Is the Albanian e-Visa compulsory for EU citizens?

No. Citizens of the European Union and the Schengen area are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days out of 180 days. All you need is a valid national identity card or passport. The recommended residual validity is three to six months after the date of return.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Albania?

No. The Albanian system does not require a visa on arrival. If you require a visa, you must obtain your e-Visa from your country of residence before departure. If you arrive without a visa, you will be turned back at the border.

How far in advance of my departure should I apply?

As the official processing time is between 15 and 30 working days, we recommend that you submit your application at least 30 to 45 days before your planned departure date. This leaves a comfortable margin in case the Albanian authorities require additional documentation.

Does my Schengen visa mean I don't need an Albanian e-Visa?

Yes, under certain conditions. If you hold a valid Schengen multi-entry visa or a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen state, the UK or the USA, and have already used this document at least once in the issuing country, you are exempt from the e-Visa for Albania.

Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days?

For stays longer than 90 days, it is necessary to apply for a residence permit from the General Directorate of Borders and Migration in Albania, before the first 90 days have expired. Return trips to reset the counter are strongly discouraged and may result in refusal of entry.

Is the e-Visa valid for multiple entries?

The e-Visa can be issued for single or multiple entries, depending on the nature and purpose of the trip. Specify your needs when you submit your application. Multi-entry visas are particularly suitable for recurring business trips or combined stays with other Balkan countries.

Does my Albanian e-Visa allow me to visit Kosovo, Montenegro or Northern Macedonia?

No. The Albanian e-Visa is strictly limited to the Republic of Albania. For neighboring countries, you'll need to check individual entry requirements. Please note that Kosovo accepts Schengen, American and British visas for certain nationalities.

Why entrust my process to Visamundi rather than going it alone?

The official Albanian portal is in English and Albanian, contains numerous technical fields and requires a high level of documentary accuracy. A date error, a non-compliant photograph or an incorrectly scanned receipt can result in a definitive refusal. Visamundi guarantees you a compliant file from the very first submission, monitors progress on a daily basis and intervenes with the authorities if further information is required.

e-Visa Albania

What you need to know before applying for your e-Visa

Online procedure

The e-Visa application is completed entirely online from your country of residence — no physical submission to an embassy is required.

No visa on arrival

Albania does not issue visas on arrival: any traveller subject to a visa requirement must obtain their e-Visa before departure.

3 formats available

Airport transit (type A), short stay single entry (type C) or multiple entries (type C) — three e-Visa types depending on the nature of the trip.

Interface of the Albanian e-Visa portal — The official portal e-visa.al, available in English and Albanian, centralises all electronic applications.

The Albanian e-Visa exists in two main categories: the type A visa (airport transit) and the type C visa (short stay of 90 days). The latter can be issued for single or multiple entries, depending on the nature and frequency of your travel. Accepted purposes include tourism, business, conferences, short-term studies, medical care, family visits, cultural or sporting events, and transit.

The application must be submitted from abroad, before your arrival on Albanian territory. There is no visa on arrival in Albania: presenting yourself at the border without a prior visa, if one is required, will result in immediate refusal of entry.

Nature: e-Visa (genuine electronic visa, not an ETA)
Categories: Type A — airport transit / Type C — short stay (90 days)
Entries: Single or multiple depending on the application
Length of stay: 90 days maximum over a 180-day period
Visa validity: 180 days from the date of issue
Processing time: 15 to 30 working days
Visa on arrival: Not available
Passport: Valid for at least 3 months after the return date, 2 blank pages

Good to know

Albania does not use the euro. The local currency is the Albanian lek (ALL). The exchange rate is approximately 100 ALL per 1 EUR (approximate rate). Plan to exchange cash upon arrival or at currency exchange offices in major cities: most Balkan countries outside Croatia do not accept the euro in everyday transactions.

Who needs an e-Visa — and who is exempt?

Albania applies a very flexible visa exemption policy for many nationalities. Before submitting an application, check whether you fall into one of the exempt categories: if so, your passport alone is sufficient to enter the territory.

The following are exempt from a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period:

Citizens of the European Union (including France, Belgium, Luxembourg…) and the Schengen Area — a valid passport or national identity card is sufficient.
Nationals of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
Holders of a valid multi-entry Schengen visa that has already been used at least once to enter the Schengen Area.
Holders of a valid visa or residence permit issued by the United States or the United Kingdom, provided it has previously been used in the issuing country.

EU / Schengen nationals

Visa-exempt. A valid national identity card or passport is sufficient for a stay of up to 90 days.

Used multi-entry Schengen visa

Exempt from the e-Visa if the visa has already been used at least once to enter the Schengen Area.

Africa, Asia, Middle East, Latin America

Most nationals from these regions are subject to the e-Visa requirement. Morocco, Algeria, India, the Philippines, Senegal… must submit a complete application.

