Can You Travel to Albania with an EU ID Card in 2026?
Yes — Albania allows citizens of EU countries to enter with an accepted national identity card instead of a passport. Check the validity and travel status of the document issued by your country.
SHORT ANSWER
EU citizens can travel to Albania with an accepted national ID card.
Official Polish guidance states that Albania allows citizens of EU countries to enter using national ID cards as a unilateral facilitation. Your card must be valid as a travel document; check your issuing country’s guidance before departure.
EU ID CARDS
Can I travel to Albania with an EU ID card?
Yes. Polish government guidance explicitly states that Albania permits Polish citizens and citizens of other EU countries to enter using national identity cards. Italian official guidance also accepts an identity card valid for foreign travel for Italian citizens.
Use a physical national ID card that is valid for foreign travel. If your document has unusual validity, is temporary, damaged or near expiry, verify it with your own foreign ministry or the Albanian authorities before travel.
VALIDITY
Do not travel with a document close to expiry
Albanian official guidance says visa-exempt travellers’ passports must generally be valid for at least 3 months after the date they leave Albania and issued within the previous 10 years. Polish official guidance applies a 3-month residual-validity rule to the travel document used by Polish citizens.
ITALIAN TRAVELLERS
Important 2026 change for Italian paper ID cards
From 3 August 2026, Italy’s paper identity card is no longer valid for foreign travel, even if the printed expiry date is later. Italian travellers relying on an ID card should use a valid document accepted for foreign travel, such as the electronic identity card (CIE), or a passport.
FAQ
Quick questions
Can I travel to Albania with an EU ID card?
Yes. Albania permits citizens of EU countries to enter using accepted national identity cards. The document must be valid for foreign travel, and you should check the rules for the card issued by your country.
Do I need a passport for Albania if I have an EU ID card?
Usually not if you are an EU citizen travelling with a valid national ID card accepted for foreign travel. Check your issuing country’s current guidance before departure.
Do Polish citizens need a passport for Albania?
No. Polish citizens may enter Albania with either a valid passport or a valid national ID card.
Do Italian citizens need a passport for Albania?
No. Italians may travel with a passport or an identity card valid for foreign travel. Since 3 August 2026, the Italian paper identity card is no longer valid for foreign travel.