Visa guide · updated October 2026Do Indians need a visa for Albania?
Indian passport holders need a visa for Albania unless they hold certain other visas or residence permits. Applications are made online through the official e-Visa portal.
When you do not need a visa
You can enter without a visa if you hold one of the following:
- A valid multiple-entry Schengen visa that has already been used in a Schengen state, or a valid residence permit from a Schengen state.
- A valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit from the United States, the United Kingdom or an EU country, already used in the country that issued it.
- A 10-year residence permit from the United Arab Emirates, valid for at least one year from the day you enter.
In the first two cases you must leave Albania no later than 3 days after that visa or permit expires.
Albania visa options for Indians
| Option | Who it is for | Stay and validity | Official fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry without a visa | Indians holding one of the documents listed above | Short stays | No visa fee |
| Type C visa (short stay) | Tourism, business and family visits | Up to 90 days in any 180 days; single, double or multiple entry | Shown on e-visa.al when you apply |
| Type D visa (long stay) | Work, study or family stays longer than 90 days | Valid one year; lets you apply for a residence permit after arrival | Shown on e-visa.al when you apply |
Albania visa fees
| Option | Official fee |
|---|---|
| Entry without a visa | No visa fee |
| Type C visa (short stay) | Shown on e-visa.al when you apply |
| Type D visa (long stay) | Shown on e-visa.al when you apply |
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs does not list visa fees on its consular fee page; they are set by a government decision and displayed on the e-Visa portal during the application. Fees for children aged 6 to 12 are half the adult fee.
Documents required
Official sources do not give a full list for every case; these are the documents applicants are normally asked for. Confirm the exact list when you apply.
- Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa you are requesting, with at least 2 blank pages
- Copies of the passport pages relevant to the trip
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Confirmed return or onward ticket
- Hotel booking or address of stay
- Recent bank statements showing funds for the trip
How to apply
Check whether one of the exemptions applies to you.
Create an application on the official portal, e-visa.al, and upload your documents.
Pay the fee shown on the portal.
Wait for the decision, which is sent electronically.
Processing time
The ministry does not publish a fixed processing time. Apply as early as you can before your travel date.
Best Time to Visit Albania
Albania enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best time to visit depends on your travel preferences:
- Spring (April to June): Ideal for exploring the Albanian Riviera and archaeological sites like Butrint with pleasant temperatures of 20-25C. Wildflowers bloom across the Llogara Pass.
- Summer (July to August): Peak tourist season with temperatures reaching 35C along the coast. Perfect for beach holidays in Saranda, Ksamil, and Dhermi, but expect larger crowds.
- Autumn (September to October): Excellent for hiking in the Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkt e Namuna) and the Albanian Alps. Harvest season for local wines and olive oil.
- Winter (November to March): Skiing in Kora and Pogradec regions. Lower tourist density and better hotel rates. Coastal temperatures stay around 10-15C.
Travel Tips for Albania
Make the most of your Albanian adventure with these practical travel tips:
- Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL) is the local currency. Carry cash as many small establishments and rural areas do not accept cards. ATMs are widely available in Tirana and major cities.
- Transportation: Tirana International Airport (TIA) is the main gateway, located 17 km from the city center. Buses and furgons (minivans) connect major cities. Ridesharing apps like City Taxi Albania are reliable in urban areas.
- Language: Albanian is the official language. English is spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas in Tirana and coastal resorts. Learning a few phrases like "Faleminderit" (Thank you) helps.
- Local Customs: Albanians are known for their hospitality. Dress modestly when visiting churches and mosques. Nodding means "no" and shaking the head means "yes" a common confusion for first-time visitors.
- Cuisine: Try traditional dishes like Byrek (savory pastry), Tav Kosi (baked lamb with yogurt), and fresh seafood along the coast. Tap water is safe in Tirana but bottled water is recommended elsewhere.
Visa application centres in India
You apply online on e-visa.al, so there is no visa application centre to visit in India.
Checked against official sources on 26 October 2026.
Popular places to visit in Albania
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Tirana by unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0; Berat by Etrusko25, CC BY-SA 3.0; Sarandë by Photo: Gary Bembridge, CC BY 2.0; Gjirokastër by ich, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Frequently asked questions
Indian passport holders need a visa for Albania unless they hold certain other visas or residence permits. Applications are made online through the official e-Visa portal.
Entry without a visa: No visa fee. Type C visa (short stay): Shown on e-visa.al when you apply. Type D visa (long stay): Shown on e-visa.al when you apply. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs does not list visa fees on its consular fee page; they are set by a government decision and displayed on the e-Visa portal during the application. Fees for children aged 6 to 12 are half the adult fee.
The ministry does not publish a fixed processing time. Apply as early as you can before your travel date.
Check whether one of the exemptions applies to you. Create an application on the official portal, e-visa.al, and upload your documents. Pay the fee shown on the portal. Wait for the decision, which is sent electronically.
From the official sources listed at the end of this page, checked on 1 October 2026. Visa rules and fees change, so confirm them on the official site before you apply.
Official sources
The visa facts on this page come from these official pages, checked on 1 October 2026. Rules and fees can change, so confirm them before you apply.
- Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania: visa regime for foreign citizens
- Albania e-Visa portal (official)
- Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania: consular fees