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INFORMATION ON VISA PROCEDURES
Visa application
Starting from May 2017 all applications for Albanian visas are accepted only through the online system by following this link:
This is an online service which allows for foreign citizens to apply for a visa to the Republic of Albania.
Short Description:
Type “D” Visa – is a Long stay visa, which gives the person the option to apply for a Residence Permit after entering the Republic of Albania. Type “D” visas are issued to foreign nationals who wish to stay in Albania for more than 90 days within a 180-day period and it is also issued to foreign nationals that might want to obtain a residence permit valid for one year after entering the Republic of Albania with one, two or multiple entries.
Visa Type “C” – Short stay visa in the Republic of Albania. Type "C" Visas are issued to foreign nationals who are entitled
to enter Albania for a maximum period of 90 days out of a 180-day period, from their date of first entry. This type of visa is issued with one, two or multiple entries.
Required documents:
Although a detailed information for each type of visa could be found in the above application link, here is a quick overview of the documents required.
- The application form for a visa must be completed online (after completion the applicant must print and sign the completed form);
- One passport sized photo no older than six months from the date of application;
- Photocopy of a valid travel document, (valid for at least three months more than the period of validity of the requested visa);
- Travel health insurance documents for the duration of the visa;
- For children under 18 years: A statement expressing the consent of a parent or legal guardian of the child for the trip, or the personresponsible.
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR TYPE “D” VISAS:
1. Economic activities (D / AE) - Professional activities (D / AP) - Commercial activity (D / AT) -.Employment activities (D / APU)
- Invitation signed by the host, along with a copy of their identity document (when the host is a foreign national it is a requirement that they also submit a photocopy of their residence permit issued by the competent Albanian Authority);
- Documents that prove a trading professional competence, in the respective country to which they specify the purpose of the visa;
- In cases of an invitation from an commercial entity, documents proving legal status of the entity inviting are required;
- Photocopy of the work permit issued by the Albanian authorities.
2. For Visas for study purposes (D / ST)
- Document certifying the registration / admission to an educational institution in Albania;
- Documents that prove and certify the coverage of all living costs and tuition fees;
- Travel health insurance document for the duration of the visa;
- Document that provide proof of accommodation while in the Republic of Albania;
- Document that prove your knowledge of the Albanian language for carrying out your studies.
3.For a Family Reunion Visa (D / BF)
- Letter of invitation signed by the host, along with a copy of their identity document (when the host is a foreign national it is a requirement that they also submit a photocopy of their residence permit issued by the competent Albanian Authority);
- Family certificate issued within the last month that attests the relationship with the person that requests a family reunion;
- Additional documents that prove the stable relationship with the person that has requested a family reunion;
- Documents that prove that the foreign host (residing in Albania) has appropriate conditions for housing;
- Certified copy of the document that proves that the foreign host (residing in Albania) is employed or self-employed and has sufficient income to ensure they meet the needs of the inviting persons under their responsibility.
4. For Visas for humanitarian or religious activities (D/VHF)
- Certified copy of the license that allows for carrying out humanitarian or religious activities;
- Photocopy of their work permit or certificate of registration from their employer;
- Letter of Motivation by the religious community institution.
5. For Diplomatic visa or visa service (D / DS)
- Verbal Note from the Institution;
- Invitation from the host institution, if necessary.
6. Visa for seasonal employment purposes (D / SP)
- Invitation from the host;
- Certified photocopy of the employment contract with the host in Albania;
- Photocopy of the work permit issued by the Albanian authorities;
- Document that prove the registration of foreigners in the country of origin institutions.
7. Visa for humanitarian reasons (D / H)
- Letter of invitation signed by the host, along with a copy of their identity document (when the host is a foreign national it is a requirement that they also submit a photocopy of their residence permit issued by the competent Albanian Authority);
- Documents that proves their humanitarian motives.
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR VISA TYPE “C”
8. For tourism (C)
- Document of round-trip ticket booking;
- Hotel booking or documents for accommodation during their stay;
- Documents that prove that they have sufficient funds during their stay and to return to their country of origin;
9. For tourism, organized in tourist groups (C)
- invited by an Albanian tourism agency
- Photocopy of passport;
- Certified photocopy of the Albanian Tourism Agency, which invites foreign tourist groups.