Minors under 6 years old

Exempt from consular fees. Between 6 and 12 years old, fees are reduced by half compared to the adult rate.

Beware of seasonal exemptions

Certain countries benefit from temporary exemptions decided each year by Albanian decree, particularly during the summer season (as has been the case for Tunisia in certain years). These exemptions are not permanent and may be suspended. Check the situation for your nationality with the Albanian embassy or through your Visamundi account at the time of your application.

The complete application: supporting documents and documentary requirements

Example of documents required for the Albanian e-Visa — Each document is reviewed before submission to the official portal e-visa.al.

The exact list of documents varies depending on the visa category and the applicant's nationality. However, a common documentary base applies to the vast majority of applications. All documents not written in Albanian or English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

A photograph that does not meet biometric standards, a poor-quality scan, or a missing supporting document are the most frequent causes of refusal or requests for additional documents — resulting in longer processing times and the risk of a final refusal without reimbursement of consular fees.

Documents to prepare for your Albanian e-Visa

Valid ordinary passportResidual validity of at least 3 months after the expected return date, with a minimum of 2 blank pages. High-definition colour scan, without glare or cropping.
Recent digital identity photographTaken face-on against a plain light background, complying with biometric standards (passport format, neutral expression, no tinted glasses or head covering except for religious reasons).
Proof of accommodationConfirmed hotel reservation, seasonal rental, or an invitation letter from a private host with a copy of their identity document.
Return or onward travel ticketDated and consistent with the requested length of stay.
Proof of financial meansBank statements for the last 3 months, employment certificate, pay slips, or any document establishing the ability to finance the stay and return.
Travel medical insuranceCovering the entire stay in Albania and repatriation costs. Strongly recommended, sometimes required depending on nationality.
Copies of previous visasSchengen, US, UK or Albanian visas. A favourable travel history is a positive factor in the assessment of the application.
For minorsBirth certificate, notarised parental consent from both parents or the legal guardian, copies of parents' identity documents.
For specific purposesInvitation letter from an Albanian company (business), letter from the hospital facility (medical), enrolment certificate (studies), family invitation (visit).

Profiles subject to enhanced scrutiny

Certain nationalities are subject to in-depth review by the Albanian authorities. Additional documents may be requested: criminal record extract, detailed employer certificate, bank statements for the last 3 months, copies of previous Schengen or US visas. A personalised assessment allows these requirements to be anticipated from the very start of the process.

Step by step: how to submit your e-Visa application

1
Check your eligibility
Confirm that your nationality is indeed subject to a visa requirement (and not exempt). Identify the visa category suited to your purpose of travel: transit (type A) or short stay (type C, single or multiple entries).
2
Gather your documents
Prepare all the supporting documents listed above. Check the quality of your scans and the compliance of your biometric photograph. Have any documents written in a language other than English or Albanian translated.
3
Submit your application
The official form is submitted on the e-visa.al portal, in English and Albanian. Each field must be filled in accurately: an incorrect date, an improperly completed field, or a poorly scanned document can lead to a final refusal.
4
Initial review by the Albanian authorities
After submission, the authorities carry out an initial admissibility review. Only once this step is completed will you be asked to pay the consular fees. The processing time begins from the date of payment.
5
Pay the consular fees
Consular fees vary depending on nationality and visa category. They are collected directly by the Albanian administration and are non-refundable, even in the event of a final refusal. Consult the official fee schedule on the e-visa.al website.
6
In-depth processing
The Albanian authorities process the application within 15 to 30 working days. This period may be extended during peak season (spring-summer) or if additional documents are requested. It is prohibited to contact the administration on your own initiative: any communication must come from the embassy.
7
Receipt of the e-Visa
In the event of a favourable decision, the e-Visa is sent in digital format. Print it out and keep it with your passport. Present it at check-in and at border control upon your arrival in Albania.

30–45 days

Recommended lead time before departure

Submit your application at least 30 to 45 days before your departure, to accommodate any additional delays caused by requests for supplementary documents.

Critical point: deferred payment

Unlike most visa procedures, Albanian consular fees are payable after an initial admissibility review of the application by the authorities. You will only be invited to pay once this preliminary check has been completed. However, the fees remain non-refundable in the event of a refusal during the in-depth processing stage: the quality of the initial application is therefore decisive.

Consular fees, duration and authorised entry points

Albanian embassy directives — Albania prohibits any spontaneous contact with the embassy: only the administration may initiate communications.

The cost of an Albanian e-Visa is made up of two independent components. On one hand, the consular fees, set by the Albanian government and collected directly via the official portal — the amount varies depending on the applicant's nationality and the visa category. On the other hand, the service fees of a specialist agency that assists the traveller throughout the process.

