Can I Enter Albania with an ID Card?
For some European travellers, yes — a national ID card can be enough.
SHORT ANSWER
It depends on the nationality that issued your ID card.
Polish and Italian official guidance confirms that their citizens can travel to Albania using an accepted national identity card instead of a passport. Other nationalities should verify their own rules.
EU ID CARDS
For Poland and Italy, an ID card can be enough
Official Polish guidance says Polish citizens may enter Albania with a valid passport or national ID card. Italian guidance similarly accepts a passport or an identity card valid for foreign travel.
Do not assume that an ID card issued by any country is accepted. If you are not travelling on a Polish or Italian document, check the Albanian authorities or your own foreign ministry.
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From 3 August 2026, Italy’s paper identity card is no longer valid for foreign travel, even if the printed expiry date is later.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 enter Albania with an ID card?
It depends on your nationality. Official Polish and Italian guidance confirms that their citizens may use a valid national ID card for travel to Albania. Other travellers should check the rules for their own document.
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 Since 3 August 2026, the Italian paper identity card is no longer valid for foreign travel.