ETIAS for Albanians
EUROPE VISA WAIVER FOR ALBANIAN CITIZENS
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From 2026 , all Albanian passport holders wishing to travel to any country in the Schengen zone will be able to apply for and obtain an ETIAS.
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System, wich will register visa exempt travellers to Schengen countries.
IS ALBANIA IN THE SCHENGEN ZONE?
Although it is part of Europe, Albania is not a Schengen country nor part of the European Union. It is for this reason that Albanian, although Albanian nationals are European citizens, they will require an ETIAS visa waiver when they visit the Schengen Area.
DO ALBANIANS NEED A VISA FOR EUROPE?
Albanians do not need a visa to travel to Europe. Albanian passport holders can travel without a visa for up to 90 days in any of the Schengen Area member states.
From 2026 , citizens of all visa-exempt nations, including Albania, will need to register with ETIAS before heading to Europe. They will continue to enjoy visa-free travel, providing they have a valid ETIAS authorisation.
The Albania Schengen visa waiver is being implemented by immigration authorities to strengthen border and internal security.
Note: ETIAS is not a visa - it is an electronic travel authorisation, also known as a visa waiver, that will facilitate visa-free travel.
TRAVELLING FROM ALBANIA TO THE SCHENGEN AREA WITH ETIAS
ETIAS REQUIRED
ETIAS WILL ALLOW ALBANIAN PASSPORT HOLDERS ENTRY INTO THE FOLLOWING 25 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES THAT ARE PART OF THE SCHENGEN AREA:
- EU Schengen
- Non-EU Schengen States
- Non-Schengen EU States
MICRO-STATES DE FACTO PART OF SCHENGEN AREA:
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Vatican City
ETIAS will be required to travel from Albania to a Schengen country. Visitors will have their travel documents checked as they cross the external border.
Once inside the border-free travel zone, Albanians can enter any of the ETIAS countries without being stopped at checkpoints. Nationals of Albania should keep their passport with them as they travel, but will not face additional border controls.
ETIAS REQUIREMENTS FOR CITIZENS OF ALBANIA
Travellers wishing to obtain an Albania Schengen visa waiver need to have the following:
- Albanian passport: current and valid
- Credit or debit card: to pay the ETIAS fee
- Email address: to receive the approved visa waiver
Once the authorisation is approved by Schengen officials, the ETIAS visa waiver is sent to the applicant’s email address. It is important to double-check that the email address you submit is correct before finalising your request.
ETIAS ONLINE APPLICATION FOR ALBANIANS
Unlike visa processing, the ETIAS application is fully online. Albanian passport holders will not be required to present paperwork in person at the embassy and no biometric data is collected.
The online application process for an ETIAS visa waiver for Albanian nationals will be simple, quick, and straightforward. The applicant will be required to answer some basic security questions and complete an easy-to-use online form.
Schengen immigration officials will use the information provided to screen travellers before they travel to member countries. This verification process is aimed at increasing security in the Schengen zone.
Most applications are processed within 1 business day, although some cases may require up to 3 business days. Once the application is verified, the applicant will receive their Schengen visa waiver from Albania by email.
ETIAS for Albanians - FAQs
Is Albania in the EU or Schengen zone? Toggle faqs
Although the Republic of Albania is located in Europe, it is not a member of the Schengen Zone nor of the European Union.
Do Albanians need a visa for Europe? Toggle faqs
The country is not part of the borderless Schengen travel zone, but it is part of the visa exemption policy, which permits visa-free travel for citizens of Albania.
When ETIAS is implemented, Albanians will need to register with the visa waiver system to continue benefiting from visa-free travel.
How long can Albanians stay in the Schengen area for? Toggle faqs
Albanians are currently granted permission to enter, travel between, and stay within the Schengen borders for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period without being required to apply for a visa.
When ETIAS is fully operational, Albanian travellers will retain the same rights to visit the Schengen Area with an approved visa waiver
Can I work or study as an Albania with an ETIAS Schengen visa waiver? Toggle faqs
You cannot carry out paid work with ETIAS. The travel authorisation allows Albanian citizens short-term stays in Schengen member countries for tourism, business and transit purposes.
It is possible to take part in short courses, workshops or conventions, providing they do not exceed the 90-day limit.
Albanian passport holders who plan to work or engage in long-term studies in any of the Schengen countries are required to apply for a work or study visa at an embassy or consulate