Visa

On 25 September 2014 the Visa Information System (VIS) for Schengen short-stay visas started operation in all Schengen States' consulates present in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo*, Montenegro and Serbia) and Turkey. This is part of the gradual worldwide deployment of the VIS (which started in October 2011) leading to all Schengen States' consulates worldwide being connected. The global roll-out is scheduled to be completed in summer 2015.

As VIS relates exclusively to Schengen short-stay visas, Albanian citizens holding a biometric passport will not be affected. However residents in Albania who – due to their nationality – fall under the Schengen visa requirement will be submitted to the VIS procedure. For more information please see: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/visa-information-system/index_en.htm

Frequently asked Questions pdf - 148 KB [148 KB]

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

 

Visa Liberalisation entered into force in December 2010

From 15 December 2010, Albanian citizens holding a biometric passport are able to travel freely to Schengen Countries.

Please click here for more information pdf - 2 MB [2 MB]

Albanian citizens holding non biometric passport are required to apply for a Schengen Visa, the provisions of the Visa Facilitation Agreement will apply.

Frequently Asked Questions pdf - 122 KB [122 KB]

 

Visas for short visits in the Schengen Area (Schengen Visa)

You can travel with a valid Schengen visa to the following member states and associated states applying the Schengen Acquis in full: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Germany, The Netherlands, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. This visa entitles the holder to stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 6 months’ period, starting from the date of the first entry.

To find out more about the application process please consult the following document msw8 - 81 KB [81 KB]