Albania Visa

There is no Albania visa on arrival for Indian citizens. Also, thankfully, there’s no need for an Albania or Kosovo visa for Indian travellers to enter Albania for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days. However, one must need a valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay to travel from India, along with a return or onward ticket.

If you plan to stay in Albania for over 90 days, you must apply for a visa at the Albanian embassy or consulate in India. The visa application process can take several weeks, so it is important to apply well before travel.

To meet the entry prerequisites for Albania departing from India, you will typically need to satisfy the following conditions:

Valid Travel Document or Passport: It's imperative to possess a valid Indian passport, as it serves as a mandatory entry document.

Proof of Adequate Financial Means: Demonstrating sufficient financial capability is commonly required, often calculated at a minimum of around 50 Euros per day for your stay.

Health and Medical Obligations: Although not explicitly outlined, Albania, like numerous nations, might enforce health-related entry obligations such as immunisations or health certificates.

Entry Regulations for Minors: The specific requirements for minors' entry into Albania will hinge on whether they are foreign nationals or Albanian citizens. Factors like parental authorisation could potentially come into play.

Travel and Health Insurance Coverage: It is advisable to possess comprehensive travel insurance or a health policy with substantial medical coverage, generally valued at a minimum of 20,000 Euros.

Transit Stipulations: If your travel route encompasses transit through Albania en route to a different country, adhering to the entry prerequisites of the final destination or any intermediary countries is crucial.

Criminal Background Verification: It is conceivable that entry might be declined due to an unfavourable international criminal record.

Please note that entry prerequisites can be subject to change and can vary based on individual circumstances, so it's advisable to consult the official Albanian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information before planning your journey.

No, there is no visa on arrival for Indian citizens in Albania.

Indian citizens must obtain a visa in advance from an Albanian embassy or consulate. Since the visa application process is lengthy, apply well before your travel date.

Albania is NOT a part of the Schengen Region.

The Schengen Region is a group of 27 European countries that have agreed to abolish passport and border controls between them. Albania is not a member of the European Union and, therefore, is not part of the Schengen Region.

However, Albania is eligible to join the Schengen Region and has worked towards this goal since 2009. In 2019, Albania was granted candidate status for membership in the European Union, which was necessary before joining the Schengen Region.

If Albania is granted full membership in the European Union, it is expected to join the Schengen Region within a few years. However, there is no guarantee that this will happen, as there are still some political and economic hurdles that Albania needs to overcome.

In the meantime, if you have a valid Schengen visa, you can enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days.

There are 3 types of visas that people usually apply for from India. Here are the specific visa requirements for each type of visa:

Tourist visa (Type C): This visa is for stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. It can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. To apply for a tourist visa, Indian citizens must submit the following documents to the Albanian embassy or consulate in India:

• A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.

• A completed visa application form.

• A recent photograph.

• Proof of hotel reservation(s) or other accommodation arrangements.

• Proof of onward or return ticket.

• Proof of financial support (bank statement, credit card statement, etc.)

• Proof of travel insurance that covers the entire stay in Albania.

Business visa (Type C): This visa is for stays of up to 90 days for business purposes. It can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. To apply for a business visa, Indian citizens must submit the following documents to the Albanian embassy or consulate in India:

• A valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.

• A completed visa application form.

• A recent photograph.

• Proof of invitation from a business partner or organisation in Albania.

• Proof of hotel reservation(s) or other accommodation arrangements.

• Proof of onward or return ticket.

• Proof of financial support (bank statement, credit card statement, etc.)

Work visa (Type D): This visa is for stays of more than 90 days for employment purposes. It can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. To apply for a work visa, Indian citizens must submit the following documents to the Albanian embassy or consulate in India:

• A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.

• A completed visa application form.

• A recent photograph.

• A work permit from the Albanian authorities.

• Proof of hotel reservation(s) or other accommodation arrangements.

• Proof of onward or return ticket.

• Proof of financial support (bank statement, credit card statement, etc.)

