How to Get an Albania Tourist Visa as an Indian?

The Grecian-style beaches, UNESCO World Heritage sites from the Roman, Greek, and Ottoman periods, and affordability make Albania a popular tourist destination. You need to get an Albania Tourist Visa or a C Visa to visit Albania. This short-term visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days within 180 days. You can apply for an Albanian tourist visa completely online. Keep reading to learn about the Albania tourist visa requirements, application process, processing time, fees, and more.

Who Needs an Albania Tourist Visa?

Anyone who wants to visit Albania for tourism purposes needs a C visa. However, visa exemptions apply to the following categories:

• Nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrein, Bahrain, and Thailand (till 31st December 2024).
• Citizens of EU member states, and those with a multiple entry US/UK visa 
• Those with a multiple entry Schengen visa. 
• Nationals who are permitted to stay in the Schengen area without a visa 
• Those who have a 10-year residence permit issued by Saudi Arabia

Indian nationals can apply for an e-visa to visit Albania.

Albania Tourist Visa: An Overview 

The Albania tourist visa is a C visa. This short-stay visa permits you to stay in the country for up to 90 days within 180 days. The visa is granted in an electronic format or in the form of a stamped visa.  The C visa is available for anyone visiting the country for tourism purposes. That is,

• Travelling alone for tourism 
• Travelling in organised tourist groups (invited by an Albanian tourist agency.

Check out the list of the top universities to study in Albania

Albania Tourist Visa Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for an Albania tourist visa are as follows:

• You must be travelling for tourism
• You have arranged accommodation in Albania for the duration of your stay. For example, in the form of a hotel booking 
• Moreover, you need sufficient funds to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay. You need to have funds to return to your home country.
• You need a residence permit from the country you are already staying in. For example, an Indian person needs to provide a residence permit of at least 12 months. This can be your passport.
• You must intend to return to your home country before the visa expiry.

Albania Tourist Visa Requirements 

Certain documents have to be submitted to obtain an Albanian tourist visa. The visa documents slightly vary for those who are visiting the country by themselves, and those who are visiting the country in groups and are invited by an Albanian tourism agency.

• You need to complete a visa application form 
• Provide a photograph (47 mm x 36 mm)
• Provide employment proof of the country of residence/birth 
• Proof that you have arranged accommodation for yourself in Albania. This can be an invitation from a person as well.
• Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses, and return to your home country.
• You need to demonstrate the last 12 months’ bank statements 
• Provide round-trip air tickets. Otherwise, you can choose to certify that you have personal transport to go back.
• Residence permit from the country you are currently residing. The residence permit must be valid for 3 months beyond the duration of your stay
• A valid travel document, and provide details of the current visas/previous visas obtained (Schengen/UK/USA),.
• Additionally, those who are travelling in groups need to get a notarized photocopy of the license of the Albanian/foreign tour operator. This is to prove that the tour operator is providing the travel package.
• Aside from this, those who are travelling groups must submit accommodation and travel itinerary. Moreover, they need to submit a list of names of the people travelling.

Steps to Apply for an Albania Tourist Visa

The Albania tourist visa application can be filled out completely online. Follow the instructions below to fill out the application form.

• Visit the Republic of Albania’s official website, and go to the application page
• Select the option for C visa, and read the documents required for the same
• Ensure that you have the relevant documents, and click on Apply to start the application process
• Create an account to fill out the application form, and log in to the same. 
• Upload the documents asked, and wait for the pre-verification process.
• Your documents will be analysed, and if there are any irregularities you are asked to submit new documents. 
• A notification will be sent to you, and you will have to pay the fees.
• You will be notified when your application is in the evaluation process 
• You will be notified y email regarding the outcome of your application.
• If your application is accepted, an e-visa will be sent to you via email.
• Even if your visa is rejected you are informed of the same. The reasons for the visa rejection will also be provided in the visa rejection letter.

To learn more about the Albania e-visa application process, watch this video:

Albania Tourist Visa Processing Time 

The Albania tourist visa processing times are as follows:

Visa	Processing Time
Albania tourist visa (normal processing time)	15 working days
Tourist visa processing time (extended)	30 working days

Albania Tourist Visa Fees for Indians

The fees for an Albania tourist visa are as follows:

Visa	Fees for Indians
Albania tourist visa/C visa	EUR 1500

Learn all about the cost of living in Albania

What to Do in Case of an Albania Tourist Visa Rejection?

The Albania tourist visa can be rejected or approved. In case of a visa rejection you can choose any of the following options:

Reapplication

Read the visa rejection letter to identify the reasons for rejection. Next, correct the mistake, and apply again. For example, if your application has been rejected due to insufficient bank balance, ensure you have sufficient funds before reapplying. Albania accepts reapplications.

Visa Appeal

You can appeal against the decision of the authorities. However, an appeal needs to be filed within 5 working days of receiving the visa application outcome. All foreigners have the right to file an appeal if the decision has been unfair.

Things to Know Before Applying for an Albania Tourist Visa

You need to keep the following things in mind before applying for an Albanai tourist visa:

• You can apply for an e-visa for tourism purposes. For the e-visa application, you might be required to submit your biometric information
• You need to file for overseas travel insurance. Travel insurance will help you to cover unprecedented losses. For example, last-minute flight cancellations.You can also choose to get an health insurance.
• You can visit the Albanian Embassy in India for any issues regarding your visa application. However, you cannot contact the visa authorities during the visa evaluation process.
• The host (an Albanian citizen or resident) needs to declare it in writing that they are assuming your responsibilities (if applicable)
• Applicants who are below the age of 18 can get their visa application filled by their parents or guardians.
• Every foreigner has the right to file an appeal in case of visa rejection.

FAQs

We hope you now understand all about the Albania tourist visa. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!