Do American citizens need a visa for Albania?
The official link goes to punetejashtme.gov.al. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.
Albania entry rules for American citizens.
| Verdict | Visa-free |
|---|---|
| Document | None |
| Stay | Up to 1 year |
| Checked | Verified on an official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for an American passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: Albania entry requirements.
The details for an American passport.
US State Dept: US citizens may stay up to 1 year without a residence permit; for longer, apply for residence at the Regional Directorate of Border and Migration Police after entry. Passport valid 3 months beyond departure (visa-free) or beyond the visa's expiry (visa holders), issued within 10 years. Albania is not in the EU or Schengen; days here do not count toward Schengen limits.
How long it must be valid.
Visa-free visitors: valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure and issued within the previous 10 years (MFA). Visa holders: valid at least 3 months beyond the visa's expiry, with 2 blank pages (MFA). US State Dept says 3 months from arrival; FCDO 3 months after you leave. Passports reported lost or stolen are refused.
Recent changes in Albania.
- 2026-04-15 — Temporary visa waiver: Saudi and Qatari nationals may enter visa-free for tourism from 15 Apr to 31 Dec 2026 with a valid passport.
The short answers.
Do American citizens need a visa for Albania?
No. American citizens don’t need a visa for Albania for stays of up to 1 year.
How long can American citizens stay in Albania?
Up to 1 year. Longer stays need a different visa.
Where do American citizens apply?
On the official site, punetejashtme.gov.al. NUM links it and never charges for the link.
Does NUM issue Albania visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.