Do I Need a Visa for Albania?
For many tourists the answer is no — but visa rules depend on your nationality.
SHORT ANSWER
EU tourists: no visa for a normal short visit.
Polish and Italian citizens can travel to Albania without a visa for a short tourist stay. If you hold another passport, check the official Albanian visa table before booking.
EU TRAVELLERS
Polish and Italian tourists do not need a visa
For a normal holiday, citizens of Poland and Italy can enter Albania without a visa. Official Polish guidance states that Polish citizens may stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Italian travel guidance gives the same 90-in-180 limit for EU citizens.
If you plan to stay beyond the visa-free period, work, study or reside in Albania, check the residence rules rather than relying on tourist entry.
OTHER NATIONALITIES
The answer is not the same for every passport
The Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs publishes the official visa regime. It also lists some travellers who can enter without an Albanian visa because they hold qualifying, previously used multiple-entry Schengen/EU/US/UK visas or valid residence permits.
Do not assume a rule that applies to a friend with a different passport also applies to you.
OFFICIAL APPLICATION
If you need a visa, use only the official portal
Albania’s Ministry states that the official electronic visa application website is e-visa.al. Avoid look-alike commercial or unauthorized websites.
FAQ
Quick questions
Do I need a visa for Albania?
It depends on your nationality. EU citizens do not need a visa for a short tourist stay. Albania also allows visa-free entry for several other categories listed by the Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Do Polish or Italian citizens need a visa for Albania?
No for a normal short tourist visit. Polish and Italian citizens can enter visa-free and normally stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Where should I apply if I do need a visa?
Use Albania’s official e-Visa portal at e-visa.al and verify the rules on the Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs website.