Albania Visa for Indians - Definitive Guide

The Albania visa is a permit that lets individuals enter the country for various purposes. The visa can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or even multiple entries, and comes in the form of a sticker in the passport. However, not everyone needs this. There are a number of nationalities who can enter Albania with just a passport and an/or national ID card. Since India is not among these, they will have to apply for an Albania visa for Indian citizens. 

Note:- If you hold a valid Schengen, UK, or US visa, and have used it to visit the respective countries, you will be able to enter Albania with it for a stay of up to 90 days (regardless of your nationality). 

The process of applying for the Albanian permit from India has several steps. Due to the fact that there is no Embassy or Consulate of Albania in India, the applications will have to be made to 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 particular type of the Albanian entry permit. After that, you can 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 Albania online visa application form according to the instructions. 
4. If you are an Indian passport holder, you will be given the option of choosing one of the consuls from ‘Beijing, Istanbul, and Abu Dhabi’.
5. Proceed to provide your basic details, family details, travel details, and other details as required on the Albania visa form.
6. Upload scanned copies of the documents required for the particular type of the visa. This includes the passport, photo, and supporting documents.  
7. 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 further procedure and fees to be paid. 
2. You must then proceed to pay the necessary fees to the respective bank account. 
3. Along with the print out of the Albania visa application form, original passport, fees payment receipt, and the supporting 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 visa application. This can ensure that your application is successfully processed and at a faster rate.

Based on the purpose of the visit and the duration of the stay, the Albanian permits can be classified into the following - 

• C type - Known as the short term permit, these are issued for a stay duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Based on the purpose of the visit, they can further be classified as the following - 
• Tourist- This category lets individuals travel to Albania in order to take part in tourism-related activities such as sightseeing, adventure sporting, leisure, etc. 
• Business - This is issued for people entering the country to take part in business activities. 
• Cultural/Scientific/Sports - These are issued if you are travelling to participate in scientific research, cultural events, or competitive sporting events in the country. 
• Medical - These are issued if the applicant is travelling to Albania seeking medical attention and treatment. 
• D type - Known as the long term type, these are issued for stay durations that last more than 90 days in a 180-day period. Based on the reason for the visit, they can also be classified as - 

• Work - These types of visas are issued for people travelling to take part in employment-related activities in the country. 
• Study - This is granted for students travelling to Albania to take up study courses. 
• Family reunion - This is issued in cases where the individual is travelling to unite with a family member living in the country. 

Note- These are the main types of visa. There are further variations to these according to the more specific type of the visit. 

According to the Albania visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following are the list of documents you will need to possess in order to make a successful application. Please note that these are only the general documents. Based on the exact category of visa, there may be additional documentation necessary - 

• 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.
• Completed Albania visa application form. 
• Travel health insurance for the entire stay duration. 
• Hotel bookings.
• Invitation letter. 
  
  
  

As per the Albania visa application requirements, the following are the photo specifications to be met - 

• 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 Albania visa is dependent on the type of the visa, 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, ensure that you apply well in advance. 

The fees for the entry permit depends on the type of visa you are applying for. It can also vary based on the country of application. Due to the fee being in Euros, it will also fluctuate according to the foreign exchange rates. As a result, you must check the exact amount before starting your application. 

While you await a response, you can check the status of your application by visiting the online 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. 

Due to the absence of an Albanian Embassy in India, it is not directly possible to apply in India. As a result, the applications will have to be made through the website of the Embassy of Albania in Beijing. The application will then be processed and approved either in Beijing, Istanbul, or Abu Dhabi as per your choice. However, in order to place the visa sticker in the passport, you will still have to visit the nearest Albanian diplomatic mission in India. This is either the Albanian Honorary Consulate in Mumbai or the Albanian Honorary Consulate in Kolkata. 

An easier option for getting the visa would be to apply through a reputed visa agency. They will be able to help you with the entire process as well as ensure that you do not face a visa rejection.