U.S. citizens visit Albania without a visa, and for unusually long: the country has been notably open to American and European visitors, with generous permitted stays. Consular visa work therefore concerns third-country nationals and people moving there for work or residence.
Quick facts
In the other direction, Albanian citizens have held visa-free access to the Schengen area since December 2010, for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, which is one of the practical benefits of holding the passport.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Consular visa | Published tariff | By nationality and category |
| Residence permit | Charged in Albania | Applied for after arrival |
| Work permit | Charged in Albania | Through the employer |
| Apostille of supporting documents | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State |
| Authorised translation | Per page | Ministry of Justice translator |
Residence files rest on documents prepared here — criminal records, civil certificates, proof of means — each apostilled and translated by an authorised translator.
How to apply
- Check whether your nationality needs a visa for Albania at all.
- Identify the category and the documents it requires.
- Order the certificates and have them apostilled.
- Arrange translations by a Ministry of Justice-authorised translator.
- Book the consular appointment where a visa is needed.
- Apply for the residence permit in Albania within the permitted period.
Required documents
- Passport valid beyond the intended stay.
- Completed application and photographs.
- Proof of lawful residence in the United States for third-country nationals.
- Criminal record certificate, apostilled, for residence categories.
- Proof of means and accommodation.
- Employer or institution letters by category.
Where to apply
At the embassy in Washington or the consulate general in New York, according to jurisdiction.
Additional notes
Albanians need no visa
Anyone who qualifies for citizenship by descent should look at that route first: it carries visa-free access to Schengen as well as to Albania.
Documents expire
Criminal record certificates are accepted only within a limited period and the apostille does not extend it.
Property purchases
Foreign buyers are common on the coast, and conveyancing involves its own document chain. Take advice locally before committing.
Work needs a permit
A visa-free entry never authorises employment; the permit is arranged in Albania.