Understanding visa rules can be stressful when you’re planning a holiday. If you’re travelling to Albania for the first time, or returning after several years, you may be wondering if Albania is visa-free for UAE residents.
Because the UAE is home to a large international population, whether you need a visa depends on your passport, not your residency. So, if you’re unsure where to start in the visa process, don’t worry, Remitly has you covered. Our guide will cover everything you need to know about getting an Albania visa for UAE nationals and residents.
Is Albania visa-free for UAE residents? A guide to 2026 visa categories
As Albania grows in popularity, more people are looking to visit and even settle there long-term. Even if it’s just for a holiday, visas can feel complicated. However, doing research in advance will help you budget and prepare everything you need to get a visa approved.
In the simplest terms, for short holidays to Albania, UAE nationals don’t need a visa. If you’re a UAE resident who doesn’t hold a UAE passport, it depends on your nationality and other circumstances.
UAE nationals enjoy simple, straightforward visa-free access for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Albania has strengthened tourism ties with the UAE in recent years, and 90-day visa-free travel is part of those relations. You don’t need a waiver either—just a valid UAE passport.
On the other hand, if you’re residing in the UAE but aren’t a citizen, you can enter Albania visa-free if you hold:
- A valid 10-year UAE residence permit (with at least one year of validity remaining)
- A passport from a country that can visit the Schengen area visa-free
- A valid multiple-entry Schengen, US, or UK visa (you must have already used this at least once before entering Albania)
Let’s take a look at all the visa types Albania offers, starting with the most common.
Type C visa: short stays
If you do not fulfil one of the exemption requirements listed above, you will need to apply for a Type C visit for your short trip to Albania. This visa grants access for up to 90 days (within 180 days of the first entry). You can apply for a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa.
If you’re still unsure about whether you need a visa, reach out to your embassy to clarify or check official websites to ensure you’re prepared when you reach the Albanian border.
Type D visa: beyond 90 days
If you’re looking to stay in Albania long-term, you’ll need to apply for a Type D long-stay visa. This goes for both UAE nationals and residents.
This visa is for those looking to work, study, or perhaps reunite with family. Once the visa is approved, it’s valid for one year. And if you’re looking to settle in Albania for more than one year, once you’ve received your visa, you can apply for a residence permit.
Type A visa: the transit visa
Many countries, including the UAE, require some travellers to have a transit visa. This visa is necessary even if you will not exit the airport. Type A transit visas are only required for expats residing in the UAE who don’t fall under the visa exemption conditions listed above.
Albania visas: requirements for UAE residents
Albania issues e-visas, which can be applied for through their official portal. Once you know the type of visa you’ll require, you can apply online ahead of your holiday. It’s also possible to get a traditional visa stamped in your passport if you prefer, though it requires a visit to an Albanian consulate and you still need to complete the initial application online.
To apply for an Albanian visa, you’ll need to provide scans or digital copies of all required documents, which should be clear (readable), valid, and, if possible, recently issued. You should have all the required documents ready before you begin filling out your application.
When preparing your visa documents, it’s a good idea to double-check that both your passport and your UAE residence permit are valid and will remain valid for at least three months longer than your planned visit to Albania.
Required documents for the Albania visa
When applying for a Type C visa, you may be asked for the following documents:
- Visa application form: This form is completed through the official Albanian e-visa portal. You’ll be asked for travel dates, passport details, and accommodation information.
- Passport photo: You’ll be required to provide recent passport-style photos for your visa to be processed properly.
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for three months beyond the requested visa period and have two blank pages for visa stamps.
- UAE residence permit: Your Emirates ID will not be sufficient. You’ll need to show a copy of your residency visa, confirming your legal residency in the UAE.
- Holiday itinerary: This is to confirm round-trip travel plans for your holiday.
- Proof of accommodation: Hotel bookings, Airbnb confirmation, or an official letter from your host are also required for the visa process.
- Financial proof: You may need to show you can support yourself during your stay in Albania. Bank statements from the last 12 months showing deposits and withdrawals from your account will also be required.
Tip: Although it’s not specifically required, travel insurance is highly recommended when travelling to Albania. You may also find that some airlines departing from the UAE require you to have travel insurance, so it’s best to check and ensure you’re not denied boarding at the gate.
How to apply for an Albanian visa from the UAE: a step-by-step guide
If you’re exempt and don’t require a visa, then your passport (and/or proof of exemption) is all you need. But if you’re required to apply for a visa, we’ve broken down the steps to help make the process easier.
Step 1: Visit the official e-visa Albania portal
There’s only one site where you can apply and receive your visa. Albania’s official e-visa portal will help you keep track of your travel documents and visas. Be careful applying through websites that have no affiliation with Albania’s official e-visa portal.
Step 2: Create your account
Once you’re on the portal website, you’ll need to create an account using your email address. This gives you access to your application dashboard, where you can save drafts, upload documents, and track submission progress.
Step 3: Fill out the visa application form
You’ll need to complete the online form with accurate information. Double-check that every detail matches your documents exactly. Typos or misinformation are common causes for delays.
Step 4: Upload all required documents
The portal will prompt you to upload your scans in PDF or JPEG format. Remember, your documents must be clear and readable. If your documents scan blurry or cut off, your visa may be rejected.
Step 5: Pay the visa fee
Payment is made online using a debit or credit card. The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
Step 6: Submit and wait for the decision
You must submit your visa application within 90 days of your travel date. Visa processing typically takes about 15 working days, but can take up to 30 working days. It’s a good idea to submit early in the 90-day window to ensure you receive your visa on time. You must be able to present your visa at border control.
How much is the Albania visa for UAE travellers?
The fee will depend on your nationality and the type of visa you’re applying for. A Type C visa can cost anywhere between €10 and 100 EUR. Because fees can change, it’s best to create your account on the e-visa portal and enter your information to see what you’ll be charged.
All fees are waived for the following groups:
- Children under the age of six
- Diplomats
- Humanitarian cases
Simplifying Albania travel from the UAE
Navigating visas isn’t always easy. Our guides are here to help you make sense of the rules so you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind. Thoroughly researching your destination and the visa requirements helps make travelling smoother, giving you more time to make memories.
If you’re looking to enjoy the beauty that Albania has to offer, a quick holiday from the UAE is easy. UAE nationals and most residents can travel to Albania visa-free. As long as your stay is no longer than 90 days in a 180-day period, you can easily plan your travels without stressing over visas.
FAQs
Can I apply for the Albania visa at an embassy in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
No, all visas, if required for Albania, must be applied for through their online portal.
How long does it take to receive the Albania visa?
A visa usually takes 15 working days, but can take up to 30 working days. It’s best to plan and submit your application with enough time before your holiday, in case of delays.
Can my Albania visa application be rejected?
Yes, your application can be rejected for many reasons, the most common ones being typos or incorrect information.
Do Indian citizens in the UAE need a visa for Albania?
Yes, unless you hold a valid, multiple-entry Schengen, US, or UK visa that you have already used to enter one of those countries. Otherwise, you must apply for an Albanian visa.