Albania entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Hong Kong passport holders can enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This policy has been in place since 2018 and covers tourism and business visits. No visa application is needed before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Hong Kong passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Albania. No minimum validity period beyond your stay is required by Albanian law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Albania | Immigration officers at Tirana International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. A printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number is enough. Not always checked, but saves time if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Albanian law requires visitors to have at least 50 EUR per day of stay. Carry cash or a card statement showing available balance. Officers rarely ask, but it's a formal requirement. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Albanian immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiry, renew before you go — you will be turned away at the border.
No visa needed, but carry proof of onward travel
You don't need a visa, but immigration officers often ask for a return or onward ticket. Keep a digital copy on your phone to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Albanian border
Whether you fly into Tirana International Airport (TIA) or cross by land from Montenegro, Greece, North Macedonia, or Kosovo, you'll join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with the entry date and allowed stay.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim (if flying), then customs. There's no separate visa check or fee. You're free to enter.
Download Albania Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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)
For those who want a formal visa; apply at Albanian embassy in Hong Kong or nearest consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Allows multiple visits; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (Type D)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Albanian Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Albania. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows multiple entries and path to residency.
student visa
Albanian Student Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at Albanian universities. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
retirement visa
Albanian Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For retirees over 60 with proof of pension or sufficient income (approx. €1,000/month). Requires health insurance and no criminal record.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap; fines accumulate daily until departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Albanian embassy. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a year; useful for frequent travellers. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are generally not granted for visa-free stays; check with immigration. | €50 (approx. $55 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
Hong Kong passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Albanian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsTirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA)
Health & vaccines for Albania
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in forested areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in rural areas; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Occurs in winter; vaccination recommended.
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 Elbasanit, Tirana
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Durrës
Durrës Immigration Office
Rruga Pavaresia, Durrës
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in coastal areas; less crowded than Tirana.
Practical information for HK 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 = 82.55 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
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This resets after you leave the Schengen area or Albania. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No. The visa-free period is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit at the Albanian Border and Migration Department in Tirana before your 90 days expire.
No. Hong Kong passport holders can transit visa-free through Albania for up to 90 days, same as for tourism. Just show your onward ticket.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, but it's strongly recommended. If you need medical care, you'll pay out of pocket. A basic policy costs around $30–50 and covers hospital stays.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. For work or study, you need a relevant visa or permit arranged before travel.
You may be fined (around 1,000–2,000 ALL per day overstayed) and could be banned from re-entering Albania for up to 1 year. Always track your days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.