Albania Business Visa - Definitive Guide

The Albania business visa for Indians is an endorsement that is issued for all the people travelling to the country to take part in business-related activities such as business meetings, conferences, symposiums, etc. Being a subcategory of the short-term C type, it is issued for a maximum stay duration of 90 days in a 180-day period. It can be available as a single-entry, double-entry, or even multiple-entries as per the decision of the consul. 

The process of applying for the Albanian business visa from India has two phases. Since there is no Embassy of Albania in India, the applications will have to be made through the Embassy of Albania in Beijing, Istanbul, or AbuDhabi. 

Now before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to the country on a business category. You can then proceed to make the application as follows -

Phase 1 -

1. Visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania. You can do this by going through the website of the Albanian embassy in Beijing or by clicking the link mentioned above.
2. You must then proceed to enter the online application portal.
3. Start filling out the online visa application form according to the instructions mentioned on the website. 
4. If you are an Indian passport holder residing in India, you will be granted the option of choosing from one of the consuls -‘Beijing, Istanbul, and Abu Dhabi’.
5. Proceed to provide your basic details, family details, purpose and other details of the visit, and other details as required.
6. Upload scanned copies of the passport, photo, and the supporting documents for the business category.  
7. Proceed to submit the application. 

Phase 2 - 

1. Once your application has been verified and successful, you will receive an email stating that your application is accepted. You will also receive information on the next steps to be followed and the exact fees to be paid. 
2. You must then proceed to pay the fees to the respective bank account mentioned. 
3. Along with a signed print out of the completed application form, original passport, fees payment receipt, and the documents, you must visit the mentioned diplomatic mission of Albania in India according to the appointment date and time. I.e - Albanian Honorary Consulate in Mumbai or Kolkata. 
4. You must submit these at the mission in order to be stamped with the visa in your passport. 

Note: - Due to the number of complications in the application process, it is recommended that you use the services of a travel agency for your business visa application. This will ensure that your application does not face a visa rejection, as rejection can affect your future travel plans.  

In order to be eligible to apply for the business permit, you will have to meet the following conditions - 

• You must be living in the country where you are lodging the application. If you are living on a residence permit in another nation, you will have to apply to the respective authority there.
• You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry in Albania. 
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be to take part in business-related activities alone. Although, you are permitted to engage in tourism.
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay.
• You must be invited by an Albanian company to perform business. 
• You must possess a travel health insurance covering your entire stay duration. 

Note: - If you hold a valid Schengen, UK, or US visa, and have used it to visit the respective countries, you do not need to apply for the business visa. You will be allowed entry with the Schengen, UK, US visa for up to 90 days (regardless of your nationality).

As per the Albania business visa requirements from India, you will have to submit the following documents to get your business entry permit - 

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry in Albania, and at least 1 blank page. 
• 1 Photograph as per the specifications.
• Signed print out of the completed visa application form.
• Travel health insurance for the entire stay duration. 
• Letter of invitation from the host company in Albania.
• Documents to prove the legal status of the applicant’s company such as the certificate of registration. 
• Proof of sufficient funds such as bank statements, copy of passbook, etc. 

As per the Albania business visa photo requirements, the photograph required must meet the following specifications - 

• Dimensions:  45mm X 35mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured within the last 6 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The processing time for the business visa is dependent on the number of entries, the duration of stay, as well as on the volume of applications at the embassy. Normally, you can expect a response within 15 working days. However, in certain circumstances, this may even take up to 30 days. As a result, you must ensure that you apply well in advance. 

The fees for the business entry permit depends on the country of application. Due to the fee being in Euros, it will vary slightly according to the foreign exchange rates. As a result, you must check the exact amount before you start the application. 

After your ‘phase 1’ submission, the Albanian embassy will process your business visa application. They will verify the documents submitted as well. Upon successful evaluation, you will receive an email stating that your application is accepted. If unsuccessful, you will receive a rejection mail along with the reasons explaining the same. 

After you have done with the ‘phase 2’ submission, your passport will be stamped with the visa sticker mentioning the validity, stay duration, and the number of entries as well. Note that during any stage, you will not be able to modify the application. As a result, you must ensure that you provide only correct and truthful information.

While you await a response, you can check the status of your business visa application by visiting the online tracking portal by clicking here, and entering your application number. You may also contact your travel agent through whom you have applied to track it for you. 

When you have this visa

Once you are issued with the business visa, you must keep in mind the following points to ensure that you have a pleasant stay - 

• Before you travel - 

• • Note the validity and number of entries mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. You must also follow the entry type given. 
  • Carry all your travel documents before you fly to the country. 
• At the border

• • You must show your passport to the immigration officer. They will stamp your entry date on one of the blank pages in your passport.
  • You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as a part of your visa application. I.e - a copy of invitation letter, company registration, etc.
  • You may even be asked with questions regarding your visit by the immigration officer. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 
• In Albania

• • While you are on a business permit, you cannot work on the payroll of an Albanian company.
  • You cannot extend the business visa under normal circumstances.
  • Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
  • The Albanian government is strict regarding its traditions and culture. You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the laws during your stay.