following:

• • Foreign digital nomads employed abroad

• • Self-employed individuals who can work remotely

• • Students and researchers

• • Contractors and investors

• • Seasonal and cross-border workers

• • Retirees and real estate owners 

Applying for the Albania Digital Nomad Visa

It’s not yet clear what steps are involved in the application for the Albania digital nomad visa since the visa has not yet been launched officially. Ministerial decrees are required to establish the exact process of application.

But, according to some sources, the application for the permit will only be filed through a single authority. Currently, foreigners intending to live in Albania have to send two separate applications. One from the Labour Office and another from the Border and Migration Police. But the application for the Unique Permit will only be submitted to a single authority, which is a more convenient option for digital nomads.

Other Visa Options for Digital Nomads in Albania

Since the Albania digital nomad visa is not yet available for application, digital nomads who wish to enter the country can choose other visa options. The good news is that Albania has a generous visa policy, which is great for digital nomads who want to stay in the country longer. Depending on your nationality, you can stay in Albania for a long period without a visa.

For those holding a US passport, you can stay in Albania for up to a year without a visa, which is incredible. Likewise, digital nomads from Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Israel, the UK, and European countries can stay in Albania for up to 90 days without a visa.

Digital nomads who came from countries not mentioned above can apply for the Albanian e-visa. However, some nationalities may need to acquire their visa from an Albanian embassy or consulate.

The 5 best places in Albania for digital nomads

Tirana – Albania’s capital is a bustling centre with vibrant nightlife, delicious food and plenty of coworking spaces to choose from.

Berat – Known as the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning Ottoman-era architecture.

Saranda – This coastal town is the gateway to the Albanian Riviera with crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches.

Shkodra – Located near the border with Montenegro, Shkodra is a cultural and historical centre with many museums and galleries to explore.

Gjirokastra – Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gjirokastra is a well-preserved Ottoman-era city with stunning architecture and magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

Climate Albania

Albania has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The coastal regions have a typical Mediterranean climate with dry, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters. Inland, the climate is more continental with cold winters and hot summers.

Cost of living

Compared to other countries in Europe, Albania is incredibly affordable. A typical digital nomad can expect to spend around US$1000-1500 per month on living expenses, including rent, food and entertainment.

Finding accommodation

Albania has many affordable accommodation options for digital nomads. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can find everything from budget-friendly hostels to luxury flats. Some popular websites to find accommodation in Albania are Airbnb, Booking.com and Apartment List.

Working remotely in Albania

Albania has fast and reliable internet connectivity, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads. There are also many coworking spaces and cafes with free wifi where you can work and meet other digital nomads.

Conclusion

Albania is an underrated destination for digital nomads, but it is fast becoming a favourite among those who have discovered its charms. With its stunning natural beauty, affordable cost of living and now the Digital Nomad Visa, Albania is the perfect place to live and work as a digital nomad. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your laptop and head to Albania to uncover the Balkans’ best kept secret.

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Is Albania safe for digital nomads?

Yes, Albania is generally safe for digital nomads. However, as in any country, you should take precautions to protect yourself and your property.

 

Can I bring my family with me on the Digital Nomad Visa for Albania?

Yes, with the Digital Nomad Visa for Albania you can bring your spouse and children under the age of 18.

 

What is the process to get a Digital Nomad Visa for Albania?

You need to apply at the nearest Albanian embassy or consulate and provide the required documents, including proof of employment, health insurance and financial means of subsistence.

 

Are there any restrictions on the type of work I can do with the Digital Nomad Visa for Albania?

No, there are no restrictions on the type of work you can do on the Digital Nomad Visa for Albania as long as it is legal and does not involve working for an Albanian company or client.

 

What is the best time of year to visit Albania?

The best time to visit Albania depends on your preferences. The summer months are ideal for beach-goers, while spring and autumn are perfect for exploring the cities and countryside. Winter is generally mild and can be a good time to experience Albania’s winter sports and festivals.

 

Albania Visa for US Citizen

• • Americans do not need a visa to enter the Republic of Albania;

• • Americans generally are allowed to stay in Albania for up to one year without a residence permit;

• • You must have a passport valid for at least three months (we recommend that your passport have at least six months validity from your planned departure from Albania. You may apply to renew your passport with our consular section, as necessary.)

In addition to a valid passport, the Border and Migration officials may ask you to show one or more of the following:

• • Return ticket;

• • Confirmation of accommodation;

• • Work or study permits (if applicable);

• • Original international certificate of vaccination when the person arrives from countries (who.int) affected by an epidemic disease or illness;

• • Other evidence or documentation to verify your purpose of travel to Albania.

U.S. citizens generally do not have to register with the regional office of the border and migration authority for stays less than one year.  If you plan to remain more than one year, or if you are offered a job, or if you will be enrolling in a school or university, you must apply for a residence permit as explained further on this page.

Albania Visa German Citizen

German nationals do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days. If a stay longer than 90 days is planned, you must register with the Border and Migration Directorate within the first 30 days and apply for a residence permit there, including submission of an apostilled German certificate of good conduct.

Albania Visa UK Citizen

British citizens can enter and remain in Albania for a maximum of 90 days in every 6-month period without a visa. The Albanian authorities require anyone staying longer than 90 days to apply at a local police station for a residence permit.

As of 9 September 2021, British citizens who have a valid residence permit in the Republic of Albania can apply to be issued a Biometric Card for foreign citizens. The design of this card is very similar to the National ID Card issued to Albanian citizens.

Holding this card enables registration on the e-Albania platform, providing access to the services that the platform offers for foreign citizens.

In order to apply you should buy a coupon at the nearest Albanian Post Office and visit the ALEAT office located at the Border and Migration Directorate (the same office which issues residence permits) to submit your application in person.

You can find further information on the Albanian Ministry of Interior website.

Albania Schengen Visa

List of Non-Schengen/EU countries where you can GO with a Schengen Visa

The Schengen visa allows foreign nationals to enter any country in the European Union with a single entry permit. However, in addition to the countries that signed the Schengen agreement, a Schengen visa allows holders to visit several other countries that aren’t in the European Union or the Schengen zone— provided they hold a valid multiple entry visa for tourist or business, purposes.

List of Non-Schengen Countries You Can Enter With a Schengen Visa

Here is a list of the countries that are not members of the Schengen Area, but you can enter while you have a valid Schengen visa:

• • Albania

• • Antigua and Barbuda

• • Belarus

• • Bosnia and Herzegovina

• • Bulgaria

• • Colombia

• • Croatia

• • Northern Cyprus

• • Georgia

• • Gibraltar

• • Kosovo

• • Mexico

• • Montenegro

• • North Macedonia

• • Romania

• • Sao Tome and Principe

• • Serbia

• • Turkey