Albania Visa Requirements for India passport

Indian citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Albania.

The Albanian authorities require advance visa approval for tourism, business, and other purposes.

Fortunately, the process has been simplified, and Indian citizens can now apply for an Albania visa online.

Additionally, Indian passport holders with a valid, multiple-entry Schengen, US, or UK visa (used at least once) can enter Albania without a separate Albanian visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

For those without these valid visas, applying for an Albanian eVisa is the primary option.

Types of Albania Visas Available for Indians

Albania offers several Indian passport holders visa categories accessible via online application, depending on the travel purpose:

Visa Type "A" – Airport Transit Visa

Issued as a stamp or in electronic format, this visa allows travelers to stay in the international transit area of an Albanian airport until their next flight.

• Ideal for connecting flights through Albania.
• Validity depends on the flight ticket reservation and transit duration.
• Can be issued for one, two, or multiple entries.

Visa Type "C" – Short-Stay Visa

This visa, available as a stamp or in electronic form, enables visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period from the date of first entry. The most popular type for Indian tourists.

• Suitable for tourism, business trips, or short-term visits.
• Grants one, two, or multiple entries.

Visa Type "D" – Long-Stay Visa

The D visa can be obtained as a stamp or electronically by individuals intending to remain in Albania for more than 90 days.

• Required for work, study, or family reunification.
• Necessary for obtaining a residence permit in Albania.

Albania Visa Application Process

With an understanding of the available visa types, Indian nationals can proceed with their online application for an Albania visa by following the steps below:

1. Complete the application form. Provide accurate personal, travel, and passport details. Make sure all information matches your supporting documents exactly.
2. Upload required documents. Scan and upload all necessary documentation in the required digital format (e.g., PDF, JPG).
3. Pay fees. Cover the visa fee online using a debit or credit card. The fee varies by visa type. Keep a record of the payment confirmation.
4. Submit and track your application. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation and a tracking number. You can use this to monitor your application status online.

Once your application has been thoroughly reviewed and processed, the final decision regarding its outcome will be communicated directly to your registered email address.

Completing these steps carefully will ensure a smooth application experience.

Required Documents and Supporting Information

Indian citizens must prepare the following essential documents to upload for the Albania eVisa application:

• Scanned copy of your passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Albania
• Face photograph meeting the specified digital requirements

Depending on your specific circumstances, additional documents might be requested to support the Albania visa application. These could include but are not limited to:

• Proof of accommodation such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host in Albania
• Travel itinerary detailing flight bookings or planned activities
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay, such as recent bank statements
• Employment verification letter or other proof of current occupation
• Previous visa records if you have traveled to Albania or other countries in the past

Be sure to check the specific requirements for your application and provide accurate documents to avoid delays in processing.

Processing Time for Indian Passport Holders

Albania eVisa processing generally takes around 15 working days for standard applications.

However, during peak season, such as the summer months, this can extend to 20-30 working days.

The actual processing time may vary depending on factors such as the completeness and accuracy of your application, whether additional document verification is required, and the overall seasonal volume of applications.

Therefore, it is strongly advised for Indian passport holders to submit their application at least one month prior to their planned travel date to allow for any potential delays.

Validity Period and Permitted Stay

For a Single-Entry Visa, Indian passport holders have 90 days from the issue date to enter Albania, with a permitted stay of up to 30 days from their entry date.

Alternatively, Multiple-Entry Visas to Albania are valid for up to 1 year from the issue date, allowing one to remain in the country for 90 days within any 180-day period.

While these visas come with higher fees and require strong justification, they offer greater flexibility for Indian travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions for Indian Passport Holders

• Can I apply for an Albania visa online?
  Yes, Indian citizens are eligible to apply for an Albanian visa through an online application process.
• Do I need a visa if I have a valid Schengen visa?
  No, Indian citizens with a valid Multiple-Entry Schengen, US, or UK visa that has been used at least once can enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• What if my Albania visa application is rejected?
  You will be notified of the reason for rejection. You can reapply after addressing the issues, such as providing more robust financial proof or a clearer travel purpose.
• Can I extend my stay in Albania beyond 90 days?
  It may be possible to apply for an extension of your stay by contacting the relevant immigration authorities in Albania before your allowed 90-day period expires.

Conclusion

Obtaining an Albania visa as an Indian passport holder is a straightforward process, thanks to the online eVisa system.

Start your application early, gather all necessary digital documents, and check if your existing visas grant you visa-free entry.