As a guide, the consular fees shown on the available application forms are 25 € for transit (type A), 25 € for the 90-day single-entry visa (type C), and 80 € for the 90-day multiple-entry visa. These amounts correspond to an average schedule: the definitive fee applicable to your nationality is set out in the official Albanian documentation.

Once issued, the e-Visa is valid for 180 days from the date of issue. This means you have a six-month window in which to make your first border crossing. The effective length of stay remains limited to 90 days maximum over any rolling 180-day period — in line with the international commitments made by Albania as part of its European integration process.

An issued visa does not automatically guarantee entry to the territory: border police retain a discretionary power at the checkpoint. Always present your proof of accommodation, your return ticket, your insurance certificate and your proof of financial means at every border crossing.

Main entry points:

Tirana Nënë Tereza International Airport (TIA) — the country's main hub, at Rinas, 17 km north-west of the capital.
Kukës International Airport (KFZ) — serving the north-east of the country, currently under development.
Vlorë International Airport (VOA) — recently opened to commercial traffic, in the south-west.
Port of Durrës — the country's main port, with ferry connections to Italy (Bari, Ancona, Trieste).
Ports of Vlorë and Sarandë — connections to Brindisi (Italy) and Corfu (Greece).
Land border crossings — with Greece (Kakavijë, Kapshticë), Montenegro (Hani i Hotit, Muriqan), Kosovo (Morinë) and North Macedonia (Qafë Thanë, Kafasan).

The Albanian e-Visa is strictly limited to Albania

The Albanian e-Visa is only valid for the Republic of Albania. It does not authorise entry into Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia or any other neighbouring country. For neighbouring countries, check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality separately. Note that Kosovo accepts, for certain nationalities, Schengen, US and UK visas in lieu of a national visa.

Practical tips and trip preparation

Albanian landscape — Riviera and Balkan heritage — The Albanian Riviera and the UNESCO-listed cities (Berat, Gjirokastër) make it a contrasting and affordable destination.

Albania is one of Europe's most contrasting and least visited destinations. Its coastline stretches for nearly 450 kilometres between the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea. Its mountain ranges reach over 2,700 metres in the Albanian Alps. Its historical heritage bears the traces of successive civilisations: Illyrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman.

Tirana is known for the colourful architecture of the Blloku quarter, its national history museum and the Bunk'Art memorial dedicated to the legacy of communist dictatorship. Berat and Gjirokastër, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offer a striking panorama of Ottoman architecture. The Albanian Riviera — from Vlorë to Sarandë, with its turquoise beaches at Ksamil, Dhërmi and Himara — now rivals the Croatian coast, at prices that are still very affordable.

Currency

Albanian lek (ALL). Approximately 100 ALL per 1 EUR. The euro is not accepted in everyday transactions. Use official currency exchange offices.

Language

Albanian. French is rarely spoken; English and Italian are more widely understood in tourist areas.

UNESCO Heritage

Berat and Gjirokastër (historic towns) and Butrint National Park (a unique archaeological site with 2,000 years of history) are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Combined Balkans

Albania lends itself to a regional itinerary with Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia. Plan the necessary visas for each country separately.

Pre-departure checklist

e-Visa received and printedKeep a digital copy and a paper version. The electronic visa must be presented at check-in and at border control.
Passport valid for the entire duration of the stayResidual validity of at least 3 months after the return date. Check that at least 2 blank pages remain.
Proof of accommodation accessibleHotel confirmations, seasonal rentals or invitation letters within reach for border control.
Return or onward ticketTo be presented systematically at border control to demonstrate your intention to leave the territory within the permitted period.
Active travel medical insuranceCovering the entire stay, medical care on the ground and medical repatriation. Check the reimbursement limits.
Proof of financial meansRecent bank statements, international bank card. Cash in Albanian lek facilitates payments in rural areas and local markets.
Length of stay respectedDo not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. Beyond this, a residence permit must be obtained from the General Directorate of Borders and Migration before the expiry of the first 90 days. Exit-and-return trips to reset the counter are strongly discouraged.

Key takeaways

The Albanian e-Visa is a full electronic visa subject to substantive administrative processing. The official processing time of 15 to 30 working days makes it essential to apply well in advance. The distinctive feature of the Albanian procedure is that consular fees are payable after an initial admissibility check — but these fees remain non-refundable in the event of a final refusal. Documentary rigour is therefore essential from the very first submission. Once the e-Visa is obtained, it opens access to a remarkably diverse country: sea, mountains, UNESCO-listed sites and Mediterranean cuisine, in one of Europe's most affordable destinations.

Albania

3 options for Albania

Transit eVisa

90-day eVisa (single entry)

90-day eVisa (multiple entries)