10. For scientific reasons, cultural, sports and humanitarian (C)
- Invitation from the host;
- Hotel reservation or declaration of host where they will reside;
- Documents that prove that they have sufficient funds during their stay and return to their country of origin.
11. For an official visit (C)
- Invitation from the host institution;
- Verbal Note from the institution where the foreigner is employed;
12. For medical reasons (C)
- The invitation from the host institution;
- Medical diagnosis (original or copy) issued by the local doctor in Albanian;
- Declaration from the Albanian hospital for medical treatment details of who will cover these costs;
- Sufficient financial means to cover the costs;
- Health insurance for the patient accompanying
13. For professional, commercial and business purposes Visa (C)
- Letter of invitation signed by the host, along with a copy of their identity document (when the host is a foreign national it is
a requirement that they also submit a photocopy of their residence permit issued by the competent Albanian Authority);
- Documents that prove their professional, commercial and business activity
- Documents that prove the legal status of their commercial entity;
- Photocopy of certificate of registration in accordance with the purpose of the visa issued (visas for 60-90 days) according to article 73 of Law 108/2013 "For foreigners".
Procedural steps to be undertaken:
1st Phase
- The whole application process is completed online.
- The verification process is carried out by the Consul, in which carries out checks on the application form and all documents attached.
- If the application meets all the requirements, a message is sent to the applicant informing that their “application has been accepted”, and informs them of the fee to be paid and other procedures that must be followed.
- If there are “irregularities” in the application, the relevant notification is sent to the applicant and they are required to upload the
relevant additional document requested.
- If the application does not meet all the requirements than the applicant is informed that their application for a visa “has been refused”, with the relevant explanation.
2st Phase
When the Consul accepts the application and the relevant fees have been paid, the following procedures are followed:
- The Consul informs the applicant with an assessment of their application.
- If the Visa application is approved The Consul requests the presence of the applicant at the Albanian Embassy or General Consulate, to retrieve their visa (Please Note: You must make sure that you bring your passport, all original documents uploaded for the application, The printed and signed application form and the original invoice of payment)
- If the Visa is refused The Consul submits to the applicant the standard refusal message with the relevant explanation.
Additional
Notes - After refusal of a visa, the foreigner has the right to reapply only after the appeals procedures have ended or after three months from the date of receiving the decision;
- Obtaining a visa is not a guarantee that a foreigner is allowed to enter the Republic of Albania;
- Foreigners coming from countries affected by an epidemic or a disease, at Border Crossing Points may be requested to provide the original vaccination international card.
Exemption of visa to enter and stay in the Republic of Albania for up to 90 days to 180 days
a) Foreign nationals that have a valid multiple entry Schengen visa, with the condition that the visa issued must have been used previously in one of the countries of the Schengen area or persons have a valid residence permit in one of the countries of the Schengen area;
b) Foreign nationals that have a valid multiple entry visa or a valid residence permit issued by the United States of America, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with the condition that visa issued must have been used previously in the country issued;
c) Foreign nationals that can enter and stay in the Schengen states without a visa.
Timescale allowed for this service:
A visa is issued within 15 days from the acceptance of the application and in exceptional cases may take up to 30 days.
CITIZENS OF ASIAN AND OCEAN STATES THAT DO NOT NEED VISA TO ENTER ALBANIA
South Korea for 30 days
Singapore
Macao for 90 days
Hong Kong for 14 days
Taiwan
Malaysia
New Zealand - can also enter with ID
Australia - can also enter with ID
Visa Fees
1. Chinese applicants free
2. Vietnam 40 euro
3. Mongolia 30 euro
4. Hong Kong (only for D Visa) 35 euro
5. Macao (only for D Visa) 35 euro
Payments in Euro can be done at:
Bank of China
Albanian Embassy
Account No. 778350135899
Swift code: BKCHCNBJ
*Please make sure that you have paid in full all transfer fees.
Payments in CNY (RMB) can be done at CITIC bank.
OTHER SERVICES
Legalization fee:
1. 80 euro for Chinese citizens
2. 15 euro for Albanian citizens
Payments in Euro can be done at:
Bank of China
Albanian Embassy
Account No. 778350135899
Swift code: BKCHCNBJ
*Please make sure that you have paid in full all transfer fees.
Payment in CNY (RMB) can be done at CITIC bank.
