Albania visas
Whether you need a visa to enter Albania depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay: many nationalities can enter visa-free for short visits, while others must obtain a short-stay (Type C) or long-stay (Type D) visa, and anyone staying beyond the permitted short period needs a residence permit. Entry visas are administered by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs through the national e-Visa portal, while residence and work permits are issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its Border and Migration Authority. Always confirm the current rules for your nationality on the official government portals before you travel.
Albanian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Albania — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.4 visas
- Work visasComing to Albania to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Albania — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Albania.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Albania as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Albania long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Albanian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Albania — key facts
- Visa authority
- Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Albanian lek (ALL)
- Time zone
- Central European Time (CET, UTC+1)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.