Albania entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Austrian passport holders can enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up at the border with your passport and you're good to go.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Austrian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Albania. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Albanian law, but airlines may check for at least 3 months validity. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended to show at border control | Immigration officers at Tirana International Airport may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready to show if requested. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or invitation letter with an address in Albania can speed up the entry process. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry evidence | Border officers can ask for proof you can support yourself during your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least €100 per day of your visit. | Recommended |
90 days in any 180-day period
The 90-day visa-free stay is calculated as 90 days within any rolling 180-day window. If you leave and come back, the clock resets only after you've been outside Albania for 90 days. Keep track of your days to avoid overstaying.
Overstaying is costly
Overstaying even by a day can result in a fine and a re-entry ban. Set a reminder to leave a few days before your 90 days are up.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
Whether you fly into Tirana International Airport (TIA) or cross by land from Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, or Greece, join the queue for 'All Passports' or 'Non-EU' (though EU passports are also processed there). Have your passport ready.
2
Hand over your passport
The officer will check your passport validity and may ask your purpose of visit (tourism is fine), how long you're staying, and where you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly.
3
Get your entry stamp
They'll stamp your passport with the date of entry. That stamp marks the start of your 90-day visa-free period. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Exit Albania
When you leave, you'll get an exit stamp. Make sure you don't overstay the 90 days — overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit before your 90 days expire.
Download Albania Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€40 (approx. $44 USD)
Apply at Albanian embassy/consulate; allows one entry for up to 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (Type D)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor and additional documents.
retirement visa
Albanian Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
€50 application fee + €100 residence permit fee (approx. $165 USD total)
For retirees over 60 with sufficient income (pension or savings). Requires proof of health insurance and accommodation. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Albanian Digital Nomad Visa (Temporary Residence for Remote Workers)
1 year, renewable
€50 application fee + €100 residence permit fee (approx. $165 USD total)
For remote workers earning at least €2,500/month. Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and clean criminal record. No income tax on foreign-sourced income.
work visa
Albanian Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
€50 application fee + €100 residence permit fee (approx. $165 USD total)
For those with a job offer from an Albanian employer. Requires work permit approval and employment contract. Allows family reunification.
investor visa
Albanian Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€50 application fee + €100 residence permit fee (approx. $165 USD total)
For investors who invest at least €100,000 in Albanian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Fast-track processing available.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at the border upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free is not used; apply at Albanian embassy. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a specified period; check embassy for details. | €60 (approx. $66 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Albania
No transit visa needed
Austrian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Albania, as they are visa-free for short stays. However, if you need to leave the airport transit area, you must meet standard entry requirements.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsTirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA)
Health & vaccines for Albania
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea from contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Circulates in winter months; vaccination advised for vulnerable individuals.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tirana
Regional Directorate of Border and Migration
Rruga e Kavajës, Nr. 1, Tirana
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa and residence permit issues; bring all original documents.
Durrës
Durrës Border and Migration Office
Rruga Portit, Durrës
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles port-of-entry issues; useful for travellers arriving by ferry.
Practical information for AT travellers
Country basics
CapitalTirana
LanguageAlbanian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to one year.
Money
CurrencyAlbanian lek (ALL)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 81.96 ALL
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not considered safe to drink; stick to bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The 90-day visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. If you want to work, you need a work visa or residence permit, which you must apply for before you travel.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined (typically around 1,000–2,000 ALL per day overstayed, but can be more), banned from re-entering for up to 1 year, or both. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
No, the visa-free period cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at the Albanian Border and Migration Department before your 90 days expire. This requires a valid reason (e.g., work, study, family reunion) and supporting documents.
No, there is no registration requirement for short stays. For stays over 90 days (if you get a residence permit), you'll need to register with the local authorities.
You will likely be denied entry. Albanian border officers strictly enforce the 6-month validity rule. If your passport is damaged (e.g., torn pages, water damage), renew it before you travel.
No, Albania does not accept Schengen visas or residence permits for entry. Austrian passport holders don't need a visa anyway, but if you're a non-EU national, you'd need a separate Albanian visa.
No, there is no departure tax for passengers leaving by air or land. It's included in your ticket or not charged at all.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.