To apply for a visa to Albania, Indian citizens must submit the following documents to the Albanian embassy or consulate in India:

• A valid passport

• A completed visa application form

• A recent photograph

• Proof of hotel reservation(s)

• Proof of onward or return ticket

• Proof of financial support (bank statement, credit card statement, etc.)

• A letter from the employer or sponsor, if applicable

Here are the specific visa requirements for each type of visa:

Albania Tourist visa for Indian Citizens: In addition to the above documents, Indian citizens applying for a tourist visa must also provide proof of a travel insurance plan that covers their stay in Albania.

Albania Business visa for Indian Citizens: In addition to the above documents, Indian citizens applying for a business visa must also provide a letter from their employer or sponsor stating the purpose of their visit and the duration of their stay.

Albania Work visa for Indian Citizens: Besides the above documents, Indian citizens applying for a work visa must also provide a work permit from the Albanian authorities.

Online Process

• The Albania visa process for Indians can be done online from your home. If you are comfortable applying for the visa online, follow these below-listed steps to get it done from the comfort of your home or office:

• Go to the website of the Albanian embassy or consulate in India.

• Click on the "Visas" tab.

• Select the type of visa you need.

• Fill out the online visa application form.

• Upload the required documents.

• Pay the visa application fee.

• Submit your application.

Offline Process

If you wish to take up the traditional way to apply for an Albanian visa from India, you can go with the offline visa application process as stated below:

• Visit the Albanian embassy or consulate in India.

• Fill out the visa application form.

• Provide the required documents.

• Pay the visa application fee.

• Submit your application.

The processing time for an Albania visa for Indian citizens is typically 15 working days. However, it can take up to 30 days in some cases. Applying for your visa at least 2 weeks before your travel date is advisable to allow for enough processing time.

The visa processing time can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, the number of entries you need, and the volume of applications at the embassy or consulate.

If you apply for an online visa, the processing time is typically faster than when applying offline.

You can check the status of your visa application online or by contacting the Albanian embassy or consulate in India.

Here are the steps on how to check the status of your Albania e-visa for Indian travellers’ application:

• Go to the website of the Albanian embassy or consulate in India.

• Click on the "Visas" tab.

• Enter your visa application number and other personal information.

• Click on the "Check Status" button.

• You will be able to see the status of your visa application, such as whether it has been approved or rejected.

The visa cost for Indians applying for a visa to Albania depends on the type of visa they are applying for.

[Note: The prices may change at any time. It is always best to check with the Albania embassy or consulate in India for the latest prices.]

The visa cost can be paid in cash, by credit card, or by wire transfer.

The visa application fee is non-refundable, even if the visa application is denied.

It is not mandatory to have a travel insurance plan for Albania, but it is highly recommended.

An overseas travel insurance plan provides financial protection in case of unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings.

While Albania might not have a strict requirement for travel insurance, it's wise to secure coverage to ensure a smooth trip and mitigate potential expenses arising from unexpected situations.

Nevertheless, verifying the most current travel regulations and requirements from official government sources or the Albanian embassy before your departure is essential, as regulations can change over time.

Opting for a comprehensive international travel insurance plan like those offered by Tata AIG can yield substantial advantages. Travel insurance serves as a safety buffer, addressing unforeseen scenarios that have the potential to disrupt your travel plans. This becomes especially vital when exploring Albania, a nation known for its diverse landscapes and various activities.

Tata AIG's travel insurance policy extends coverage to medical emergencies, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare in an unfamiliar destination. Due to potential language barriers and differing medical protocols, insurance provides peace of mind. Moreover, you can claim travel insurance policy in just a few clicks.

Albania's varied topography offers adventures like hiking, skiing, and exploring extensive terrains. In this context, travel insurance can encompass protection against mishaps related to adventure sports.

Information last updated Oct'23. While this information is sourced reliably, visa requirements can change. For the most current visa details, visit the official Consulate/Embassy website.