Albania Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

The tourist visa is a permit that lets individuals enter the country to take part in tourism-related activities. The Albania tourist visa for Indian citizens will allow them to experience the scenery, food, culture, and everything else the country has to offer. The permit is a subcategory of the short-term C type and 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 tourist visa from India has several steps. 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 tourist 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. 
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. 
4. If you are an Indian passport holder, 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 tourist 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 further procedure 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 tourist visa application. This will ensure that your application does not face a visa rejection, as rejection can affect your future travel.  

In order to travel to the country on a tourist permit, you will need to meet certain eligibility criteria. You must apply for the visa only if you meet the following -

• 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 tourism alone. 
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay.
• 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 tourist visa. You will be allowed entry with the Schengen, UK, US visa for up to 90 days (regardless of your nationality). 

According to the Albania tourist visa requirements from India, you will have to produce the following documents for your application - 

• 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. 
• Round trip flight bookings.
• Proof of accommodation such as hotel bookings, an invitation letter from a host, etc. 
• Proof of sufficient funds such as bank statements, copy of passbook, etc. 
• Proof of return - employment letter, rent agreement, or other documents showing that the applicant has ties in the home country. 

The Albania tourist visa photo requirements state that the photo to be submitted 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 tourist 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 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 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, ensure that you provide correct and true information.

While you await a response, you can check the status of your tourist 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. 

Once you are issued with the tourist 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 with the visa 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. 
  • You may even be asked with questions regarding your visit. Ensure that you answer honestly and without being reluctant. 
• In Albania

• • While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot take part in any work or business activities.
  • You cannot extend the visa.
  • 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.